Inside the 2008 Alabama Softball Media Guide

Home , Coleman Coliseum, The Crimson White

2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL On Deck Inside the 2008 Alabama Softball Media Guide

This is Alabama Softball Quick Facts ...... 2-3 University of Alabama ...... 4 Alabama Softball Facilities ...... 6 Alabama in the College World Series ...... 8 The SEC Championships ...... 10 Crimson Tide All-American ...... 12 Alabama’s Traditions ...... 14 University President ...... 15 Athletics Director ...... 16 Athletic Administration ...... 17 Academic Excellence ...... 18 The 2008 Softball Preview ...... 20

The Staff Head Coach Patrick Murphy...... 22 Associate Head Coach Alyson Habetz ...... 24 Assistant Coach Vann Stuedeman ...... 25 Support Staff ...... 27

Brittany Rogers, an All-SEC and All-American honoree last year as a sophomore, led an offense The Players that ﬁnished at the top of the SEC and in the nation in several categories. Rogers, who led the Player Bios ...... 28 SEC in several individual offensive categories, returns for her junior season in 2008.

The Opponents Opponents ...... 43 The mission statement of the University of 2008 Tournament Bracket ...... 45 Alabama softball program:

2007 Season • As teammates, coaches, managers and trainers, we commit to fostering an 2007 Highlights and Honors ...... 46 environment in which each student-athlete can achieve her maximum academic 2007 Season Stats ...... 48 and athletic potential. 2007 SEC Season ...... 50 • As members of a team, we will provide the best possible college experience by The History recognizing, embracing and appreciating the similarities and differences in each All-Time Achievements ...... 52 and every team member. We will attempt to live our lives by “The Golden Rule” Alabama Softball Complex ...... 54 - do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Records ...... 57 Postseason History ...... 65 • Beyond the playing field, we will commit to being positive role models in All-Time Roster/Staff and Jersey Numbers ...... 70 demonstrating the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity and class. Alabama and USA Softball ...... 72 Year-by-Year Results ...... 74 • We pledge to compete for NCAA championships while complying with all NCAA and Community and the Media SEC rules and regulations. Media Outlets ...... 79 Media Roster ...... 80

1 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS The Alabama Athletic Media Relations Ofﬁce is located on the ground level of Coleman Coliseum.

MEDIA SERVICES/CREDENTIALS Members of the media are supplied with up-to-date release packages which can be obtained on On www.rolltide.com. The release contains updated statistics, season results and notes. Pregame Deck notes and media guides are available before all home games at the Alabama Softball Complex. UNIVERSITY INFORMATION: Coach Patrick Murphy and Alabama’s players are available for interviews following games after Location: ...... Tuscaloosa, Ala. a 10 minute cooling off period. Enrollment: ...... 23,878 Founded: ...... April 12, 1831 TELEPHONE/FAX SERVICES Conference: ...... Southeastern (SEC) The University of Alabama Softball Complex is equipped with several phone lines in the press box, with the main number being 205.348.0909. Special requests for a private line Colors: ...... Crimson (PMS 201) & White should be made at least two weeks in advance of the game. The press box has wireless Nickname: ...... Crimson Tide internet access and there are also several internet lines available for use. President: ...... Dr. Robert E. Witt NCAA Faculty Representative: ...... Joe Hornsby INTERVIEWS Athletics Director: ...... Mal Moore Head coach Pat Murphy (205.348.4455) and assistant coaches Alyson Habetz (348.7992) and Vann Stuedeman (348.4400) can be reached daily at their Coleman Coliseum offices. The media may Senior Woman Administrator: ...... Marie Robbins call Murphy, Habetz or Stuedeman directly, but player interviews must be arranged through Associate AD/Media Relations Director: Corey Hoodjer in the Media Relations Office. The best time to reach any of the coaches is before ...... Doug Walker 11:30 a.m. The softball team practices at the Alabama Softball Complex, located at the corner of ...... Jeff Purinton Fifth Avenue and Campus Drive. Players are available immediately following practice. Associate Media Relations Directors: SATELLITE FEEDS/TELEVISION ...... Becky Hopf The University of Alabama, through the Crimson Tide Sports Network, offers a weekly 15-min- ...... Roots Woodruff ute satellite feed consisting of interviews with coaches and athletes, taped video highlights and Assistant Media Relations Directors: narrated taped packages from September through May. Occasionally, the softball team will be ...... Barry Allen featured in these packages. Please call the media relations office for more details. During the spring, the softball team’s progress will be covered each week on “Crimson Tide This Week,” ...... Corey Hoodjer a 30-minute regional sports show hosted by Chris Stewart. Tom Roberts is the Crimson Tide ...... Skip Powers Sports Network’s contact for video and satellite needs. CTSM video credits go to Matt Hoggle and Preston Kirk. Media Relations Intern: ...... Lindsay Laurent INTERNET ...... Matt Mishoe Information about University of Alabama Athletics can be found on the internet. The Athletics Softball Media Relations Director: ...... Corey Hoodjer Department site is found at www.rolltide.com where live stats and radio broadcasts of each Work Phone: ...... 205-348-7496 game can be found. Cell Phone: ...... 515-451-9670 Fax: ...... 205-348-8841 Email: ...... [email protected]

Director of Photography: ...... Kent Gidley

Web Communications Director: ...... Chip Dillard WVUA CARRYING ENTIRE SEASON OF BAMA SOFTBALL LIVE!

Administrative Staff: ...... Brenda Burnette WVUA-FM 90.7 is in its 7th season of Alabama Softball cover- ...... Karen Deaver age. The student-run radio station at the Capstone provides play-by-play coverage of every Alabama Softball game for the Media Relations Student Assistants: fourth consecutive season. Kathryn Lasater, Emily Screws, Meredith Martin, Lau- Known as “The Capstone Sports Authority”, WVUA-FM 90.7 has made its mark as one of the ren Logan, Alyson Logan, Jonathon Thompson, Tyler best college stations in the country with sports play-by-play. The team has brought in three na- Roberts, Tyler Bigbie, Erin Champlin, Ashley Paulk, tional championships, seven national ﬁnalist honors, and three AP awards. This season you can tune in to Nic Hoch and others for all the exciting action locally on 90.7 FM or on the web at www. Courtney White, Alex Greenbaum, Scott Latta, Emily rolltide.com. Meadows

2 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

2008 Alabama Softball All-time record: 545-196 (.735) Head Coach: Patrick Murphy Alma Mater: Northern Iowa, 1988 Alabama Record (years): 467-149 (9) 2007 Record: ...... 55-10 Overall Record (years): 495-169 (10) 2007 SEC Record/Finish: ...... 21-6/Third Office Phone: 205.348.4455 2007 Postseason/Ranking: ...... No. 9 (USA Today/NFCA) No. 11 (ESPN.com/USA Softball) Year at Alabama: 12th (1997) NFCA All-American: ...... Lauren Parker, Chrissy Owens, Brittany Rogers Years as Head Coach: Nine Easton All-American: ...... Lauren Parker, Chrissy Owens, Brittany Rogers E-mail Address: [email protected] NFCA All-South Region First Team: ...... Brittany Rogers, Chrissy Owens, Lauren Parker, Kelly Montalvo NFCA All-South Region Second Team: ...... Charlotte Morgan, Jordan Praytor Associate Head Coach: Alyson Habetz All-SEC First Team: ...... Brittany Rogers, Jordan Praytor, Lauren Parker Alma Mater: Southwestern Louisiana, 1995 All-SEC Second Team ...... Dani Woods, Chrissy Owens, Charlotte Morgan Office Phone: 205.348.7992 Freshman All-SEC: ...... Charlotte Morgan E-mail Address: [email protected] SEC All-Tournament Team: ...... Kellie Eubanks (IF) Year at Alabama: 10th (1999) Academic All-SEC: ...... Mallory Benak, Kellie Deska, Kellie Eubanks, Katie Johnson, Kelley Montalvo, Chrissy Owens, Lauren Parker, ...... Blair Potter, Jordan Praytor, Brittany Rogers, Dani Woods Assistant Coach: Vann Stuedeman SEC Good Works Team: ...... Kellie Eubanks Alma Mater: Huntingdon College, 1994 SEC Players of the Week: ...... Brittany Rogers (Feb. 19), Dani Woods (April 9), Lauren Parker (Feb. 26) Office Phone: 205.348.4400 SEC Pitcher of the Week: ...... Blair Potter (April 30) E-mail Address: [email protected] SEC Freshman of the Week: ...... Charlotte Morgan (Feb. 12, March 12, March 19) Year at Alabama: Eighth (2001) Position Starters Returning/Lost:...... 9/2 Pitchers Returning/Lost: ...... 3/1 Student Assistants: Letterwinners Returning/Lost: ...... 13/5 Managers: Nic Hoch, AJ Daugherty Athletic Trainer: Nick Seiler POSITION PLAYERS RETURNING (11) Director of Operations: Lacey Prejean # NAME CL B/T HT POS GP/GS 2007 STATS 2 Jordan Praytor SR L/R 5-5 OF 64-61 .367 avg., 50 runs scored, 6 home runs Softball Secretary: Sherry Selby 4 Katie Johnson SR R/R 5-9 OF 58-23 .231 avg., 1 home run, 7 runs scored Softball FAX: 205.348.0926 5 Jessica Smith SO R/R 5-5 UT 29-3 .208 avg., 1 home run, 5 RBI 6 Ashley Holcombe JR R/R 5-6 C 59-58 .274 avg., 6 home runs, 29 RBI Softball Media Contact: Corey Hoodjer 8 Brittany Rogers JR L/R 5-6 OF 65-64 .402 avg., 68 runs scored, 48 stolen bases Office Phone: 205.348.7496 10 Kelley Montalvo JR R/R 5-0 IF 64-63 .346 avg., 11 home runs, 43 RBI Cell Phone: 515.451.9670 13 Alex Blewitt SO R/R 5-11 3B 17-2 .250 avg., 1 home run, 8 RBI Office FAX: 205.348.8841 16 Kellie Eubanks JR R/R 6-0 IF 61-61 .230 avg., 7 home runs, 34 runs scored E-mail Address: [email protected] 17 Lauren Parker JR L/R 5-4 IF 55-47 .457 avg., 9 home runs, 45 RBI 23 Dani Woods SR L/L 5-5 IF 57-54 .341 avg., 7 home runs, 47 RBI Softball Mailing Address: 34 Charlotte Morgan SO R/L 5-10 P/UT 62-62 .358 avg., 11 home runs, 52 RBI Alabama Softball P.O. Box 870393 RETURNING PITCHERS (3) Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0393 7 Chrissy Owens SR 6-0 RHP 37-26 1.30 ERA, 24 wins, 144 Ks, 167.1 IP 21 Allison Moore JR 5-11 RHP 14-3 1.92 ERA, 3 wins, 34 Ks, 31.0 IP Softball Overnight Shipping Address: 34 Charlotte Morgan SO 5-10 LHP 41-7 2.27 ERA, 8 wins, 42 Ks, 52.1 IP Alabama Softball Coleman Coliseum Newcomers (4) 1201 Coliseum Drive 00 Kelsi Dunne FR R/R 6-0 Port Orange, Fla./Spruce Creek Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 15 Catherine Dozier FR R/R 5-7 Vestavia Hills/Vestavia 20 Whitney Larson FR R/R 5-9 Vestavia Hills/Vestavia CREDITS: The 2008 Alabama Softball Media Guide was written and edited by 22 Amanda Locke FR R/R 5-11 Mesquite, Texas/Mesquite Corey Hoodjer. The cover and interior designs are by Brent Hollings- worth, publications director for the media relations office and graduate student Ashley Paulk. Additional production and editing credit goes to Media Relations student assistant Kathryn Lasater. Photo credits are due to Media Relations staff photographers Kent Gidley, The Tuscaloosa News, Jason Harless, Don Miralle of Allsport, the Amateur Softball Association, Kathy Gage and Brakettes Softball Photo Archives, Marie Robbins, the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated. Womenʼs College World Series photo credits belong to Kent Gid- ley.

Front cover: Following another 50-win season and an NCAA appearance in 2007, the Tide had three players earn All-American honors. Chrissy Owens, Lauren Parker and Brittany Rogers were all honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the Easton All-American teams. All three return for Alabama in 2008.

3 4 THIS IS ... ALABAMA •The University of Alabama ranked 11th nationally among public universities and 29th among all universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars in 2006. The 2006 freshman class included 83 National Merit Scholars, a 15 percent increase over 2005.

•Four University of Alabama students were named to the 2007 USA Today All-USA College Academic Team, tied for the most of any school. This year’s team brings UA’s total for the last five years to 24, a figure that tops all other colleges and universities. UA had the most students on the list three of the last four years, with six in 2006 and five each in 2005 and 2003.

•Enrollment at The University of Alabama reached a record high of 23,878 in fall 2006, up almost 10 percent over 2005. The entering freshman class, at 4,378 students, was the largest in UA history.

•The University of Alabama’s “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign has raised more than $379 million on its way to a $500 million goal. Included in the $379 million is a record $108 million in private gifts and pledges the University received for fiscal year 2006, the second consecutive fiscal year that UA has raised more than $100 million in one year.

•The University of Alabama has a dramatic impact on the economy of Alabama, returning three dol- lars for every one dollar invested in the University by the state. UA contributes $1.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.

•U.S. News and World Report perennially ranks the UA School of Law among the top 50 in the nation. An impressive 97.6 percent of the 2006 graduates of the UA School of Law who took the Alabama bar exam in July 2006 passed.

•UA’s undergraduate business program ranked 60th nationally in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings, fall 2006. The Culverhouse School of Accountancy is ranked 25th among undergraduate accounting programs.

•The University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences’ doctoral program in mass communication is ranked seventh nationally by the National Communication Association. The most recent U.S. News rankings for communication graduate programs placed UA’s advertising program 12th and telecommunication 14th in the nation.

•The University of Alabama ranked among the top 50 public universities in the nation for the sixth consecutive year in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings, fall 2006.

•The University of Alabama’s graduates and current students include 15 Rhodes Scholars, 20 Goldwater Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 11 Hollings Scholars, two Javits Fellows, one Udall Scholar and one Portz Scholar.

•For more than a decade, UA has been one of the top public flagship universities in the Southeast in enrollment of African-American students. For the 2006-2007 academic year, African-Americans represented almost 11 percent of the student body.

•This year alone, more than 900 University of Alabama students will receive a total of more than $2.3 million in scholarships provided by the National Alumni Association.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

The Story of the Elephant The story of how Alabama became associated with the “elephant” goes back to the 1930 season when Coach Wallace Wade had assembled a great football team. On October 8, 1930, sports writer Everett Strupper of the Atlanta Journal wrote a story of the Alabama-Mississippi game he had witnessed in Tuscaloosa four days earlier. Strupper wrote, “That Alabama team of 1930 is a typical Wade machine, powerful, big, tough, fast, aggressive, well-schooled in fundamentals, and the best blocking team for this early in the season that I have ever seen. When those big brutes hit you I mean you go down and stay down, often for an additional two minutes. “Coach Wade started his second team that was plenty big and they went right to their knitting scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against one of the best fighting small lines that I have seen. For Ole Miss was truly battling the big boys for every inch of ground. “At the end of the quarter, the earth started to tremble, there was a distant rumble that continued to grow. Some excited fan in the stands bellowed, ‘Hold your horses, the elephants are coming,’ and out stamped this Alabama varsity. “It was the first time that I had seen it and the size of the entire eleven nearly knocked me cold, men that I had seen play last year looking like they had nearly doubled in size.” Strupper and other writers continued to refer to the Alabama linemen as “Red Elephants,” the color referring to the crimson jerseys. The 1930 team posted an overall 10-0 record. It shut out eight opponents and allowed only 13 points all season while scoring 217. The “Red Elephants” rolled over Washington State 24-0 in the Rose Bowl and were declared National Champions.

YEA ALABAMA Why the Tide? Yea Alabama! Drown’em Tide, In early newspaper accounts of Alabama football, the team was simply listed as the “varsity” or the “Crimson White” after the school colors. The Every Bama man’s behind you, ﬁrst nickname to become popular and used by headline writers was the Hit your stride... “Thin Red Line.” The nickname was used until 1906. The name “Crimson Go teach the BLouisiana Lafayettedogs Tide” is supposed to have ﬁrst been used by Hugh Roberts, former sports to behave editor of the Birmingham Age-Herald. He used “Crimson Tide” in describ- Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave, ing an Alabama-Auburn game played in Birmingham in 1907, the last And if a man starts to weaken, football contest between the two schools until 1948 when the series was That’s a shame, resumed. The game was played in a sea of mud and Auburn was a heavy ‘Cause Bama’s pluck and grit have favorite to win. But, evidently, the “Thin Red Line” played a great game in the red mud and held Auburn to a 6-6 tie, thus gaining the name “Crimson Writ her name in Crimson Flame, Tide.” Zipp Newman, former sports editor of the The Birmingham News, prob- Fight on, Fight on, Fight on, men! ably popularized the name more than any other writer. Remember the Rose Bowl we’ll win then. Go, roll to victory, Hit your stride! You’re Dixie’s football pride, Crimson Tide!

14 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

“The best and the brightest arrive at UA with very high expectations. They expect outstanding academic programs, superior teaching, strong staff support, and first-class facilities. It is imperative as we attract these bright young people that we grow with balanced excellence, and that is exactly what we are doing. Honors College, the Blount Initiative and the honors programs in the various majors across the Universityʼs colleges and schools are fLouisiana Lafayettey meeting the expectations of the best and brighteState” – Dr. Robert E. Witt Dr. Robert E. Witt President The University of Alabama

As president of The University of Alabama, Dr. Robert Dr. Witt’s vision for the E. Witt has committed the University to an ambitious plan University of the future has for growth and achievement. His goals include increasing three cornerstones: enrollment to 28,000 students by 2010 and stimulating significant growth in research in support of economic ● To be a university of choice expansion for the state and nation. Under his leadership, for the best and brightest students; enrollment has reached record levels and academic quality has increased significantly. ● To be a student-centered tier-1 research university; The Fall 2006 freshman class included 83 National Merit Scholars, ranking UA 11th nationally among public uni- ● To be an academic community united in its commitment to versities in enrollment of these nationally recognized stu- enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians. dents. Since its inception in 2003, the University’s Honors College has grown exponentially, enrolling more than 900 Now in his fifth year as president, Dr. Witt came to UA freshmen in 2006. A major building program, including with 35 years experience in the University of Texas System. academic, athletic and residential facilities, is under way. He received his B.A. in economics from Bates College, Private giving to the University is at an all-time high with his M.B.A. from Tuck School at Dartmouth College, supporters embracing a capital campaign with a major and his Ph.D. from Penn State University. He serves on goal of improving scholarship opportunities for deserving the board of directors of the Black Warrior Council Boy students. Scouts of America and is a member of the West Alabama The campaign theme is Our Students, Our Future. Chamber of Commerce, the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, and the Elizabeth Project Care Board.

Four Students Named to USA Todayʼs All-USA College Academic Team - Four students from The University of Alabama have been named to this yearʼs USA Today All-USA College Academic Team. This yearʼs team brings UAʼs total for the last four years to 24, a figure that tops all other colleges and universities. UA had the most students on the list in 2005 with five and in 2003, also with five. In 2004, with four students on the team, UA came in second only to Harvard. A total of 83 students natioNorth- westernide were selected from more than 600 nominees for the 2006 team. Yale, Duke and Northwestern Universities each had three students on the team, the second highest total.

>>>> Alabamaʼs USA Today All-USA College Academic Team Honorees (L-R): Kristi Wilcox, Katie Boyd, Jennifer Phillips and Michele McGaha.

15 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

to identify and hire good coaches and sec- In his career, Moore has worked with a ondly, his vision about facilities.” diversified field of constituents, from fellow Alabama student-athletes are already coaches to former players, to fans and the utilizing new stadiums for soccer and ten- business community. All those experiences Mal nis and football is enjoying a state-of-the- and relationships make him the ideal per- art weight facility, locker room and sports son to lead Alabama athletics into the 21st medicine area and a Hall of Champions century. and administrative area that makes it one A 1963 graduate of the University of of top venues in the nation. Alabama, Moore holds both an under- Moore Crimson Tide student-athletes also ben- graduate degree in Sociology and a 1964 efit from a state-of-the-art academic center Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Director of Athletics that came on line in early 2005 and renova- from the Capstone. A scholarship player for tion of Coleman Coliseum is complete. Coach Paul Bryant, Moore was a member His leadership has been crucial in help- of Alabama’s 1961 national championship ing guide Alabama through a period that team. has, at times, been extremely difficult. It Coaching football for 31 years, 22 of has been his guidance and efforts that have those at Alabama, provided Moore with helped Alabama weather the storm, while a wealth of experience and knowledge in continuing to move in a positive direction the world of college athletics. As a coach, toward a future that will shine as brightly Moore served as Bryant’s graduate assis- as Alabama’s storied paState tant in 1964 and then Alabama’s defensive Under Moore’s direction Alabama’s ath- backfield coach from 1965-70. He served as letic teams have produced a number of the Tide’s quarterbacks coach from 1971-82 Southeastern Conference titles, including and from 1975-82 took on the addition- men’s basketball, gymnastics, baseball and al responsibility and elevated role as the Mal Moore, in his ninth year as the Tide’s softball and SEC tournament titles in both Tide’s offensive coordinator. Director of Athletics, has put his stamp on baseball and softball, and an NCAA gym- Alabama won national championships, one of the nation’s most storied athletic nastics title. Alabama athletes have earned in 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979 and 1992 with programs. Alabama’s athletic teams have some of the highest honors the SEC and Moore coordinating all the offensive plays excelled in the competition arena and he NCAA have to offer, including SEC Athlete for the last four of those championship has now directed completion of a $125 of the Year, SEC Scholar-Athlete of the teams. He is the only man connected with million facilities campaign that has revital- Year, NCAA Top VIII, NCAA Postgraduate the Alabama coaching staffs, past or pres- ized the Crimson Tide’s athletic facilities. Scholarships and NCAA Sportsperson of ent, who was a member of all seven of those It has been Moore’s leadership, vision and the Year. These honors are over and above title squads. In addition to Alabama, his initiative that has enabled this monumental the individual conference and national titles coaching career included stops at Montana project to reach fruition. that Alabama athletes continue to bring State, Notre Dame and the NFL’s Phoenix Alabama football competes in the home to the Capstone. Cardinals. newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium During his tenure, Moore has also super- Moore was born December 19, 1939 in which holds 92,138 fans, making it the vised the completion of a number of other Dozier, Alabama. He has been married to seventh-largest on campus facility in the facility projects, highlighted by the expan- the former Charlotte Davis of Tuscaloosa nation. With the north end zone expansion sion of Sewell-Thomas Stadium; new light- since July 20, 1968. They have one daughter, completed, this magnificent edifice now ing systems for Coleman Coliseum, Sewell Mrs. Steve (Heather) Cook of Scottsdale, houses 120 skyboxes, a new home team Thomas Stadium and the women’s soccer Arizona, a granddaughter, Anna Lee, and a locker room, a club level area hosting 1,680 field and installation of new artificial turf in grandson, Charles Cannon. patrons, a new administrative level and the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility. approximately 6,800 additional upper deck Hired on Nov. 23, 1999, Moore’s stint as seats. Director of Athletics is the latest phase of Moore’s tenure at UA has been marked his 30-plus years of service to the Capstone. by unprecedented facility growth for the Well-known in athletic circles, Moore brings athletic department but he has also had a a vision of championships and success to national impact as a key member of sev- the office of athletics director thanks to his eral prestigious NCAA and college foot- three decades of experience in collegiate ball committees. Moore currently serves athletics. on the NCAA Division I Football issues As a player and coach at Alabama, Moore Committee, the SEC AD Bowl Advisory was part of seven national championships, Committee and on the Big Six Conferences 14 SEC championships, and 27 bowl trips. Minority Coaches Forum. Alabama capitalized on that background, Moore was rewarded for his successes and Moore’s popularity, by naming him as with a contract extension that will take him Associate Athletics Director for External through June, 2010. He received unanimous Affairs in 1994, a position that required support from the UA Board of Trustees. constant travel to speaking engagements “This is based on two things: his ability around the SoutheaState

16 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL Athletic Department Senior Support Staff

Finus Gaston Senior Associate Athletics Director/ Chief Financial Officer

Crimson ties are a family tradition for Finus Gaston, Senior Associate Athletic Director. His Kevin Almond Chris Besanceney Jon Dever Associate AD Assistant AD Assistant AD father, the late Finus C. Gaston, Support Services Ticket Office/TIDE PRIDE Student Services was sports information director at Alabama from 1953-61. His moth- er, the late Jewell Gaston, was a long-time UA departmental employee in the Tide Pride office. Gaston joined the University of Alabama Athletics Department in 1996 after serving the University for 22 years. The Tuscaloosa native was Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary and Support Services before joining the Crimson Tide athletics staff. His duties as the department’s Chief Financial Officer Jon Gilbert Wendell Hudson Kim Johnson encompass management of the athletics business office, bud- Director Major Gifts Associate AD Assistant AD geting, human resources, contract negotiation and admin- Development Alumni Relations Community Outreach istration, long range strategic planning, team travel for all sports, capital projects, and general maintenance of facilities and grounds associated with athletics. During the fall of 1999, Gaston served as the University’s interim athletics director. His ties run deep with the department. The 1969 Tuscaloosa High School graduate continued his education at the University of Alabama, working his way through school as Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s head football manager. In 1973, Gaston earned a degree in business education, then went on Carol Parks Chris King Sarah Patterson to earn a Master of Arts degree in trade and industrial educa- Associate AD Associate AD Associate AD tion in 1975. In 1984, Gaston received his Doctor of Education Business Compliance Community Relations Degree in administration and higher education. His doctoral dissertation, “Administrative Decision Making: A Study of Collegiate Trademark Licensing Programs”, was the first documented research on the collegiate licensing industry. He is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi honorary fraternities. Upon graduation, Gaston’s career flourished at the University. Working in the Financial Affairs Division, he held positions as Buyer, Assistant Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Manager and Director of Licensing, Associate Ronny Robertson Marie Robbins Thad Turnipseed Director of Business Services, and Assistant Vice President for Associate AD Associate AD Director Athletic Auxiliary and Support Services. Development Sr. Woman Administrator Capital Projects Gaston and his wife, Martha, have two children: a son, Will Wagner, a 1995 graduate of Alabama and a 2001 graduate of UAB Dental School and his wife Berkley (UA ’95); a daughter, Curri Dichiara, a 1998 graduate of the Capstone and her husband Neal (UA ’2001), and four granddaughters, Anna Carson Wagner, Allie Wagner, Martie Will Dichiara and Maggie Dichiara.

Doug Walker Larry White Associate AD Associate AD Media Relations Event Management

17 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL Center for Athletic Student Services

Already a huge help for Crimson Tide student- give tours to recruits and their parents. Bryant Hall ing there are 16 information stations that provide athletes, the Center for Athletic Student Services demonstrates the level of commitment to academ- student-athletes with news about tutorials, study (CASS) got a huge boost in 2007 when it moved into ics that the University of Alabama and its athletics sessions and even practice schedules. it’s new home. department. With over 50,000 square feet, Bryant The building also houses the Crimson Tide’s Ac- CASS’ new home, the Paul W. Bryant Academic Hall meets the needs of our student-athletes all un- ademic Hall of Fame and its nationally recognized Center, is the crown jewel in Alabama’s $120-plus der one roof, a tremendous asset for them and their LifeSkills program. million Crimson Tradition building initiative. busy schedules. A student-athlete can meet with “This project was certainly one of our focal points their advisor, work with a tutor, attend their orienta- when we started the current renovations of our ath- tion class, use the math lab, reading lab, writing lab, letic facilities,” athletics director Mal Moore said. or computer lab – all within Bryant Hall.” “Academics are at the center of our mission at Ala- Among the building’s many amenities is a 48-seat bama and we wanted to create a place that would computer lab with brand-new equipment. The com- aid all our student-athletes in their educational pur- puter lab also houses 25 laptop computers that can suits. Bryant Hall will provide everything that we be checked out by student-athletes for use on road need in that regard.” trips. There are math, English, and writing labs as Through the auspices of the Crimson Tradition well as individual study rooms. The athletic aca- Fund, Alabama took its former athletic dorm and demic advisor ofﬁces are also housed in the build- converted it into a 55,000-square foot state-of-the-art ing along with several study lounges, two 50-seat facility that will beneﬁt all 425-plus Crimson Tide classrooms and a 140-seat classroom. student-athletes. The classrooms utilize cutting-edge teaching “Bryant Hall is an incredible facility for our stu- devices, including digital overhead projectors and dent-athletes,” Heather Anders, the softball team’s “smart boards” that allow instructors to interact academic advisor said. “I can’t help but be proud to with students on the go. Throughout the build-

18 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL Academic Achievement ESPN ACADEMIC ACADEMIC ALL-SEC Leah White Alabama Softball ALL-AMERICAN 2007 Mallory Benak Jackie Wilkins 2004 Kellie Deska Erin Wright Academic Excellence Jackie McClain (2nd Team) Kellie Eubanks Jennifer Wright 2001 Ashley Holcombe 2003 Casey Cockrum MANDY BURFORD Ginger Jones (1st Team) Katie Johnson Ashley Courtney Sigma Alpha Lambda Kelley Askew (2nd Team) Kelley Montalvo Emily Currie Kelly Kretschman (2nd Team) Chrissy Owens Angela Johnson KATIE JOHNSON 2000 Lauren Parker Jackie McClain Phi Eta Sigma Ginger Jones (2nd Team) Blair Potter Stephanie VanBrakle Jordan Praytor Leah White STEPHANIE VANBRAKLE ESPN ACADEMIC Brittany Rogers Jackie Wilkins Arthur Ashe Award Nominee ALL-DISTRICT Dani Woods Jennifer Wright 2006 2006 Dominique Accettero 2002 Casey Cockrum DANI WOODS Jordan Praytor (2nd Team) Kellie Deska Angela Johnson National Society of Collegiate Stephanie VanBrakle (2nd Team) Katie Johnson Shelley Laird Scholars 2005 Chrissy Owens Jackie McClain Jackie Wilkins (1st Team) Blair Potter Suzanne Olcott Jennifer Wright (2nd Team) Jordan Praytor Jennifer Reach Alabama Softball 2004 Staci Ramsey Leah White Academic Jackie McClain (1st Team) Stephanie VanBrakle 2001 Kelley Askew Angela Johnson (1st Team) Dani Woods Ginger Jones All-Americans 2003 Kellie Deska Kelly Kretschman Angela Johnson (2nd Team) Katie Johnson Suzanne Olcott Kelley Askew Jennifer Reach (2nd Team) Chrissy Owens Jennifer Reach 2002 Blair Potter 2000 Kelley Askew Angela Johnson (2nd Team) Jordan Praytor Lise Debruin Suzanne Olcott (2nd Team) Staci Ramsey Kristi Frenier 2001 Stephanie VanBrakle Ginger Jones Kelley Askew (1st Team) Dani Woods Kelly Kretschman Ginger Jones (1st Team) 2005 Mandy Burford Christy Kyle Kelly Kretschman (1st Team) Ashley Courtney Suzanne Olcott Suzanne Olcott (2nd Team) Emily Currie Paula White Ginger Jones 2000 Kellie Deska 1999 Kelley Askew Ginger Jones (1st Team) Katie Johnson Amy Bernard Suzanne Olcott (1st Team) Chrissy Owens Kristi Black Deasy Phillips Kristi Frenier Jordan Praytor Ginger Jones Lauren Roark Kelly Kretschman Kelly Kretschman Stephanie VanBrakle Christy Kyle Dani Woods 1998 J.C. Chapman Jennifer Wright Karla Contryman Jackie Wilkins Christy Kyle 2004 Mandy Burford Nicki McKee Ashley Courtney Paula White Jackie McClain Emily Currie 1997 Kelly McQuaid Kellie Deska Angela Johnson Jackie McClain Capper Reed Stephanie VanBrakle

19 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL

“Tradition never graduates.” -- Head Coach Patrick Murphy

Making another run in 2008

Success. Consistency. National rec- any lead-off hitter, Rogers got on base ognition. often (.426 on-base percentage) and Those words are mentioned by scored even more. Her 68 runs scored nearly every collegiate coach, no mat- led a team that set a new SEC record ter what the school or the sport. Easy for runs scored in a season with 463. to say, not so easy to achieve. Her efforts earned a bevy of post- But at the Capstone, head coach season honors for the Dacula, Georgia, Patrick Murphy and his Crimson Tide native. Rogers was named to the Na- softball team have done just that. In- tional Fastpitch Coaches Association deed, an Alabama fan would be hard- (NFCA) All-American second team pressed to find a program that had and was an Easton first teamer after achieved those three milestones more her spectacular season. consistently in the past decade. Lauren Parker, a junior transfer After another successful run in 2007, from Baylor, was another standout however, Alabama looks to achieve in the Tide lineup. Parker, who put even greater heights in 2008. Because together an incredible .457 batting even with all of the highlights of the average, the second-highest mark in past season, one glaring hole exists in school history, joined Rogers on the Chrissy Owens the Tide’s resume. Easton and NFCA squads after an im- At most places, it would be hard pressive improvement. As a freshman to top last season. The Tide racked up Fortunately for Murphy, this year’s with the Bears, Parker hit .266 with no yet another 50-win season, hosted an team returns nearly every key mem- home runs. A year later, she improved NCAA Regional, where it won four ber from last year’s unit. her average by 191 points and bashed straight games facing elimination to “We are so blessed to have so many nine homers. advance to the Super Regionals for the great kids coming back from last year’s Another key at the top of the lineup third straight year. Along the way, Al- team,” Murphy said. “I think this is for the Tide was senior Jordan Pray- abama earned the program’s first No. the most returning starters we have tor, another speedy baserunner who 1 ranking and finished as the ninth- ever had. The hard part now is getting helped her team set school and SEC ranked team in the nation after setting them to work that much harder after records on the base paths. Praytor hit the SEC’s all-time record for home falling short of a major goal last May.“ .367 on the year, with a .484 on-base runs by a team in a season. Heading that list is center fielder percentage that ranked second on the Despite all of that, Murphy and his Brittany Rogers, a speedy junior who team behind Parker among players team were not among those who made has become one of the nation’s best with at least 50 at-bats. The Vancouver, the trip to Oklahoma City to compete leadoff hitters. Rogers hit .402 last Wash., product scored 50 runs, second in the College World Series. It’s some- season, just the ninth UA player to on the team behind Rogers and drove thing the 10th-year head coach defi- go over the .400 mark, to go with 48 in 46 in her own right. nitely wants to resume after having stolen bases to set a new school re- The beneficiary at the top of the played in the sport’s most recognized cord and help set the table for one of lineup was SEC All-Freshman team forum three of the past four years. the country’s best offenses. A key for member Charlotte Morgan, who burst

20 2008 ALABAMA SOFTBALL onto the scene in her first season of “Our pitching staff lost a 20-game collegiate softball. Morgan blasted 11 winner in Blair Potter, but we gained home runs on the year, tying for the the Florida Player of the Year and the team lead, and drove in 52 runs, the EA Sports National Player of the Year best on the team. in Kelsi Dunne,” Murphy said. “We Kelley Montalvo, a fan favorite, had are expecting a great defensive team a monster sophomore season. The Mi- with some of the best athletes we have ami product blasted 11 home runs of had in our program in all positions.” her own to tie Morgan atop the team Those sentiments certainly came to leaderboard. She drove in 43 runs and fruition in the fall season for the Tide. scored 45 times as well. Alabama breezed through four games With the bulk of one of the na- in the last two weekends in October, tion’s best offenses returning, clearly dispatching each of its fall opponents the Crimson Tide will be an exciting with the softball run-rule limit and bunch with the sticks in their hands. outscoring teams from Wallace-Do- But as any softball fan knows, every than, UA-Huntsville and Memphis by championship team must have a tal- a combined score of 38-4. ented pitching staff. Fortunately for Five players hit over .500 in the fall Katie Johnson Murphy, he’s got that area covered as and four had at least five RBI in the well. four games. The Tide put together a will also face SEC tests against na- Despite losing veteran Blair Pot- team batting average of .432 and the tional powers from Tennessee, LSU ter last season, Murphy returns All- pitching staff had an ERA of 0.91 in the and Georgia. The Tide will also play American Chrissy Owens as the cor- four outings. The top of the UA lineup an exhibition contest against the USA nerstone of the Tide pitching staff. Last was extremely effective, setting the ta- Olympic team in Birmingham’s Lib- season, Owens compiled a 24-5 mark ble for the lethal long-ball hitters in the erty Park in mid-April. on the mound, putting together a 1.30 middle of the lineup. In short, the Tide The 2008 SEC Tournament will be ERA with 144 strikeouts. She posted 11 was as dominant in the fall as it has hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge from shutouts and combined for five others been in the SEC over the past decade. May 8-10, NCAA Regionals begin on on the season. The 11 shutouts was the But, as Murphy is well aware, it will May 16 and Super Regionals follow second-highest single-season total in all be different come February. The on May 23-24. The College World Se- school history. Tide faces another daunting schedule ries in Oklahoma City is set for May Allison Moore, who stayed at home in the SEC in addition to several reg- 29-June 4. to play for the Tide, appeared in three ular-season tournaments that will fea- As has become customary, Crim- games and had a 1.35 ERA with 34 ture some of the top teams in college son Tide softball tickets are among the strikeouts and Morgan pitched in softball. hottest in town. Last season, Alabama eight games for Alabama, recording Alabama opens its season with a sold more than 1,200 season tickets 42 punchouts of her own. pair of tournaments in Tuscaloosa, be- and eclipsed that mark three months ginning with the Hampton Inn Bama before the season began, surpassing its Bash on Feb. 8-10. That event features goal of 1,250 season tickets sold. Once Purdue, Jacksonville State and South again, the Alabama softball facility Alabama. The following weekend the will be the place to be this spring. Tide hosts the Hampton Inn Crimson Murphy and his team seem to be Classic with teams from Georgia Tech, well on their way to yet another fan- Middle Tennessee and New Mexico. tastic season on the diamond. Time The next two weekends see the Tide will tell if the seasoned group of veter- travelling to Miami to compete in the ans and a talented bunch of freshmen Florida International Fun in the Sun are poised to make another trip to the tournament alongside FIU, UConn College World Series, but initial indica- and Illinois and the University of tions are that those goals are certainly Washington Husky Classic with Ida- within reach. ho State, Portland State, Nevada and hosting Washington, who eliminated the Tide in the NCAA Super Regionals a season ago in Seattle. In addition to a non-conference Kelley Montalvo game against Georgia Tech, Alabama