Bella Crook was a big reason why the Covington Lady Chargers softball team made the state tournament last year. Her accomplishments were noticed by Southwest Tennessee Community College softball coach Keith Gentry, and that led to her signing on Tuesday.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about her,” Gentry said. “An opposing coach said a bunch of good things about her, which is nice.”
Crook projects as a corner infielder at Southwest, Gentry said. She could pitch as well.
Four players from Tipton County are now on the Southwest roster.
“I like to get local players,” Gentry said. “She was very important this year for a team that advanced to state … She’ll definitely compete for playing time this year.”
Crook had a key double while hitting cleanup for the Lady Chargers in the sectional win vs. South Gibson, which sent the Lady Chargers to the state tournament for the first time since 2021.
Crook was a two-year starter at Covington and was instrumental in the program’s resurgence. She hit over .350 during her last two years as a starter and was a valuable resource to some of the team’s younger players.
“We had a young pitcher and Bella helped her out,” said first-year coach Maddie Lane. “She was a great player on offense and defense and served as a team captain … She was a wall at third base.”
Lane said Crook was the kind of player Gentry was looking for.
“She’s very coachable. Wherever she plays, she’s going to be valuable.”
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