USI softball team honored at statehouse

Alarms for the USI softball team went off early on Tuesday, February 12. Before 7 a.m. 16 players, two alumna and three coaches were on a bus outside the Fuquay Welcome Center ready for a road trip. But this time, there were no opponents waiting for them-just lots of supporters.

The team, along with other USI students and administrators (about 55 total), spent the day in Indianapolis touring the statehouse and meeting legislators. A highlight was the resolution passed by the Indiana House and Senate honoring the softball team for its 2018 NCAA II National Championship. 

"Not many people can say they were a part of a resolution and got to stand on the Senate and House floors to be recognized," says pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt '20, biology and pre-dentistry. "It was great seeing how excited the legislators got when hearing our story and how they really cared about the events going on throughout the state of Indiana." Adds Claire Johnson '19, exercise science and kinesiology, who plays second base for the Eagles, "It means more than most know to receive the honor we did at the statehouse. These people are very busy each and every day, and for them to take time to recognize us and honor us, we are very appreciative."

State representative Wendy McNamara (R-District 76), along with state senators Vaneta Becker (R-District 50) and Jim Tomes (R-District 49) and Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (R), offered congratulations as the resolution was unanimously passed.  

Before being recognized at the statehouse and touring the Indiana Supreme Court, Leonhardt and the rest of the USI contingent joined alumni and legislators for a luncheon featuring remarks from USI President Ronald S. Rochon; Rep. McNamara; Bradley Flittner, USI SGA president; and Sue Kunkle, head softball coach.

"It means a lot to be able to represent the State of Indiana and USI on a stage like the statehouse. Hopefully we gave the people of the Indiana government a small look at the amazing events that go on at USI, not just athletically, but academically as well," said Leonhardt, who expressed gratitude for all the recognition the softball team has received.

However, the team is not satisfied relishing last season's achievements. "We are humbled and are not stopping in 2019. We want to start this crazy journey all over again with last year in the past, but the feeling that we can accomplish great things close in our minds," Leonhardt says. "This year's team is very talented," adds Johnson. "We are excited to be starting a new season with the hopes of making it back to the World Series. While this year's team is different than last year's, we still have the same goals and ambitions."

Already there are new challenges, including inexperience and injuries.

"We will always need every bit of support and encouragement we can get, not only on the field but in the classroom as well," explains catcher Lindsey Barr '19, elementary education. "The season can be very stressful for some of us, balancing classes as well as making sure our bodies are taken care of during this long stretch of games. I just want to thank USI in advance for all of their support and encouragement this semester."

While there is no guarantee, even as the top-ranked team, Barr and the Screaming Eagles softball team hope to make a return trip to the national title game-and the statehouse.

See the USI softball team's 2019 schedule

Read about the USI softball team's run to a National Championship