In the spring of 1997, under the guidance and push from then Spring Hill College Athletic Director and Baseball Coach Frank Sims, the college embarked on initiating softball on The Hill. Sims had recruited a young energetic coach in Coby Mackin, who developed a program from scratch. Mackin was without a field, equipment, or players, but to her credit and hard work the 1998 inaugural Badgers were a hit. Coby and her assistant Terri McCormick recruited a team, built a field, and put a product on the field that was first class. The program won an amazing 43 games in their first season, which still ranks second in program history. The 1998 team set the stage for the 1999 team’s GCAC Championship and third-place finish in the NAIA National Tournament, while also laying the foundation for Spring Hill College softball being one of the most successful programs in Spring Hill College Athletics history.