WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce the induction of Beth Cook, class of 2016 into the Catamounts Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the softball program and her legacy as one of the most dominant two-way players in school history.
Beth is the daughter of the late Julie Markwood and a 2014 graduate of Moorefield High School. As a Catamount, she was a true standout on both sides of the ball, Cook was an NJCAA All-American who played a pivotal role in leading the Catamounts to their first-ever NJCAA Region 20 Championship and a historic appearance in the NJCAA Softball World Series—achievements that catapulted the program onto the national stage.
Cook’s offensive output during her two-year career remains one of the most impressive stretches in Catamount softball history. In 2015, she batted an astounding .512, collecting 66 hits, 12 home runs, and driving in 61 runs, establishing herself early as a force at the plate.
Her 2016 season was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of 41 games, Cook posted a .526 batting average, racked up 72 hits, scored 54 runs, and smashed 18 doubles and 7 home runs, while driving in 48 RBIs. She also showed tremendous plate discipline, drawing 21 walks while striking out just 5 times in 137 at-bats. Her ability to get on base and produce extra-base hits resulted in a stellar .589 on-base percentage and a .810 slugging percentage, showcasing a rare combination of contact, power, and discipline. She also added 7 stolen bases to round out her offensive game.
Cook wasn’t just an offensive threat—she was also a cornerstone of the Catamounts’ pitching staff. In 2016, she made 21 appearances in the circle, compiling a 13-3 record with 1 save. Over 97.2 innings pitched, she maintained a strong 2.44 ERA, allowing just 34 earned runs. She struck out 85 batters while walking only 12, averaging more than 6 strikeouts per 7 innings, and demonstrating outstanding control and poise in high-pressure situations.
After her remarkable career in Keyser, Cook continued her collegiate journey at Fairmont State University, where she once again earned individual accolades and upheld the same standard of excellence that defined her time as a Catamount.
