Montana Fouts explains why this Women's College World Series is 'extra special'

It’s difficult to impress someone who’s seen it all. Yet, Alabama softball’s recent run has left star pitcher Montana Fouts in awe.

Following Alabama’s 3-2 triumph over Northwestern on Sunday to advance to the Women’s College World Series, Fouts pulled back the curtain to reveal her point of view. While Fouts’ statement began as an expected answer, it quickly transformed into a raw moment of emotion.

“I’m thankful for every senior group and teammate that I’ve ever had that helped go to the World Series in previous years, but this one, being my last year and everything we went through, and the way that everyone’s just so bought in to each other,” Fouts said. “That makes it a little extra special.”

Any time Fouts takes the field it’s special. The Kentucky native has almost as many accomplishments as games played. Fouts is a 12-time SEC Pitcher of the Week, 2021 NFCA Pitcher of the Year award winner and four-time All-American.

Just this season, Fouts has appeared in 39 games, making 26 starts. The 6-foot-1 superstar was pivotal in Alabama’s win at Super Regionals, pitching in all three games. Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy doesn’t take Fouts’ talents for granted.

“To have Montana as kind of like the relief specialist — I mean who wouldn’t want a four-time All-American as the reliever,” Murphy said with a laugh. “That’s got to be tough for another team to look over there and say, ‘Oh, we got rid of the starter but who’s coming in? Oh, Montana Fouts.'”

As fantastic as Fouts’ physical abilities are, Murphy insists she is an even better leader.

“Everybody thinks you have to have everybody be a leader. That’s not it. You need one really good one, and then everybody else follow the leader,” Murphy said. “She’s been a great leader.”

Alabama will need Fouts’ leadership more than ever as they take on No. 4 seed Tennessee at noon on June 1 in the NCAA Women’s College World Series. The Crimson Tide is 1-3 this season against the Volunteers. Nonetheless, with Fouts by his side, Murphy feels good about his team’s chances.

“We know they have great athletes, a great pitching staff, and we played them before at the World Series. It’s nothing new,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. “We’ll be ready.”