LORMAN, Miss. – Head coach
Josef Rankin and the Alcorn State University softball program inked three impressive JUCO transfers from the 2021 NJCAA National Runners-Up to further boost its roster and propel the Lady Braves to a SWAC Championship.
The signees include infielder Tyesha Cole plus outfielders Kristian Edwards and Mycah Hall who combined for 148 RBIs, 124 stolen bases, 40 homers, 40 doubles and 18 triples for Jones College over just one-and-a-half seasons worth of stats.
"We are blessed to sign a great group of young ladies. Mycah, Kristian and T-Cake will solidify an extremely athletic recruiting class," said Head Softball Coach
Josef Rankin. "The combination of power and speed is really something special. Those are three young ladies who are going to lead by their example and they just want to excel at their craft."
Cole, a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and Philadelphia High School, was a stud on the diamond in her own right, landing on the NJCAA D-II All-Tournament Team, All-MACCC First Team and NFCA All-American Second Team, just like her teammate Kristian Edwards. The former redshirt freshman hit an absurd .433 while leading the nation in triples (9), finishing top-15 for stolen bases (36), top-20 in both hits (78) and doubles (19) plus top-25 regarding runs scored (65).
"Such a driven young lady, she really loves softball," Rankin said. "We are looking forward to getting her in our infield and doing some great things for our program."
Edwards, a native of Laurel, Mississippi, and Laurel High School, racked up numerous accolades in her only full season at Jones, adding a NJCAA D-II All-Tournament Team Selection, All-MACCC First Team and a Second Team All-American by the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) to her trophy case. The 5-foot-5 outfielder batted .393 to go along with ranking seventh nationally in triples (7), top-15 in steals (36), top-45 for homers (12) and top-50 for hits (69).
"Kristian is a special talent. She works so hard!" said Rankin. "She is just a baller and I am very excited about the impact she can make within our conference."
Hall, a native of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Nettleton High School, was consistently solid across the board for the Bobcats last season as she hit .338 with 27 runs scored, 22 hits, 20 RBIs, 18 steals, eight walks and seven extra base hits including three homers and two triples over 42 contests.
"Mycah gives us another outfielder who can just play," Coach Rankin said. "She does an outstanding job in the classroom and we expect her to be a major contributor to us."
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Cl. |
Hometown/Previous School |
| Tyesha Cole |
INF |
5-4 |
R-So. |
Philadelphia, Miss. / Jones College |
| Kristian Edwards |
OF |
5-5 |
R-So. |
Laurel, Miss. / Jones College |
| Mycah Hall |
OF |
5-7 |
R-So. |
Nettleton, Miss. / Jones College |
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