'We Come as One, We Stand as 10,000'

At this year's Women's College World Series, the first appearance in Ole Miss softball program history, the Rebels carved out a space that felt entirely their own. Ole Miss softball alumni showed up in force, and what unfolded seemed less like a sporting event and more like a long-overdue family reunion.

At the tailgate before Ole Miss' first game, former players crisscrossed decades and jersey numbers – passing plates of food, swapping stories, watching their children play together and catching up like it had only been a few weeks instead of years, or even decades, since they last played together.

A Program Stitched in Humility

One of the first things we noticed? The spotlight never stayed on one person for long.

Ask about their playing days, and most alumna immediately listed accolades of other former players in the crowd. "You've got to talk to her," was a phrase heard repeatedly.

Madi Osias (2013-16), a fierce pitcher who finished her career ranked in the top 10 in eight major pitching categories, smiled wide when asked about this year's squad.

"It is so incredible to be a part of program history and to be able to support them," she said. "We are so proud of all they have done. We love our Rebs. We love our coaching staff. We love everyone who has encouraged them up to this point."

Standing next to her was Allison Brown (2012-15), who finished her career ranked in the top 5 in nearly every offensive category in school history. When asked if she wanted to send a shoutout to anyone, she did not hesitate. She quickly scanned the tailgate and pointed across the lot.

"Lauren Lindsey, my old roommate. She's here today!"

The joy was not in reflecting on personal achievements. It was in celebrating the people who made it all matter.

Even interviews became shared moments. When we met Kylan Becker (2016-19), it was Autumn Gillespie (2018-21), another alumna, who jumped in to make sure we knew just how decorated Becker was: the second Rebel to receive National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America distinction, the first to be named to the USA National Team and top 10 in nearly every offensive category in Ole Miss softball history.

That's the culture here: tight-knit and proud of one other.

Beyond the Diamond

But this family goes beyond former teammates.

A constant flow of fellow Rebels, young and old, greeted former Ole Miss softball player Elizabeth "Liz" (Holbert) Jonson (2006-08) with warm smiles and many hugs at the tailgate. Nearby, Jonson's daughters played catch, the youngest proudly showing off her windup to anyone who would watch.

When asked about a favorite memory with Ole Miss softball, Jonson laughed and said, "It's funny you say that, because there's so many to choose from. One of the biggest things is the camaraderie. It's a family."

Family. There's that word again.

And there was no moment more moving than meeting Sonja Simpson, an Ole Miss softball season ticket holder and mother of former Rebel pitcher Miranda Strother (2013-17).

Strother couldn't be there; she's serving overseas as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. But Simpson made the trip to support "her girls," wearing her daughter's No. 4 jersey and sharing fond memories with Strother's teammates at the tailgate.

"I'm so proud of Ole Miss," she said. "Being here, representing my daughter at the College World Series … and we're making history. I love it."

Even from across the world, Strother was part of it. This legacy is different. It stretches across oceans, years and generations.

Still Showing Up, Still Showing Out

In a sea of red and blue at Devon Park, two familiar faces stood out in matching powder blue wigs: Gillespie (2018-21) and Bre Roper (2022), unofficial captains of the hype crew.

Gillespie and Roper were electric. They led chants from the stands with the same intensity they once brought to the field. Their voices cut through the crowd between innings, during big at-bats and even in tense moments.

They weren't just there to watch. They were there to rally.

Gillespie, one of the best defensive catchers in school history, returned as a student assistant coach in 2022 and helped lead the Rebels to a 40-win season. Roper, who spent just one year as a Rebel player, also returned as a graduate manager in 2022.

Both could have quietly moved on. They didn't.

They came back. Most do.

A Legacy of Love

As the Rebels left the field for the final time this season, they didn't face silence or sorrow. They were greeted by cheers. Laughter. Open arms.

Mothers, teammates, children and legends, waiting with smiles that stretched across decades.

While the team didn't bring home a trophy, they brought home something stronger: the heart of a program built on sweat, sacrifice and sisterhood. A team that, through generations, continues to show up for one another.

A family.

As head coach Jamie Trachsel told reporters, paraphrasing author Maya Angelou:

"We come as one, but we stand as 10,000."

Top: Left photo: Sonja Simpson (wearing No. 4 jersey) celebrates with Allison Brown (left), Kylan Becker (second from left), Madi Osias (third from right) and other Ole Miss softball alumni in Oklahoma City. Photo by Madeline Crowe. Middle photo: Autumn Gillespie (left) and Bre Roper keep the crowd hyped up during the Women's College World Series games. Photo by Meghan Dulaney. Right photo: Former Ole Miss softball player Liz Jonson (left) and her children enjoy the atmosphere in Oklahoma City. Photo by Madeline Crowe