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Minco Today
By the People, for the People
Minco Softball Team Returns to Field After Serious Bus Crash
The Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team marks a significant milestone in their recovery and resilience.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team has returned to the field for the first time since a bus crash last September that ended their fall season and nearly took the life of one of their coaches. The team's return marked the next chapter in their story of resilience and sisterhood, as they felt the support of the community's prayers and are now ready to play the game they love.
Why it matters
The Minco softball team's return to the field is a testament to their resilience and the power of community support following a traumatic event. Their story highlights the importance of sports in bringing people together and providing a sense of normalcy and healing after a crisis.
The details
The crash happened when their bus hit a deer and rolled, ejecting several players and coaches. Assistant Coach Jordan Benge was hospitalized for nearly 70 days following the accident. The team said they felt every prayer and every cheer sent their way, and now they are just ready to play. Nearly six months later, the team is back on their home field, returning to the game they love.
- The bus crash occurred on September 8th, 2025.
- Coach Jordan Benge was hospitalized for nearly 70 days following the accident.
- The team held their first scrimmage on Monday, February 24th, 2026.
- The team's first regular season game is scheduled for March 2nd, 2026.
The players
Taitlyn Voss
A member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team.
Jordan Benge
The assistant coach of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team who was hospitalized for nearly 70 days following the bus crash.
Brooklyn Reid
A member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team.
Emma Oaks
A member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team.
What they’re saying
“Today is our first day ever coming back on the field together in uniform, and I honestly don't think there are any words to describe it. Sept. 8 took a toll on all of us, but I think it brought more good than it did bad.”
— Taitlyn Voss, Member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team (koco.com)
“They had a 24-hour prayer for Coach Benge while he was in the hospital, and if it weren't for the prayers, I don't know if we'd still have him with us.”
— Taitlyn Voss, Member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team (koco.com)
“It's like a release. I don't know how to explain it. It's like a miracle, honestly.”
— Brooklyn Reid, Member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team (koco.com)
“It seems like there is going to be a lot of support and people out there to watch us play, and I feel like for them to be able to watch us play, it's just going to be a weight lifted off their shoulders to realize that we're all doing so much better and we're back on the field.”
— Emma Oaks, Member of the Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team (koco.com)
What’s next
The team's first regular season game is scheduled for March 2nd, 2026.
The takeaway
The Minco Lady Bulldogs softball team's return to the field is a powerful story of resilience, community support, and the healing power of sports. Their journey serves as an inspiration to others who have faced similar challenges and demonstrates the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
