Patrick Murphy has been doing his job as Alabama’s softball coach for over 21 years, and with a 31-0 start to the 2019 season doesn’t appear to have lost any of his expertise. Under his guidance the Crimson Tide has made it to the Women’s College World Series 11 times, including winning the national championship in 2012. He has coached over 1,000 victories and his players have taken home 54 All-America awards.

When Murphy speaks, it’s worth listening to. He recruits nationwide and has an exceptional group of players.

Murphy said a big change in softball is “you can find a kid anywhere. Every state has a talented kid who can play for anyone. A good example of that is Montana (freshman star pitcher Montana Fouts) in a small town in Northeast Kentucky who probably was offered 50 full rides. (Former star) Stephanie Van Brakle from Chambersburg, Pa., — not a softball hotbed — was All-America for us.

“Coaches have elevated at the summer ball and high school levels. Good kids are everywhere. You just have to find them.”

A number of them have moved on to Tuscaloosa and Murphy’s Alabama program.

On a squad of 19, selecting a Top Ten is not without difficulty. Here, though, is our ranking: