The Gulfport Sportplex is currently hosting the SWAC Championship Softball tournament!
Did you know that all week long, the Gulfport Sportsplex is hosting some of the best athletes the sport of softball has to offer? For the fifth year, the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship softball tournament is right here in the City of Gulfport.
The eight best softball teams in the SWAC Conference have been battling on the diamond since Tuesday, and all eyes are on the coveted conference tournament title, which will give them an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Southwestern Athletic Conference Commissioner, Dr. Charles McClelland, spoke with WXXV and told us why they host this tournament on the Mississippi Gulf Coast year after year.
“Being a person that was born at Memorial Hospital, family from Gaston Point, I understand the significance of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said SWAC Commissioner, Dr. Charles McClelland. “The ability to bring these eight schools to this area and to this park is perfect for us. Perfect weather with fun at the beach, casinos and everything that you could want. Our fans love it and we’ll love to be here for the years to come.”
“These girls are playing at an extremely high level, so if you’re a fan of sports, a fan of women’s sports, this is the place to be,” said Gulfport Sportsplex General Manager Marquez Singleton. “The energy is high, and we’re really excited about an extended, lasting partnership with the SWAC here in Gulfport
“It’s great. I come here every year. I wish we would get more activities from the SWAC here. There’s a big alumni fanbase here,” said tournament volunteer and fan Anthony Williams. “We use to have the basketball tournament here, but the SWAC Softball Tournament has been here for years and I’ve come every year and help from a community perspective and helping them put it on and volunteer, but as a fan it’s a great, great atmosphere.”
If you want just a glimpse of the excitement and high energy, this bases-loaded strikeout by pitcher Halyne Gonzalez saved the game to advance BCU to the next round of the tournament. You too can witness these moments tomorrow as the tournament continues on!
