Pictured are members and coaches of the North Alabama Thunder with their state championship trophy. Kneeling (L to R): Krista Sikes, Emmie Scott, Shaylee Wieting, and Bailey Wood. Back row (L to R): Head Coach Chris Scott, Hailey White, Gracie Dempsey, Makala O’neal, Asst. Coach Clint Sikes, Paige Guess, Katie Dempsey, Emma Dempsey, Meg Sornberger, Katie Skidmore, and Asst. Coach Bradley Johnson. Not pictured: Jaelyn Johnson.

By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

The North Alabama Thunder 12-and-under softball team has taken a large step in achieving one of their biggest goals.

After three days and eight games, the girls of North Alabama Thunder left Cullman on June 29 as the state champions after posting a 7-1 record in the USSSA World Series.

Assistant Coach Clint Sikes said he could not be happier for the girls.

“They played so awesome this weekend and they earned every bit,” Sikes said.

Sikes said coming out of the tournament on top of 26 other teams is a testament to how hard they work.

“We went 7-1 this weekend in a double-elimination style tournament,” Sikes said.

“The only team we lost to we ended up playing again and beating.”

The North Alabama Thunder are now qualified for the national tournament in Gulf Shores after winning the tournament in Cullman June 27-29.

Sikes said they had a goal to qualify for that tournament and they did it by putting in a lot of hard work.

“Considering when the Thunder started a few years ago, taking our lumps, this is really great for the girls,” Sikes said.

“It is really special to see them play as well as they did.

“They have really come along and are playing great defense and hitting the ball well. We have not finished less than second in any tournament we have played this year.”

Sikes said along with the team and their parents, head coach Chris Scott is one of the biggest reasons for the team’s success.

“He puts in so much time for this team,” Sikes said.

“He spends hours working on the field to make it perfect for them and he is really knowledgeable about the sport of softball and teaches the girls so much. The team wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for him.”