Record-breaking success on the softball diamond and a history-making first in men’s track and field helped Berry secure its first Southern Athletic Association Commissioner’s Cup trophy honoring excellence across all sports.
Berry student-athletes claimed eight SAA team championships in 2021-22, including first-time crowns in men’s cross country and men’s track and field, along with regular-season and tournament titles in volleyball, men’s basketball and softball.
“This has truly been a special year, but today has been a day in the making for a long time,” said Dr. Angel Mason, Berry’s athletic director. “Our coaches and student-athletes have worked tirelessly to build this athletic department into being a shining example of what you can accomplish at the D-III level.”
As Berry magazine went to press, the softball team was preparing for its first NCAA Div. III World Series appearance after becoming one of only eight teams nationally to emerge victorious in both the regional and super-regional rounds.
The Vikings ultimately tied for third in the World Series and placed fourth in the final national rankings – the best for any Berry program since joining the NCAA. During the season, they earned wins over eight teams that finished in the top 25.
“I’m just so proud of how far they’ve come,” said head coach Emily Stanley. “It’s just been so amazing to see them battle so hard, come together as a team, and have a common goal.”
Visit berryvikings.com for complete coverage of the softball team’s incredible run, including World Series results. You also can read about the unprecedented success of the men’s track and field team, as well as Blake Farbman’s winning performance at the SAA Men’s Golf Championship, among other spring highlights.
