Making History: Ella Hyde Becomes ASU Mid-South’s First Softball Signee

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – When ASU Mid-South officially launched its softball program, one student-athlete stepped up to make history. With the stroke of a pen, Ella Hyde became the first-ever softball signee in Greyhound history, marking the beginning of a new era for ASU Mid-South Athletics.

A standout student-athlete from Carbon Hill High School in Carbon Hill, Alabama, Hyde built an impressive resume before joining the Greyhounds. Over her high school career, she helped lead Carbon Hill to two area championships, one area runner-up finish and three regional appearances. She became a varsity starter in seventh grade and helped the team break its school record for wins as a freshman, winning the area title and advancing to the Elite 8.

As a sophomore, Hyde became the team's primary pitcher, throwing more than 2,700 pitches and 200 innings that season while earning another area championship and trip to regionals. She also became a power hitter, leading her team in home runs her final two years and setting a school record with 20 career home runs. As a senior, she was named to the Eagle Elite Second Team as a hitting and utility player.

Hyde has already made her mark at ASU Mid-South, earning the program's first-ever win during the fall season against Southwest Tennessee Community College.

"It's exciting to be part of something from the ground up," Hyde said. "I'm proud to be the first player to sign with ASU Mid-South softball, and I can't wait to help build a program that future players will be proud to join."

For Head Coach Gary Cordell, Hyde's signing represents the culmination of months of planning and recruiting as he builds the foundation for the college's newest athletic program.

"This program has been in the works for a while, and it's exciting to see it finally taking shape," Cordell said. "Softball has such a strong following in this region, and we want to create something special that our community can rally behind."

As one of the first players to wear the Greyhound uniform, Hyde is eager to help create the traditions that will shape the future of the program. She's focused on teamwork, accountability and building a culture that future players will be proud to continue.

"It's exciting to know that what we do this first season will leave a mark," she said. "We're ready to grow together, compete hard and make the college and community proud."

With the team preparing for its inaugural season this spring, recruiting continues to build momentum. ASU Mid-South will host tryouts for the upcoming 2026 softball season on November 22 at the Academies of West Memphis Softball Field. Scholarship opportunities are available, and prospective players are encouraged to contact Head Coach Gary Cordell for more information.

For updates on the team and upcoming games, visit asumidsouthsports.com.