When David Nesbit decided to coach his oldest daughter Courtney some 20 years ago in softball, little did he know that the sport would become a big part of everyday life for the family in Acworth, Ga. Growing up to play "travel" softball nationwide, Courtney's sisters Erin and Megan followed in their older sibling's footsteps, with all three eventually playing in the Amateur Softball Association's Gold National Championships.
It is at this level that college softball coaches heavily recruit players, and it is here that Mississippi State coaches first discovered the Nesbits. When the elder Courtney was approached by Bulldog recruiters, she said all she knew about Mississippi State was "that they played Georgia."
"All three of us were recruited by both large and small colleges, and we knew we wanted to play in the SEC," said the former MSU first baseman, a four-time All SEC Academic team member and current Bulldog Club graduate assistant.
The sisters all agreed that Mississippi State has been just the right mix for them.
"This has been a really good choice because it's a big school with a small town atmosphere," said MSU shortstop Erin, a two-time All SEC Academic team member and MSU softball's "Rookie of the Year" during her freshman season.
While younger sister Megan grew up thinking that 5 a.m. workouts and afternoon practices were just part of the family routine, she says she doesn't want to just be in the shadow of her older siblings as she begins her first season as first baseman for the Bulldogs.
She plans to prove herself on and off the field. An elementary education major, Megan wants to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher to "make a positive impact and have some influence on kids this age that are so creative and fun." Courtney is working toward a master's degree in special education and Erin has dreams of working in journalism and foreign missions.
And David Nesbit isn't finished raising talented softball players who are smart, independent thinkers. He still has 16-year-old Morgan and 9-year-old Mallori making their way to the top in sports and life.