While the bulk of attention goes to its highly successful football program, Trinity Christian Academy has a number of outstanding athletic teams that tend to receive less recognition. In recent years, Trinity’s softball program, headed by coach Ashley Houston and her assistants Kaley King, Dyron Johnson, and Shannon Kusk, has become a Jacksonville powerhouse and made a name for itself.
In the 2016 spring season, the Conquerors experienced their first regional championship and state semifinal appearance in school history. They will look to complete their trek for the team’s first state championship in 2017.
Three Conqueror seniors – Madison Macik, Missoura Smith, and Madison Williams – have all received full scholarships to play softball for Florida State College at Jacksonville beginning fall 2017.
- Madison Macik, 17, SS/2B, Parents Jamie and Lisa Macik
- Missoura “Mo” Smith, 18, P, Parents John and Sandy Smith
- Madison Williams, 17, CF, Parents Jerry and Christy Williams
In the Game asked each young lady about her experience of playing softball for Trinity and the excitement and commitment of playing for one of North Florida’s most recognized colleges.
- When did you receive and accept the scholarship? What other offers did you have, and why did you chose FSCJ?
Macik received her offer as the current school year started, and she accepted it on Sept. 20. She considered a similar offer from NCAA Division III Piedmont College but chose FSCJ for its reputation for excellent education, close proximity to her home and family, and the full scholarship.
Smith received her offer on Nov. 22 and committed four days later. She had offers from Wesleyan University and South Georgia State College but chose FSCJ as the best for herself and her family. FSCJ Blue Wave coach Jamie Lind kept in constant contact over the past two years, which showed Smith the coach’s extensive interest in her as a player, student, and person.
Williams received her offer on Sept. 18 and officially accepted on Oct. 15. It was her only offer, but she gladly accepted it for the opportunity to play college softball and pave her way academically.
- What do you like about FSCJ outside of softball?
Macik loves the cozy environment of a four-year community college. Macik called FSCJ “a place with a good education where I can move one step closer to my future.” Madison plans to become an ultrasound technician.
Smith enjoys FSCJ’s proximity to her home. “A home-cooked meal is never far away,” she said. Smith also enjoys the school’s comfortable environment and its academic reputation. She plans to study business and hospitality.
Williams appreciates FSCJ’s solid academic rigor and considers it the most important aspect of her college future. “Softball won’t last forever, so it’s important to get a quality education,” she said.
- Briefly describe Trinity Christian Academy and its softball program.
Macik and Williams came to Trinity in their ninth-grade year (2013-14), and Smith transferred as an eighth-grader (2012-13). All three came to play softball, but they also enjoy the school and the friendships they made.
Macik called the school top-notch and the softball program the best in Jacksonville. “Get over to Trinity if you want to be a better player,” she said as advice for up-and-coming players. “Coach Ashley [Houston] will get you right!”
Smith played on the middle school team in eighth grade and made the varsity team as a freshman. She called Houston a wonderful coach and credited the coaches with the fast transition and improvement that allowed her to skip junior varsity.
Williams is happy with the students and faculty at Trinity, but softball is her passion. “I love the school and the friends I have made, but I really love the softball program,” Williams said.
- Describe your Trinity team and personal success on the field.
As do most Trinity coaches, Houston has her team on the field all year long. The official season occurs in the spring, but the Conquerors have an extensive schedule of rigorous practices and games throughout the summer and fall as well.
The players push each other as hard as the coaches do.
Macik called her team’s success “crazy” in a good way. “We push each other in the weight room so we can have success on the field,” Macik said. “From Day 1, our eyes have been on a state championship, but we take it pitch by pitch and game by game.” According to Macik, “nothing hurt more than being so close” to a championship but missing out. Macik feels she gets better with every practice and game.
Williams called the state semifinal the greatest team success thus far. “(It was) one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to go back,” she said. She claimed making the varsity team as a freshman as her biggest personal success. “(It’s) truly an accomplishment I am proud of,” Williams said.
- Whom would you like to thank for helping you along?
All three girls understand that hard work got them to this point, but they also believe that their gifts come from God. The girls would like to give special thanks to the following for their help along the way:
Madison Macik – “I would like to thank God, my family, my teammates, and my coaches, all of whom have pushed me and pulled for me and spent endless time and money so I can play. You have had an impact on me more than you could ever know.”
Mo Smith – “I want to thank Jesus Christ for my gift; my parents, family, and friends for their endless love and support; (and) Doug Thornton and coaches Ashley (Forsyth) and Mallory (Borden) for showing me that this game is about more than winning and losing and for always believing in me.”
Madison Williams – “I would like to thank God first for the ability to play the game I love; without Him, I would be nothing. Words cannot describe how much I thank my parents, coach J.R., and coach Dryden for the faith and confidence in me; all my travel ball coaches for their assistance; and coach Ashley for the impact she has made on my life in just a short time.”
In addition, senior Desiray Connell has received a full softball scholarship for Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. She received her offer as a sophomore at First Coast High School in October of 2014 and accepted it one month later.
- Desiray Connell, 18, 1B/OF, Parents Donny and Amy Connell
Connell received a similar offer from Florida Gulf Coast University, but she chose FIU because it is also in Florida and her brothers already play football for the Panthers. She also likes FIU’s atmosphere, student-athlete academic center, and the different majors the school offers.
Connell transferred to Trinity as a senior this year, and she foresees much success in the coming season. “We just finished fall, and I’m excited for the season,” Connell said. “My whole game has changed. The extra work and knowledge I received is crucial to my success as a player.”
As her teammates did, Connell wished to thank those who have helped her along the way. “I would like to thank all my coaches for the fundamentals and the knowledge they have instilled in me,” Connell said. “I would like to thank my parents for always helping me practice off schedule and for their endless support.”
Congratulations to these four young athletes for their successes both on the field and in the classroom.
Northeast Florida February 2017
3 FSCJ Scholarships, 1 FIU for Trinity Christian Softball
Written by: Raymond Bureau
