MARSHALL, Texas — You couldn't have scripted a more perfect, storybook ending to the East Texas Baptist University softball team's season. After a long season and battle in the championship series, they were able to finally lift that trophy on their home field in Marshall.
Winning a national championship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, making it an incredibly special moment. However, it held some extra significance for a couple of the top contributors on this year's team, who proudly hail from hometowns roughly 30 minutes from the ETBU ballpark.
Junior outfielder Mary Frances Ellis calls Elysian Fields home and prior to her collegiate career, she was one of the best to ever play for the Yellowjackets. Now, in her junior year of college, she was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Super Regionals after a clutch performance against Williams College.
Ellis said she wouldn't have all those achievements or a national championship without the lessons and memories she made in her hometown.
"That's one of my favorite questions to answer because I wouldn't be the player or person that I am today without going to Elysian Fields and being coached by great coaches, not just in softball, but in all sports. The community here is just amazing," Ellis said. "Looking up in the stands during the championship and seeing teachers, coaches, friends, and old teammates is amazing. It's amazing knowing that they are there supporting me and cheering me on."
Senior pitcher Maddie Melton took a different path to the championship, but her roots always remained here in East Texas. Melton was a star for the Hallsville softball team, leading them to a state championship appearance as a senior. After that, she committed to UT Tyler, where she played a significant role in helping them to two straight national championship tournament appearances.
After last year, Melton made the choice to transfer to ETBU, where she could study her major and continue her pursuit of the championship she had come so close to her entire career. Fast forward to another championship appearance and Melton had a heroic role in helping to clinch the title. She started both elimination games on the final day, putting together two solid outings when the team needed her most, leading her to a championship in her senior year.
"It's crazy because the last game on the Hallsville field, I was blessed enough to go to a state championship," Melton said. "Then my last game on the ETBU field, we won the World Series. It's kind of crazy, not the same, but it's very similar."
Now, the names Maddie Melton and Mary Frances Ellis will forever be remembered and idolized in their East Texas hometowns as national champions.