Champions on and off the field: Cox Monett nurses hit a grand slam, set to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

Mindy (Ray) Beeson and Jessica (Renkoski) Walker, both registered nurses at Cox Monett, were raised in Wheaton, Missouri, a rural community near the borders of Newton and Barry Counties. What many might not know is that some of the top athletes in the state call Wheaton, a town of less than 700 people, home.

Wheaton High School has produced many dedicated athletes and countless successful teams. And it just so happens that Beeson, a clinical and patient safety nurse, and Walker, a nurse in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, are a part of this successful legacy.

The 1993–1997 Wheaton High School softball era was a formidable force: 1993 third-place finish; 1994-second place in the state; 1995 third; 1996 state championship; 1997 fourth-place finish.

At the upcoming Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Fall Luncheon, to be held on October 18, Beeson, Walker, and over 30 other teammates will be recognized as members of the Class of 2023.

“Growing up in that culture, which Wheaton takes great pride in, was undoubtedly a strength," says the hard throwing, all-state pitcher Beeson. "I have always said that playing sports prepared me for life in the real world; it's a job, a responsibility, and a team effort."

While attending nursing school, Beeson frequently thought about the connection between academics and athletics.

“Playing sports, particularly being a pitcher, prepared me for the battle of nursing school because it was tough,” says Beeson. “Looking back, I learned how to be a team player and gained the resiliency needed for a demanding nursing profession.”

Wheaton Softball won the state championship while Jessica Walker was a high school freshman. That year, her cousin was a senior on the team.

Walker says, "I observed and picked up knowledge from the upperclassmen." I did not want to let them down, so I tried to be the best student and athlete I could be.”

Walker, who played left field, says that her time as a high school athlete taught her numerous life lessons that she has applied to her work as a nurse.

"When caring for patients, nurses must collaborate with doctors, respiratory therapists, radiology technologists, and many other departments,” says Walker. “We work as a team to find solutions to problems; we have to remember that there is more than one player on our team.”

While working with patients throughout the day, Walker frequently draws parallels between athletics and medical care.

“For nurses to stay on task, we must constantly consider the ‘big picture’,” says Walker. “What medications do I need to have on hand if [something] happens? What lab do I need to get in case [that] happens? We must pay attention and be prepared.”

Beeson was overcome with emotion when she first learned that her softball team had been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

"I was so thrilled and shocked that at first I had to close the door to my office and cry,” says Beeson. “Simply put, I am appreciative.”

Walker also acknowledges that when she first learned of the distinction, she was a little taken aback.

"Even though it was just for a little period of time, I feel really fortunate and happy to be able to say that I was a part of that era,” says Walker. “I am thrilled for our coach and for all of us. We did put in a lot of effort as a team.”

For both legends on the diamond, October 18 cannot come fast enough.

“When we all get together again,” Beeson adds, "I'm looking forward to remembering how much fun we had playing together." I may not have been best friends with every lady on the squad, but when we were on the field competing, we were on the same team and working for the same goal; it was a sisterhood that created an enduring bond.”