The Herbert Hoover softball team celebrates after winning its second consecutive state championship. (WCHS/WVAH)
By: Sean Delancey | Posted: May 24, 2018 | Source: WCHSTV
ELKVIEW, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — The Herbert Hoover girl’s softball team returned to Elkview victorious after capping off their undefeated season with a state championship.
It was their second one in two years.
Yes, hugs means another state championship
Hoover goes back-to-back in Class AA with a win over Chapmanville #wvprepsb pic.twitter.com/CShDRZyqqO
— CJ Harvey (@CJHarveyWCHS) May 24, 2018
“We worked pretty hard,” senior shortstop Mallori Chapman said. “You know, both years, to be able to make it here and do this again. It’s pretty crazy.”
The team loaded onto trailers on the outskirts of town for a welcome home parade.
The community rallied around their team because of the adversity they’ve overcome.
Two years ago, they lost everything to the 1,000 year flood that ravaged portions of West Virginia killing 23 people.
“We lost everything we had,” Chapman said. “To be able to do this for our community, show them we’re still here, was pretty great.”
Huskies Head Coach Missy Smith said the girls earned this victory and their welcome home because they never gave up.
“I’m blessed to be a part of them,” Smith said.
Like a professional sports team, police and fire crews led the team into Elkview for a victory lap around town because there, they’re heroes too.
Even though they endured a dark past, Smith said they’re headed for a bright future.
“I expect them to come in day one in 2019 ready to go,” she said.
