Beech Tree News Network

Two Butler County High School Softball players will be continuing their playing careers close to home.

Morgan Manning and Madeline Drake, who just completed their senior season, will be signing to play college softball at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky.  The duo will make it official on Monday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m. in a brief ceremony at the Butler County High School Commons Area.  Bearcats' Head Coach Traci Smith will be in attendance.

Manning led Butler County for the past two season in the pitching circle, notching 22-win seasons both years, along with solid pitching stats.

A veteran shortstop, Drake anchored the Bears' infield for several years and hit over .400 her junior season.  

Both Manning and Drake have played key roles in the continued success of Butler County Softball over the past few seasons.

"Morgan and Madeline have been an integral part of our team for several years and both have contributed greatly to the softball program we've tried to build at Butler County," said BCHS Head Coach John Embry.  "We'll definitely miss them next season but I'm excited they will be getting this chance to play college softball at Brescia University.  Both have worked extremely hard to play at the next level and they deserve this opportunity." 

Both players are excited about the opportunity to play college softball.  

"I've always wanted to play college ball.  It first entered my thoughts when I started playing varsity. I knew if I worked hard and played hard, I would eventually get there," said Drake.  "I chose Brescia because it was very close to home. I love my family and wanted to stay close to them. Brescia has that close knit feeling. It makes me feel more at ease because it's so small," added Drake.

Drake's career plans are graduating with a degree in teaching in either English or history for middle school grades or high school.

Manning has also had her sights set on college softball for awhile.

"Playing college softball has always been a goal of mine. Just knowing that all my hard work and sacrifices paid off is an amazing feeling," said Manning.  "When I first started considering my options for college softball, Brescia was one of the first schools that contacted me. And I liked Brescia from the get-go. It was just the right fit for me," added Manning.

Manning plans to major in Medical Technology and have a career in the medical field.

* * *  

With origins dating back to 1925, Brescia University was founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1950 and quickly became a four-year college in 1951.    A Catholic, liberal arts institution, Brescia is committed to "academic and moral excellence in a student-centered environment."  Brescia offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.