When the staff of the Alabama Impact – Davis/Segrest 2023 team looked at the roster heading into the Summer of 2022, one thing really jumped off the page: the tremendous pitching staff.
Four deep, the lineup in the circle included 2023 pitcher Taniyah Brown (Memphis), 2024 pitcher Braya Hodges (Alabama), 2024 pitcher Blayne Godfrey (Auburn) and 2025 pitcher Ally Supan.
“This group was as deep as any we have had over the last 10 years of coaching at the club level,” said Coach Brad Davis, who, along with Mark Segrest, runs the team.
And, in addition to this depth, there was something else that came along with Brown and Godfrey—you might call it a “two-for-one” battery special.
Taniyah has a twin sister, Khamiyah Brown (Memphis) and Blayne has a sister in 2025 Brit Godfrey who both impress with their duties behind the plate.
The twins, Khamiyah and Taniyah, believe that their Impact team has some of the unique bonding qualities that they have between each other.
“Being twins has provided us with a unique connection that has helped us in so many ways,” Khamiyah says. “We have had the opportunity to play together for 12 years so we know each other like we know ourselves. A simple glance is all we need to know what each other is thinking. The unbreakable bond we have has carried onto the field and has helped us in hard situations. We know that we have each other’s backs anytime we need it.”
Taniyah continues:
“This team is really special. The atmosphere that has been created is unlike anything we have ever been a part of. Everyone supports each other and celebrates each person’s accomplishments. We are always working hard and looking for ways to get better. We learn from our mistakes and never back down from a challenge. Everyone is always there to lift you up on and off the field and everyone wants to win—and we want to have fun while doing it! We think that everyone has learned so much from each other and we will continue to do so moving forward.”
Fellow pitcher Braya Hodges, headed to Alabama Crimson Tide, loves the camaraderie among her teammates.
“The entire dynamic of pitchers and catchers on this team is absolutely amazing. We all have truly learned from each other and know how to generate positivity even when games get tough. I can wholeheartedly say there is never a dull moment with this staff! We all know what it takes to be great teammates and it definitely shows.”
The other pitcher headed to the SEC is Blayne Godrey, a future Auburn Tiger.
“My sister (Brit) and I had to depend on each other more than most sisters and we grew up really fast because of what happened to our mom and dad,” says Blayne. “When we are on the field we don’t have to speak and we know exactly what the other is thinking and what each other’s next move will be.”
“Brit is always there to catch me and give me valuable feedback to help me get better. We are each other’s biggest supporters and fans. Sometimes that feedback may even be a dirty look. How our relationship works on the team is that we work together to be the best by also pushing all of our teammates to be their best when we are not in the field.”
This unique situation was the start to a summer where the team grew together, not only as players but as genuine fans of each other. Coach Davis points to the culture of the team as being particularly special this year.
“These young ladies will one day be mothers, wives and leaders in their communities,” the coach explains, “and we will do everything we can as coaches to ensure these young ladies understand that and know how to operate in that way before anything on the field.”
“Coaches coach,” Davis adds, “but leaders create and grow the culture and that is our goal every day.”
Strong 25 catcher!!!! This young lady is calling pitches at a high level, she understands the game💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 https://t.co/8VZExALU3V
— Alabama Impact 2023 – Davis (@ALImpact2023) November 15, 2022
The cohesive and positive team chemistry resulted in victories on the field as the squad was able to compile an impressive 40-4-2 record while bringing home championships at the Bombers Invite and Scenic City-Super-Pool.
The AL Impact 16U team also finished undefeated at Legacy and ended the summer with a runner-up finish at the Triple Crown Southeast Nationals.
During that impressive stretch, the sibling batteries began to gel early on and, by the end of the second tournament, Coach Davis was able to turn over the pitch calling duties to the players themselves.
The Impact ended with a 1.048 ERA and 310 strikeouts over 213 innings while holding opponents to just a .153 average.
“It just happened, and it was good!” Davis remembers. “They took charge and all of the players seemed to feed off of that leadership.”
With a staff this deep one could expect the issue of how to get everyone enough mound time would arise, but this group is different Coach Segrest believes.
“We really try to focus our efforts on checking our ego at the door,” he explains, “staying humble and being a great teammate over anything else.”
One good example is the on- and off-field relationship of the coaches’ daughters, Anna Catherine Segrest (Faulkner) and Abbie Davis (Coastal Alabama South) who are best friends and inseparable, having played for their dads since the age of 6 and will soon move on to play in college where they will become a part of programs that already have established cultures.
Both young ladies expect to carry on at the collegiate level what they have experienced and learned with their Impact club team, even as they go their separate ways.
More evidence: Makaley Boswell (Troy) and Hartlie Rice (Northwest Florida) have played for Coach Davis and Coach Segrest going back to 12U and have seen the benefits of competing with the core group.
“Playing for AL Impact is the best thing that has ever happened in my career,” Hartlie says. “All 11 of the girls are my best friends. Coach Brad and Coach Mark put us in the best position to be successful every time we step on the field. We truly care about each other and each one of the successes and celebrate each other’s success like it is our own. That is what makes us special. This is not just a travel ball thing; it is family and we will do whatever it takes to win.”
Adding to the family flair, outfielder Brantley Drake (Samford) is a teammate of the Godfrey sisters at Hartselle (Alabama) High School, a perennial powerhouse in the South.
Another player that was recently added to the team’s roster is Ainyah Stokes, a 2024 from Dale County High who her coaches say has really blossomed in the Impact culture.
“She was a shy reserved young lady who has easily transitioned into the family and is currently weighing out her options to play at the next level,” explains Coach Segrest.
It was a great year!!! See ya in 2023💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/QFdqPgfLhR
— Alabama Impact 2023 – Davis (@ALImpact2023) November 21, 2022
So how have the Impact coaches and players dealt with the pressure and uncertainty of their softball and college futures which can easily create an unpleasant environment taking away from what should be a time of celebration of these young athletes?
Coach Segrest adds that the coaches believe that each player and family should “create their own story” and not let the pressures from others take away from what should be the best time of their playing career.
“We play great competition,” he says, “but have never thought that we had to travel the country to achieve the goals of our players. I am really glad it has worked out for them.”
Easy coaching this group!!!! @BrayaHodges @blayne_godfrey @tcherese_05 @AlabamaSB @AuburnSoftball @MemphisSoftball #beststaffinthecountry pic.twitter.com/TJiTpQN14V
— Alabama Impact 2023 – Davis (@ALImpact2023) October 2, 2022
Coach Davis passionately believes the culture of the program has been one of the keys to its impressive successes on the scoreboard.
“These ladies have done it right!” he begins. “They have believed in themselves and made decisions based on trusting who they are and how they could write a new story. It’s come by creating a culture, defining the now and trusting God to steer a path that may be unexplainable at times.”
“These ladies, every one of them,” Davis concludes, “are exceptional human beings and will go on from Alabama Impact and do great things.”
