Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
Briana Murray doesn’t remember a time when softball wasn’t part of her life. At three years old, she was already swinging a bat, the only girl on her tee-ball team. Now, as a second-year player at Bevill State Community College, she’s making her mark in a much bigger way.
Briana, a graduate of Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, plays first base and pitches for the Bears. She is a strong hitter, leading the conference with nine home runs. She also has a .431 batting average and 32 RBIs. Her talent has been obvious for years, but she credits her father, Sidney, for shaping the player she is today.
“My dad played baseball in high school and college, and he’s taught me everything I know about the game,” Briana says. “My parents have always been my biggest supporters.”
While softball has always been second nature, Briana’s path hasn’t been without challenges. Her first year of college at another school wasn’t the right fit in the classroom or on the field, and she needed a change. Transferring to Bevill State gave her exactly that.
“Coach Harris made Bevill feel like home again,” she says. “He helped me love the game again.”
That love has translated into some unforgettable moments. Her first hit as a Bevill athlete was a home run, a perfect start to a fresh chapter. More recently, she helped lead the team to a win over UAB, a game that tested their confidence but proved they could compete at a high level.
Softball has also shaped the way Briana sees the game and her future. After finishing at Bevill, she plans to play at a four-year school, but her long-term goal is to be a coach.
“Softball isn’t just a sport; it teaches life lessons,” she says. “Coach Harris has shown us that, and I want to do the same for others.”
For now, she’s focused on finishing strong and helping her team push toward a conference tournament appearance. And if there’s one thing she’d tell young athletes just starting out, it’s this:
“Stay focused. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you work hard, good things will come.”
With Briana’s talent and determination, good things aren’t just coming; they’re already here. WL
