Posted: Nov 08, 2018
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan athletic department is celebrating 30 years of dedication to NCWC by honoring head softball coach John Brackett with a softball fundraising project to show their appreciation and support to him.
The department is hoping to raise $50,000 to add a new brick backstop, new backstop netting and a new field entrance at the Edge Softball Field complex that will read "BRACKETTVILLE" as you enter into the complex.
There are three levels of giving to the project. The first is $250 for the Blue Level while the Gold level is for $500. The Bishop Pride level is then for a donation of $1,000. Please call 252-985-5581 to donate before November 15.
Brackett enters his 30th season at North Carolina Wesleyan College. Coach Brackett served as the Head Women's Basketball Coach for 20 seasons, compiling a program-best 193 victories. He also holds the career wins mark in softball, having
recently eclipsed the 500-win mark during the 2018 season completing his 27th season as Head Coach.
In softball, Brackett was named Conference Coach of the Year in 1996 after leading the Battling Bishops to their third straight regular season conference championship. He went on to earn East Region Coach of the Year accolades in 1998 after
helping Wesleyan to a program-best 31-13 overall record and the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Brackett's teams made it to the NCAA Regional Final in both 1998 and 1999 and narrowly missed the opportunity to
compete in the College World Series. In 2006 and 2007, Brackett led NCWC to back-to-back 20-win seasons and coached the program's first All-American selection.
Libby Fulford Class of 2008
"Coach Brackett is deserving of this honor as he is the longest reigning women's head coach in
Wesleyan history. He has won over 500 games in his tenure and has helped shape many young women's
lives; including my own.
I enjoyed playing for Coach Brackett because he pushed me to be my best and play my hardest no
matter the outcome. I was proud to play for him and for Wesleyan. He held me to the highest of standards
as a student, an athlete and a person. He was always supportive and understanding, but expected
the best performance of me on each outing, which definitely fueled my competitive spirit. I am thankful
Coach Brackett took a chance on me because I would not be where I am today without him."
Peyton Hyler Class of 2018
"Coach Brackett deserves this because he has been a part of Wesleyan for more than three
decades. He is not only loved by his players, but by many throughout campus and the community. He
has put countless hours and a lot of energy into his players and to Edge Field and I can't think of anyone
more deserving than him.
I enjoyed playing for Coach Brackett because he always put his team first. I never once thought he
wasn't behind me every step of the way throughout my time at Wesleyan. He pushed me to always be
my best both on and off the field. Coach Brackett taught me a lot in my 4 years at Wesleyan and I will
forever be thankful I was able to play for him."
Angelina Collie Class of 1999
"As an avid basketball player turned basketball coach, I doubt if Coach Brackett thought in 1988 he
would be entering his 28th season as Head Softball Coach. If I am correct, Coach was asked by NCWC
to coach softball, taking on a new role to him. In true Brackett style he jumped in and became a student
of the game, so he could help the teams become the best they could be. That is the kind of dedication
and selflessness Coach Brackett embodies and tries to instill in his players.
When asked why we should do this for Coach Brackett, my answer is "Why shouldn't we do this for Coach Brackett?"
What you see is what you get! And with Coach Brackett, it's a Coach who is genuine and cares
about his players. As a player you know what to expect and what he expects from you each and every
day. Even after being around him for a few weeks you just wanted to do and be your best because he is a Coach you want to
go out and fight for. He is proud to represent NCWC and makes you feel the same way as a player.