Local softball players fueling Chipola's success
MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) – Five softball players from local high schools are helping lead the Chipola softball team to a strong season.
Chipola head coach Kelly Brookins, a Liberty County High School and Chipola college softball alum, has entered her fourth season leading the program.
As a Panhandle native herself, Brookins loves to recruit local talent.
On Chipola's softball team this season are freshmen Lauren Grantham and Gabrie Flowers, along with sophomore Riley Read, who all went to Liberty County High School. Freshman Jadyn Riano and sophomore Olivia Spooner went to Marianna High School.
'Growing up, everyone at least knew of each other,' Flowers said. 'The connection was easy because we had competed before. There were plenty of moments of, 'Remember when we beat you?' It's all just friendly competition.'
Many of the athletes had previously attended Chipola camps, where Brookins served as one of their first influences during childhood.
'At 12 years old, seeing a college coach was nerve-wracking,' Riano said.
'It has come full circle. Watching the older players back then and now stepping into their role is a surreal experience,' Spooner said.
Even though they have all graduated high school, they never miss an opportunity to give back to their hometowns.
'My old high school and middle school visited to spend the day practicing with us,' Read said. 'It felt really special because now we're the older girls.'
Chipola is 20-10 on the season and will visit Northwest Florida to compete for first place in the Panhandle Conference.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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