The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners opened its January 20 regular meeting by recognizing two softball teams who brought state titles back home.
Commissioners honored Emanuel County’s 12U and 14U girls all-star softball teams, both of which captured Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) state championships during the summer. The recognitions marked another milestone in what county leaders view as a sustained run of excellence within the recreation program. They addressed the teams and their families during the meeting with Recreation Director Mitchell Hudson reflecting on the growth of the athletes and the program as a whole.
“We are super proud of our girls softball. For the past 3 years, we’ve brought home a bunch of these pretty trophies. It’s good to see these girls come up together from 8-years-old to now, our oldest group, at 14… It’s pretty special. I think there’s still more to come,” he said in his opening commentary.
Hudson continued, emphasizing that the accomplishments go beyond wins and hardware, noting the character shown by the players both on and off the field. He also thanked families for their continued involvement in the recreation program and their contribution to its continued success, calling the recognition “something we can’t do enough.”
Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Jim Sherrod echoed those sentiments while welcoming the teams to the meeting.
““We’ve got a great rec department; I think everybody knows that. We’re glad to recognize it tonight. I can’t say how proud we are of y’all,” Sherrod said, extending the praise to parents, grandparents, coaches, and recreation staff. He pointed to the busy schedules these athletes juggle. “We tried to get everybody here much sooner than this, but we’ve got some busy girls. That’s part of the reason we’re so competitive in my opinion: they’re always involved in something. Between school ball and travel ball and school and other extracurriculars and the holidays, their schedules wouldn’t line up to be here until now, but we’re so glad to have you all here. Thank you for representing us well, and we look forward to what you’ll do for us next.”
Hudson then introduced both teams and their coaches.
In the 12U group were: Analeigh Scarborough, Ella Jo Hooks, Eden Hudson, Brooklyn Lewis, Blakely Brinson, Mylee Weber, Mary Bess Fields, Emma Claxton, Hadley Claxton, Evie Moore, Cayleigh Taylor, Evie Jarriel, and Zoie Hooks. Their coaches included: Billy Brinson, Richard Claxton, and Mitchell Hudson.
The 2025 state title they won in June marked a back-to-back state championship for much of this group, following their 12U state title in 2024. Several of these players were also part of the 10U championship team during the 2024 season.
In the 14U group were: Amelia Taylor, Kate Yeomans, Bristol Dorsey, Mylie Beneteau, Jennifer Hernandez, Rayleigh Faircloth, Abby R Lewis, Colbie Radford, Kaybreigh Hostilo, Anna Grace Scarborough, Kaley Flowers and Ansley Frye. They were coached by Jeremy Faircloth, Russ Yeomans, Roy Beneteau, and Zac Frye.
The 2025 crown completed a three-peat of state championships for the core of this group, which won the 12U state title in both 2023 and 2024 before moving up to the 14U division this season.
Together, the two groups have accounted for five state championships in softball over the past three years with seven total state titles earned by Emanuel County Recreation Department teams during that span.
Commissioners gathered for photos with the teams, then moved into the remainder of the meeting agenda.
The board adopted the 2026 qualifying fees with the approved order to be recorded with the official minutes. The chairman also announced committee appointments for the year, assigning himself and his fellow commissioners to various local and regional boards.
In additional business, commissioners voted to reappoint Shayna Boston to the Emanuel County Department of Family and Children Services Board. The resolution authorizing her reappointment will be recorded with the meeting minutes.
The public comment period was opened for Wayne Brown regarding maintenance concerns on Oak Grove Church Road. However, Brown was not present, so no public comment was given.
Commissioners approved the minutes from the January 12, 2026 workshop, the December 15, 2025 regular meeting, and an executive session held in conjunction with the October 20, 2025 regular meeting.
The meeting opened with an invocation given by County Administrator Guy Singletary and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chairman Timmy Oliver. County Attorney Richard McNeely was absent due to court obligations.
With no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned.
