Minco Softball State Tournament Run After Crash

Minco softball state tournament run follows bus crash recovery

A Minco softball state tournament run is capturing attention across Oklahoma after a team devastated by a bus crash just months ago is now headed to state.

The Minco High School softball team has advanced to the Class 3A state tournament for the first time in 34 years, completing what many are calling a remarkable comeback.

The journey comes after a terrifying crash in September that left players and coaches questioning their survival.

Minco softball state tournament run follows near-tragedy

The Minco softball state tournament run began with a life-threatening moment.

On September 8, 2025, the team’s bus struck a deer, rolled, and threw players and coaches from the vehicle.

Coach Cody Schmidt said the situation quickly turned from routine to critical.

“Our life could have ended in a split second,” Schmidt said.

Assistant coach Lacey Garrett recalled believing she had died during the crash.

“I thought I was dead instantly,” Garrett said.

School athletics and student safety are supported by organizations like the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA).

Recovery shifted focus from sports to survival

The Minco softball state tournament run was far from guaranteed.

In the aftermath, the focus turned to recovery, healing, and survival, not competition.

Garrett said she lost consciousness and later woke up praying for her players.

“I remember losing consciousness and waking up and just praying again,” she said.

Schmidt said the experience was both emotional and powerful as the team slowly began to rebuild.

Community support and recovery efforts are often strengthened through local school systems like Minco Public Schools.

Team returns to field and makes historic run

The Minco softball state tournament run now represents a dramatic turnaround.

Nearly eight months after the crash, the team returned to play and secured a spot in the Class 3A slow-pitch softball state tournament.

Garrett described the moment as surreal.

“We shouldn’t be alive, but we are… we shouldn’t be playing softball, but we’re in the state tournament,” she said.

The team also rallied from a 13-0 deficit in a regional game to keep their season alive.

Perspective and purpose drive team forward

The Minco softball state tournament run has changed how players and coaches view life.

“Just enjoy the life you have because it can change in a minute,” Schmidt said.

Garrett credited her faith, referencing Philippians 4:13, as a guiding force through recovery.

Minco will face Arapaho-Butler in the state quarterfinals on May 6 at 1 p.m. in Shawnee.

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