Jacksonville State softball player Morgan Nowakowski just wrapped up her first collegiate season batting .319. She also overcame open-heart surgery a year ago June 13. “Coming back and being able to play, and basically being able to live this new life … people always say you become so much more appreciative and grateful, and I know it sounds cheesy, but it really is true," she said.

Conference USA missed Jacksonville State coach Rich Rodriguez’s birthday by exactly one week, but considering Monday’s gift was a program-record six nationally televised games in 2023, the head coach will probably forgive his new conference.

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!