Melani Francis has first hand knowledge of how to assist in rebuilding a softball program.
Francis, a returning all-state outfielder and leadoff hitter for Port Barre High, plans to take that previous reconstruction experience and transfer it to The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, after signing a Division 1 softball scholarship there earlier in November.
UAPB is rebuilding under head softball coach Michael Bumpers and Francis has become one of two early program signees announced by the university in order to assist that process.
Francis celebrated the occasion with her Port Barre teammates recently and during a St. Landry Now interview earlier this week, she indicated that it’s encouraging to become part of what she perceives as a new era for rejuvenating UAPB softball.
“Softball (at UAPB) is rebuilding. It’s a D-1 school that has a lot of new players and the new head coach is changing the whole program. There will be new facilities and a new stadium that are planned and I think with a new coach, softball is going to get it altogether. I wanted to be part of that,” Francis added.
Francis has already witnessed a program turnaround at Port Barre. The Devils have established a solid program over the past few seasons and in 2022, the Red Devils played for a Class 2A state championship for the first time in nearly four decades.
Under head coach Jacques Soileau, Port Barre softball has also undergone a transformation that includes facility improvements similar to the ones Francis expects to find when she transitions to college.
“Coach Soileau came in and things really changed for softball after he came there. (Soileau) has been able to redo the old facilities and get improvements such as a batting cage, new locker rooms for softball and make everything better for the players,” added Francis.
Francis indicated that Bumpers also apparently contacted Soileau nearly a year ago and began inquiring about players who perhaps reflect college softball potential.
“I really have no idea about how everything all started, but (Bumpers) reached out to Coach Soileau and contacted me during my junior year. I know that UAPB looked at film of me and on and off interacted with me,” Francis said.
Francis has visited the university established in 1873 and was overwhelmed at what she discovered.
“When I saw the campus, I felt that it was exactly what I wanted. It’s exactly how I imagined a college campus should look. I met the girls on the team and they stay together, hang out with one another, study and eat as a team. They are about doing everything together,” Francis added.
In a press release issued by UAPB, Bumper described Francis as a complete player.
“(Francis) has good speed and hitting along with solid defense,” said Bumpers.
Francis has become the second recent Port Barre softball player to sign a college scholarship.
Pitcher and utility player Emma Crow signed with Centenary and is currently listed on the 2023 softball roster.
This season Francis expects Port Barre to be a favorite to win the state championship.
