Indian pride shines the brightest as Minooka’s 2013 softball team walks it off into the Hall of Fame this year.

The 2013 season cemented a monumental achievement not just for Minooka softball, but for Minooka itself. Led by head coach Mark Brown, the team won the first-ever state title in Minooka softball history.

Minooka was home to just over 11,000 people in 2013. Fields of corn, and not much to work with, the team grinded for a dream of glory on and off the field.

“You do not need all these fancy things and expensive equipment to succeed. We conditioned in the English hallway, not some fancy turf field or field house,” Brown said. “All you need is love and passion for the game, hard work, and a belief, and it is amazing what a group can accomplish.”

Domination flowed through the girls’ veins in their play and relationships on and off the field. They believed in themselves, whether they were on the field or on the bench; this team was filled with passion and effort throughout the roster.

“We knew we were real good heading into the season. We were coming off a very strong year the previous season and had almost our entire team coming back. We got off to a real slow start,” Brown said. 

Despite winning state, Minooka would finished the year 7-7 in the conference in 2013. 

“We were struggling to win conference games, and the results we anticipated just weren’t coming right away.  We just stuck to the plan, worked hard, and pushed through,” Brown said. “Early adversities helped us in the long run and made us tougher as a team.”  

After beating Lincoln-Way East for the regional title, Minooka found themselves near defeat in the sectional semifinal game against Lockport.

In just the third inning, the Indians stared at a very slim chance to continue their season. Lockport had the winning run for a 10-run-rule rounding third, but the Indians were able to cut down a runner to get the third out before the winning run could score. 

This game-saving play would open the floodgates for Minooka as multiple home runs were hit and a massive amount of runs scored to secure the miracle comeback win for the Indians in a 15-14 win over Lockport to move on.

“I started to really believe we had something special when we won the sectional title.  It was the first sectional title in school history,” Brown said. “We had made the Elite 8, going to State was becoming very real, we knew how close we were getting to history.”

Minooka faced York in the state semifinals.  A 3-run homer by Jordyn Larsen in the sixth inning would give Minooka the lead and eventually a 6-3 win. 

When it came time for the big game, Minooka had their eyes set on destiny. Many players stepped up.

On Saturday, June 6, 2013, history was made. The Minooka Indians would 10-run rule St. Charles East, setting a state championship record for most runs scored (14), most hits (19), and most home runs (3) after senior Rachel May hit a walk-off 3-run home run to win the state title.

Minooka would finish off their stellar season with a record of 23-8, with several of the girls from the historic team going on to pursue their careers after high school. Some would continue their softball careers, while others would live their dreams.

Brown still coaches the varsity team, hoping to make another magical run all these years later. 

“We really set the standard of Minooka softball and made winning not just a goal but an expectation. When you put on a Minooka softball jersey, it means tradition, it garners respect, and it demands a passion for excellence,” Brown said.

The 2013 softball team will be recognized before the varsity Homecoming football game on Oct. 3. Other Hall of Fame inductees who will be recognized then include Dustin Williams (athlete), Tim Stevens (athlete), Ashley Jones (athlete), Nina Simotes Scott (athlete) Ray Liberatore (coach), and Bob Tyrell (special merit).