August 25, 2025
Keyser, W.Va. — The WVU Potomac State Athletic Department and Hall of Fame Committee are proud to announce the 2025 Potomac State Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees: Nicky Brown, Baseball; Beth Cook, Softball; Alex Kile, Cross Country.
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce the induction of Nicky Brown, Class of 2004, into the Catamounts Athletics Hall of Fame, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a student-athlete and his continued commitment to the College and its athletic programs.
Brown was a key figure on the baseball diamond during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, and played an instrumental role in leading the Catamounts to one of the most historic moments in program history: an appearance in the 2004 NJCAA College World Series. His performance on the field and leadership off it helped elevate the team to national prominence during a pivotal era for Catamount Baseball.
In 2003, Brown played in 35 games, amassing 42 hits in 102 at-bats to post an impressive .412 batting average. His offensive production included 26 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and a strong on-base percentage of .465 and slugging percentage of .520, reflecting his balanced approach at the plate. Defensively, he contributed 45 putouts and 78 assists, finishing the season with a .925 fielding percentage, showcasing his reliability and range in the infield.
During the 2004 season, Brown appeared in 49 games, collecting 47 hits while maintaining a .270 batting average, along with a .391 on-base percentage and .452 slugging percentage. He added 25 RBIs and again scored 22 runs, continuing to be a steady and productive presence in the lineup. In the field, he recorded 69 putouts and a team-high 132 assists, raising his fielding percentage to a stellar .957, and further cementing his role as a defensive anchor.
Brown's combination of consistent offensive output, defensive reliability, and steady leadership made him an essential part of the team's success during a historic run. His influence extended beyond statistics, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.
After his time at Potomac State, Brown went on to compete at Shepherd University, where he became a two-year starter at the NCAA Division II level, continuing to make an impact with his play and work ethic.
A native of Hedgesville, West Virginia and graduate of Hedgesville High School, Brown returned to his hometown following college. For the past eight seasons, he has served as a teacher and assistant baseball coach at Hedgesville High School, where he has played a vital role in developing young student-athletes and fostering the same passion for the game that defined his own career.
In addition to his contributions as a player and coach, Brown has remained a loyal supporter of WVU Potomac State Athletics, regularly giving back to the program and serving as a role model for current and future Catamounts.
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.
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce the posthumous induction of Alexandrea "Alex" Kile, Class of 2024, into the Catamounts Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring her groundbreaking accomplishments as a student-athlete, her invaluable contributions as a coach, and the unforgettable legacy she left in the hearts of the Catamount community.
A proud native of Hampshire County, Alex graduated from Hampshire High School in 2022, where she excelled as a three-sport athlete, known not only for her competitive drive but also for her sportsmanship and leadership. At Potomac State, she quickly made history by becoming the first athlete in school history to win back-to-back NJCAA Region 20 Cross Country Championships, a remarkable feat that placed her among the College's all-time greats.
Alex's influence went far beyond individual titles. After completing her decorated athletic career, she joined the Potomac State cross country coaching staff, where she helped mentor and guide the program's first-ever NJCAA All-American runner. Her dedication to her athletes and her ability to inspire others was unmatched.
In 2023, Alex was named a recipient of the Climb Higher Award, one of the College's most meaningful honors. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate resilience, a strong work ethic, and unwavering positivity in the face of adversity. Alex's story exemplified those values in a moment that captured her spirit more than any race time or medal ever could.
During the 2023 NJCAA Region 20 Championship Race, Alex ran much of the course in second place. What she didn't know was that the lead runner from Howard Community College collapsed in the final stretch. Alex crossed the finish line first, unknowingly securing the individual title while leading the Catamounts to another team victory. After receiving her first-place medal, she learned the news of her competitor's fall and hospitalization (the runner later made a full recovery). In an incredible display of humility and compassion, Alex presented her medal to the Howard team, asking them to give it to their teammate, saying, "She would have been the clear first-place winner."
While Alex often deflected praise, she embraced a mindset grounded in faith and perseverance. "Don't give up, because you never know how close you may be to achieving your dream," she once shared.
Alex Kile left an indelible mark on WVU Potomac State College. Her commitment to excellence, her kindness, and her unshakable faith inspired everyone she encountered. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the Catamount culture—in every mile run, every challenge faced, and every act of quiet strength and grace.
Thank you for keeping watch over us, Alex. You are forever a Catamount and friend.
All Honorees will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Homecoming Weekend Ceremony on Saturday, October 4th. For the complete Homecoming schedule, and information regarding the Hall of Fame Induction, please visit: Alumni and Donors | WVU Potomac State College | Keyser Campus | West Virginia University