By Jordan Taylor, Sports731 Reporter
Jackson State Community College (JSCC) has announced the appointment of Bethany Barcroft as the new Head Softball Coach. Barcroft, a former JSCC player, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for coaching to her alma mater. Her journey from player to coach has been marked by determination and a desire to build successful programs.
Barcroft’s connection to JSCC began when she joined the softball team as a player, primarily because her high school best friend was already there. Little did she know that a few years later, she would return to the college as the head coach. During her time as a player, Barcroft discovered her passion for coaching, initially considering the high school route.
After her playing years at JSCC, Barcroft transferred to Hiwassee College to continue her softball career. It was during her senior year at Hiwassee, in a weekend series against Bryan College, that she had a conversation with then Bryan softball head coach Mark Ritchhart about her future. Ritchhart happened to be looking for a graduate assistant, and Barcroft seized the opportunity to join the Bryan College staff, marking her first coaching job.
Reflecting on her time as a graduate assistant, Barcroft emphasized the invaluable experience she gained in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of coaching. This experience prepared her for future head coaching opportunities. After completing her master’s degree at Bryan, Barcroft sought assistant coaching experience and joined Jackson State as an assistant coach in the fall of 2020.
Following just one season under Taylor Schubert, the former JSCC softball coach, Barcroft landed her first head coaching job. However, it wasn’t just any head coaching job; she was hired as the inaugural head coach of the brand-new softball program at South Arkansas Community College (SACC). Barcroft’s father, always supportive of her playing and coaching careers, had read about the opportunity and encouraged her to pursue it. Building a program from scratch was a challenge she had always been interested in.
During her time at SACC, Barcroft also coached travel ball for “Sticks Softball,” an Arkansas-based organization that prepares high school players for the next level. Despite not initially considering coaching travel ball, Barcroft couldn’t resist the opportunity to continue her involvement in softball. She spent a year juggling both coaching positions before deciding to make the move back to Jackson.
Although the head coaching position at JSCC became available in 2022, Barcroft felt it wasn’t the right time to leave what she had built at SACC. However, during a trip to visit her parents in late April this year, a friend informed her about the opening at JSCC. Taking it as a sign, Barcroft applied and officially accepted the position in July.
As she settles into her role, Barcroft has already met some of the players on the current roster, and three players from SACC will be transferring with her. Returning to a conference she once played in, Barcroft believes her familiarity with the competition will give her an advantage in recruiting top talent.
With fall practice set to begin next week, Barcroft is excited to learn more about her team and foster a competitive spirit. She sees the fall season as an opportunity for the players to bond and develop their skills. Jackson State’s fall season begins with a matchup against Freed Hardeman on September 14th. The Green Jays will begin spring play in February of 2024.
As Bethany Barcroft takes the reins as the new head coach, the Jackson State Community College softball program looks forward to a promising future under her leadership.
