For nearly a decade, Florida A&M softball waited. And now, they've finally returned to glory.
The Rattlers ended a nine-year championship drought by capturing their first-ever SWAC title, defeating Southern 2-1 in a walk-off thriller on May 9 at the Gulfport Sportsplex in Mississippi. The historic victory not only brought home the trophy but punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament's Gainesville Regional.
It's a moment that seemed destined for FAMU, a program that once dominated the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with 13 championships between 1993 and 2017 under legendary coach Veronica Wiggins. But after moving to the Southwestern Athletic Conference — another Historically Black College and University powerhouse — the Rattlers needed to build a new legacy.
They found their leader in second-year head coach Brittany Beall, who understood the weight of the program's history.
"Personally, as a coach, it's always been my dream," Beall said. "To follow the steps of Coach Wiggins and see the legacy and make history of being the champion in the SWAC is huge. They ran the table in the MEAC for all those years. I think coming into the SWAC, this is going to be the first of many."
The journey to this championship wasn't easy. The Rattlers fell short in the SWAC Tournament championship rounds in both 2024 and 2025, losing to Jackson State each time. That heartbreak fueled a new level of commitment.
"We live, breathe, and cry Orange and Green," said pitcher and utility player Samantha Smith, who earned SWAC Tournament MVP honors. "So waking up at 5 a.m. was worth it. We did it for our parents, teammates, coaches, all our support, alumni — everyone."
That dedication began in fall ball and early morning training sessions, building the foundation for a championship run. The result? A 32-20 season that will forever be remembered as the first.
The first FAMU softball team to win the SWAC. The first to break that nearly decade-long drought. And the first to carry the Rattlers back to the NCAA Tournament in their new conference home.
"I don't think I've ever been part of history," said outfielder Neriah Lee, an All-SWAC Tournament selection. "Just making our statement known. We've been to the championship the last two years, and folks know we were chasing history. It was just a matter of time for us to get over that hump and allow us to win and finally make history as we did."
Now, with their championship gear ready and their spirits high, the Rattlers are proving that on The Highest of Seven Hills, a new dynasty is beginning to rise.