The Niceville High School softball team is wearing its gratitude this season.
- The Lady Eagles introduced custom-designed Military Appreciation jerseys honoring America’s 250th anniversary and recognizing the service of military members, veterans and first responders.
The uniforms feature a blue-and-black camouflage design accented with red, white and blue elements, along with the official America 250 logo and a custom patch representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Niceville parent and veteran Vince Mayfield of Bit-Wizards and TalkingParents designed and personally funded the jerseys, ensuring each player received and kept her own. Mayfield’s daughter, Molly, is the team’s catcher.
“This is about more than a uniform,” said head coach Danny Hensley, a military veteran, teacher and Air Force Junior ROTC instructor. “It’s about honoring those who have served, recognizing the families who support them and helping our players understand the importance of service, sacrifice and community.”
The program’s annual Military Appreciation Day game has become a tradition at Niceville, and where the uniforms were unveiled. It features a ceremonial first pitch by an honored veteran, on-field recognition of veterans in attendance and a presentation of the colors by the Niceville High School Cadet Corps, whose color guard carries flags from all six military branches.
- The initiative aligns with broader district values. Every school in Okaloosa County, along with the district itself, has earned the Purple Star designation for its commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Hensley recently notched his 500th career win, and the program is coming off a state runner-up finish.
“These uniforms represent who we are as a community,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “In Okaloosa County, we take great pride in our connection to the military and our responsibility to honor those who serve. The Niceville softball program exemplifies those values through leadership, service and a deep sense of patriotism.”
The Lady Eagles will continue to wear the America 250 uniforms through the postseason.
