Photo Courtesy: EHS Lady Panthers Softball
Another new head coach is coming to the Highest of Seven Hills. Florida A&M University recently appointed Britney Beall as its seventh softball coach in program history.
With a successful coaching stint at Eustis High School, just north of Orlando, Florida, Beall is now determined to bring her winning strategies to FAMU.
During her tenure at Eustis, the team won 77% of its games. Beall transformed the program into one of the best high school softball squads in Florida, winning two state championships in 2021 and 2024.
Beall expressed how she felt once she knew she was coming to coach at FAMU.
“The feeling was surreal,” Beall said. “I feel like God has put me in the position to where he has called me to do more. Being able to touch more lives and just to be involved with the sport that I love and not only to be impactful but to help young women become the best version of themselves on and off the field.”
Beall, softball is more than just a game. Beall says her coaching philosophy, which focuses on the holistic development of her players, has led to her success. This approach has not only opened up numerous scholarship opportunities for her players but has also equipped them with life skills, preparing them for after the game of softball.
“No matter where we are at all walks of life,” Beall said. “Whether that be off the field or on the field, but just understanding that these young women are women that are going to eventually be mothers, wives and aunties. Just understanding that all the things they learn from softball are going to translate to their everyday life off the field.”
The Rattlers have 11 returning players from the previous season. That core reached the SWAC championship before falling to Jackson State.
Two key players ended their season with SWAC honors. Zoriyana Hughes won SWAC Pitcher of the Year and Co-Freshman of the Year. Transfer Samantha Smith won Newcomer of the Year.
“I was excited that we were going to have someone coming in,” Hughes said. “There was just a lot of confusion. So, I am glad that we have someone in that can give us some structure.”
Smith says she’s a fan of Beall’s coaching style and her emphasis on player development.
“Personally, she seems like she wants us to grow as people, not just as players, which is important as women in sports,” Smith said.
As Beall finishes filling out her coaching staff, she has a message for Rattler fans on what they can expect from her and her team this upcoming season.
“They are going to see a united front that no matter what beginning to end,” Beall said. “We are going to come to compete.”
The Rattlers’ fall ball season will start on Friday, Oct. 11th, when they take on Tallahassee State College at 3 p.m.