Southeast Arkansas College has pulled the plug on its softball season for the second time in as many years.
The college announced Tuesday afternoon it would cancel the remainder of the 2025 season, citing “current limitations in team roster size.” A similar problem resulted in the college stopping its inaugural season exactly one year ago after a 4-13 record.
The 2025 roster listed 12 players as of Tuesday.
SEARK underwent two coaching changes since then. Belinda Hendrix, who was hired in 2023, became the new head coach at Garden City Community College in Kansas with her husband Jimmy to follow as an assistant. SEARK then hired Matt Prysock to lead the program. Prysock left before the 2025 season began, and Jeffery Hughes replaced him with Steve Smith remaining as an assistant.
The team lost four players over the holiday break, SEARK said in a statement. Their departures, along with the coaching changes, left the Sharks with “insufficient numbers to field a competitive squad for the upcoming season.”
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“SEARK is fully committed to ensuring that the health and safety of its athletes remain the top priority,” the college adds.
The Sharks played two games this season, losing 23-0 and 28-1 to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in two 5-inning games last Thursday in Mena. Their road doubleheader at North Arkansas College on Saturday was canceled before the college announced the fate of the season.
SEARK Athletic Director Chad Kline said the decision to end the season early was difficult but called it “the most responsible course of action.” The athletic department will focus on rebuilding the team for future seasons, he added.
“As an institution, we are dedicated to providing our athletes with the resources and support needed for future success on and off the field,” Kline said.
SEARK added it understands “the potential disruption” the cancellation may cause student-athletes, families and the community, adding it “sincerely apologize(s) for any inconvenience.”
“We appreciate the support of our athletes, fans and supporters as we take this important step in ensuring a strong and sustainable future for SEARK Softball,” Kline added.
In baseball, SEARK is 13-7 in its second season. The Sharks are coming off a 15-4 and 4-0 sweep of the Lyon College junior varsity Monday in Batesville and will play a twin bill at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Okla., on Thursday. Carl Albert will visit SEARK at Eddie Bryan Field for two games starting at 1 p.m. Saturday.