Barnes signs with SWCC Softball
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Halsie Barnes (third from front left) signed with the Southwestern Community College Spartans Monday. Coaches, friends and family joined her for the occasion. Picture L-R: Front – Linsie Barnes, Tracy Barnes, Halsie Barnes, Shannon Barnes. Back – Spartan coach Danny Jensen, Spartan assistant coach Tessa Otto, Raiderette assistant coach Ryan Reynolds, Kinsie Barnes, Raiderette coach Bret Ruggles, coach Whitney Carrall
Another Raiderette softball player is headed to the next level, with Halsie Barnes signing with Southwestern Community College in Creston.
Barnes will join a Spartan softball team that has just changed direction after hiring longtime Murray Mustang softball head coach Danny Jensen.
Barnes was very excited about the opportunity to play and learn for a coach who is revered in Southwest Iowa.
“It’s a good opportunity for me and I think it will be fun,” said Barnes. “I am excited. When he coached for Murray he always seemed like a great coach and he is a great guy. I can’t wait. I am excited to take my favorite sport to the next level. I’ve wanted to play at the next level since I can remember.”
Barnes isn’t the only one excited about the opportunity.
Coach Jensen remembers the first time Barnes burned his Mustang team as a freshman.
“When I first met her she was a freshman and she wasn’t even in my scouting report for the Mount Ayr tournament. She torched us for a couple of hits in that game and I’ve teased her about that ever since,” said coach Jensen. “She is a great hitter and brings a lot of stuff such as power hitter and line drive hitter. We are trying to recruit kids that are intelligent and like-character kids and she checks all the boxes. We are very happy to get her.”
Mount Ayr softball head coach, Bret Ruggles, couldn’t be happier for his first baseman and is thrilled to see his fifth girl from his third place team head onto the next level.
“She is going to bring a lot of energy and a very strong voice, which is what she has had for me for the last five years,” said coach Ruggles. “If there is anybody I’d ever trust and confide in it’s that guy right there [Danny Jensen]. I am very excited for her. She has a very good work ethic and she will do fine.”
