November 2, 2026 – The Harrison Hoyas softball team fought through the gauntlet of the 2026 GHSA 7A State Fast Pitch Softball Tournament and came away with the program’s third state title in school history.

“It feels amazing,” junior catcher Brooklyn Evans said after their win. “It’s such a surreal moment, especially knowing how hard our team has worked to get to this point. What’s even more rewarding is knowing that we accomplished this together as a team. We all came together, trusted each other, and finished strong. It honestly still doesn’t feel real. It’s such an honor, blessing, and privilege to represent the state of Georgia as state champions.”

Coach Richard Dombrowsky said it was hard to put his feelings into words when talking about his team winning the title.

“I am overwhelmed with joy for the players and what they were able to accomplish,” the coach beamed. “This team was uncommon. They set goals, and together they accomplished those goals. The team motto for the year, defined by the seniors, was ‘We is greater than me,’ and there was no better group of athletes to put those words into action than this team. Winning the State Championship this season is a testament to the girls’ hard work, focus, and dedication to each other.”

The fight and grit the Hoyas showed throughout the postseason were impressive. The GHSA softball playoffs are different from those of any other sanctioned team sport. Qualifying teams first must endure the Playoff Bracket, a 32-team bracket that plays best-of-three series to determine the eight best teams in the state. Harrison swept both of their series on their home field in dominant fashion, dismissing Parkview 10-0 and 14-1, before eliminating North Forsyth 9-0 and 7-2. After the Playoff Bracket, the postseason moves to Columbus, Georgia, for a neutral-site double-elimination Tournament Bracket. The Hoyas won their first-round matchup against Lambert 7-1. The team was rolling, but then the competition became tougher. Harrison won a nail-biter, 8-5, over Brookwood in the second round and were one game away from the championship. 

In that semifinal match against Northgate, the Hoyas found themselves down 5-1 in the fifth inning. It seemed inevitable that their title hopes would have to fight through the loser’s bracket. However, Harrison wouldn’t give up easily.

Trailing 5-3 going into the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore Sadie Walker had a seven-pitch walk to lead off the inning. With two outs, Evans doubled to left-centerfield putting runners on second and third. With first base open, Northgate opted to intentionally walk senior Nola Tylke to load the bases. Solid strategy considering Tylke is committed to play for the University of Kansas next season. The next batter, senior Brooke Belair, doubled off the centerfield fence to clear the bases.

That stunning 6-5 come-from-behind win sent the Hoyas to the Finals, knowing they needed only one more win for the title, while their opponent would need to beat them twice.

“That comeback win showed how resilient our team was capable of being,” Coach Dombrowsky recalled happily. “Regardless of the score of the game, they played with the confident and consistent approach they have all season long.”

In the Finals, Harrison would face the defending state champs from Buford High School. The Hoyas were unfazed.

“Going into the game, I was still pretty relaxed,” Belair said. “Once the game got rolling, I was full of excitement. Luckily for us, we pulled ahead of Buford early, so I spent most of the game thinking about how all of our hard work has finally paid off. Between all the spring 4-on-1s, the summer workouts, and the Saturday practices, it just felt like it was all for a reason, and that was a very rewarding feeling.”

Junior catcher Evans was confident going into the Final as well.

“My biggest thought throughout the game was that if we played our game of softball and stayed true to who we are, there was nothing stopping us,” the University of Florida commit said. “We weren’t going to change our identity or let anyone else’s energy affect how we played. Our entire dugout was locked in, cheering for one another, and playing for something bigger than ourselves. Not one person was out there for themselves. That team culture really carried our momentum throughout the game.”

The team’s confidence was well-founded as they blistered Buford for a 15-0, three-inning, run-rule win. Tylke was 2-for-2 with two home runs, one of which was a grand slam, and six RBIs. Junior McKenzie Gates was also 2-for-2 with a HR of her own and scored three runs. Senior pitcher Kinsey Carlton threw three scoreless innings for the win. 

“Simply getting to Columbus has been such a big goal of our team,” Belair admitted. “It feels amazing to be a state champion!”

Evans drove the point home much like she does on-base runners.

“There’s so much pride that comes with wearing Harrison across your chest, and being able to bring a state championship back to our school makes it even more special,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a program that holds itself to such high standards and represents something bigger than just softball.”

Congratulations, Hoyas, on your 2026 Fast-Pitch Softball State Championship!

h/t Columbus photos taken and player interviews conducted by Cobb Sports Network intern Aidan McCoy
h/t some photos taken by CSN intern Addison Williams
h/t non-branded photo provided by Harrison HS