A History of Excellence Table of Contents MEDIA INFORMATION DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS This Is Lady Statesmen Softball

Home , Dave Martinez, Head coach

A History of Excellence Table of Contents MEDIA INFORMATION DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS This is Lady Statesmen Softball...... IFC Institution...... Delta State University Table of Contents...... 1 City/State...... Cleveland, Mississippi Media Services...... 2 Founded...... 1924 Jeremy McClain, Director of Athletics...... 3 Enrollment...... 4,392 Athletic Administration...... 4 National Affiliation...... NCAA II Conference...... Gulf South COACHING STAFF Nickname...... Lady Statesmen Casey Bourgoyne, Head Coach...... 6 Colors...... Forest Green & White Dave Martinez, Assistant Coach...... 7 Home Field...... University Field Jenna Smart, Graduate Assistant...... 8 Capacity...... 750 Blake Whatley, Graduate Assistant...... 8 President...... Dr. John Hilpert Emily Steen, Athletic Trainer...... 8 Athletic Director...... Jeremy McClain Assistant Athletic Director...... Ray Bridges 2009 OUTLOOK • MEET THE LADY STATESMEN Asst. AD/SWA...... Dana George Season Outlook...... 10 Assistant Athletic Director...... Ronnie Mayers Numerical Roster...... 11 Faculty Ath. Representative...... Dr. Rose Strahan Kristi Basso...... 12 Head Ath. Trainer...... Gerald Jordan, ATC Brittany Tillery...... 13 Athletic Communications Director...... Matt Jones Brooke Allgood...... 14 Softball Contact...... Travis Chamblee Chelsea Carr...... 15 Athletic Department Phone...... (662) 846-4300 Courtney Clark...... 16 Ticket Office...... (662) 846-4290 Brittany Eikner...... 17 Kim Hensley...... 18 LADY STATESMEN COACHING STAFF Kate Moreland...... 19 Head Coach...... Casey Bourgoyne Edie Oliver...... 20 Alma mater...... Delta State University, 2002 Callie Weaver...... 21 Office Number...... (662) 846-4288 Courtney Chism...... 22 Best Time to Call...... Weekday Mornings Kimbo Seale...... 23 Record at DSU...... 0-0 Paige Silverthorn...... 24 Years at DSU...... First Season Emily Hearn...... 25 Overall Record...... 0-0 Years as Head Coach...... First Season 2008 YEAR-IN-REVIEW Assistant Coach...... Dave Martinez A Look Back at 2008...... 26 Alma mater...... Sul Ross State, 2003 2008 Results...... 27 Graduate Assistant...... Jenna Smart 2008 Statistics...... 28 Alma mater...... Delta State University, 2007 Graduate Assistant...... Blake Whatley LADY STATESMEN RECORDS • MISCELLANEOUS Alma mater...... Delta State University, 2007 Career Records...... 30-31 Season Records...... 32-33 TEAM INFORMATION Lady Statesmen Honors...... 34 2008 Record...... 33-26 Gulf South Conference...... 35 Gulf South Conference Record...... 18-10/Third GSC West Dr. John Hilpert, DSU President...... 36 Final Ranking...... Not ranked Easton Advertisement...... 37 Starters Returning/Lost...... 6/5 GSC Opponents...... 38 Letterwinners Returning/Lost...... 9/8 Lady Statesmen Sports Network...... 39 athletic communications 2009 MEDIA GUIDE CREDITS Director...... Matt Jones The 2009 Delta State University softball media guide is a pro- Assistant to Athletic Communications...... Jim Ervin duction of the Delta State University Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant/Softball Contact...... Travis Chamblee office. The guide was written, designed, and edited by Ath- Graduate Assistant...... Daniel Hawthorne letic Communications assistant Travis Chamblee. Additional Student Assistant...... J. T. Webb editorial assistance was provided by Athletic Communications Office Phone...... (662) 846-4284 Director Matt Jones, and assistants Daniel Hawthorne and J.T. Graduate Assistant Office Phone...... (662) 846-4285 Webb. Additional thanks to coach Casey Bourgoyne and as- Fax...... (662) 846-4297 sistant coach Dave Martinez. The cover was designed by Laura Internet:...... www.GoStatemen.com Walker, University Communications and Marketing graphic designer.

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 1 Delta State University Softball Athletic Communications

Matt Jones Jim Ervin Travis Chamblee Daniel Hawthorne J.T. Webb Director of Athletic Assistant to Athletic Football • Softball Basketball • Soccer Tennis • Golf Communications Communication

The Delta State University Athletic Communications Office Radio and Television is located on the second floor of the Billy Dorgan, Jr. Student Radio stations planning to originate a broadcast(s) from Performance Center adjacent to the Chadwick-Dickson Athletic University Field should contact the Director of Athletic Field House. The office is open Monday through Friday from Communications at least one week prior to the planned 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on game day as time requires. The Athletic broadcast. Courtesy lines are providied for the official Communications Office can be reached by calling Matt (662) station of the opposing school. Any other line needed will 846-4284 or 846-4285. You can also e-mail us at matt@delt- require assistance from Telecommunications (846-4030). astate.edu. Player Interviews General Information Media members must adhere to the following guidelines The 2009 edition of the Delta State University Lady Statesmen regarding Lady Statesmen player interviews: (1) All player Softball Media Guide was written, edited and published by the interviews must be coordinated through the Athletic Com- DSU Athletic Communications Office for the use by the news munications office; (2) Players are available for interviews, media. either at the Dorgan Center or via telephone prior to practice (generally 1:30-4:00 p.m.) and following the completion SOFTBALL Media Contacts of practice; (3) Please give at least 24 hours notice; (4) No The media coordinator for the Lady Statesmen softball team is interviews will be allowed on the day of a game. Travis Chamblee. To contact Mr. Chamblee, please call (662) 846-4285 or email him at [email protected]. Coaches Interviews Head coach Casey Bourgoyne is available for interviews in Weekly Media Services her office in the Billy Dorgan Jr. Student-Athlete Perfor- The Athletic Communications Office produces a weekly release mance Center. Bourgoyne and her staff are available for featuring game notes, updated statistics and other pertinent in- interviews weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and noon formation on the Lady Statesmen softball program. To access in their offices. Members of the staff will also conduct this release, please log on to www.gostatesmen.com and click interviews after the conclusion of practice each day. Please on softball. Each week’s release will be located on the right contact the Athletic Communications Office to schedule an side of the web page. The PDF formatted document is posted interview outside of this time. No interviews will be granted every Monday by noon. before a game.

Press Credentials Practice Credential requests for working press, photographers, tele- The Delta State University Lady Statesmen practice at Uni- vision and radio should be made to Matt Jones, Director of versity Field and the Bryce Griffis Indoor Practice Facility. Athletic Communications. Credentials will be available at the Practice begins everyday at 1:30 p.m. with team meetings Media Will Call gate located on the East side of University Field. and actual workouts begin at 2 p.m. Practices are open Credentials should be requested at least seven days in advance to the media and general public. For more information on of the game. No credentials will be mailed. If there is a special practice times, please contact the DSU Athletic Communica- circumstance regarding one or more of the games, please con- tions Office. tact the Athletic Communications Office. Parking Gameday Services A limited number of media parking spaces are available at Members of the working media will be provided the following University Field. The spaces are passed out on a first come, at University Field: game notes package, game program, com- first serve basis. It is suggested that parking passes be plete statistics and the opportunity to interview both coaches requested with the initial media credential request. Should at the conclusion of the game. The final stat pack will be avail- special circumstances arise, please contact Matt Jones as able 20 minutes after the game. soon as possible. 2 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Jeremy Mcclain • Director of Athletics Second Season • Delta State, 1999

Jeremy McClain begins his second year as director he earned his bachelor’s of business administration. of athletics at Delta State University after one of the McClain pursued his dreams of playing professional most successful years in the program’s history. In baseball for the next five years, completing stints his first year as Director, McClain continued to build with the Red Sox (1999 – 2000), Jackson Diamondkats upon the championship success of Delta State’s 13 (2000 – 2001), Nashua Pride (2001), San Angelo Colts intercollegiate athletic programs, while improving (2001) and Jackson Senators (2002 – 2003). student services and community involevment. Although focused on making it to the next level, In 2008-2009, McClain has coordinated a major McClain remained realistic of his chances and com- expansion of Delta State University’s scoreboards pleted work on his master’s degree in business admin- with the addition of a videoboard at Parker Field- istration at Delta State in 2002. Also during that time, McCool Stadium, and new scoreboards at Ferriss he worked as an account executive with the Jackson Field, Sillers Coliseum and University Field. Senators. He has also seen the completion of the locker From there, McClain hung up the spikes and be- room renovation at Walter Sillers Coliseum, and the came a marketing representative for Federated Insur- The McClain File dugout and locker room addition at University Field. ance Company in Calhoun City, a firm he would stay • Houlka native This spring, McClain has focused on facility with from Nov. 2003 – Nov. 2006. During his tenure, • B.S., Delta State, 1999 upgrades and student support services as two areas he operated the most profitable territory in a six-state • M.B.A., Delta State, 2002 DSU Athletics will target. region for two consecutive years, while also improving • Phd., Delta State, Exp. In his first year at the helm, the Statesmen a two-year loss ratio from 20.4 percent to 3.3 percent. 2009 Football and Baseball programs claimed Gulf South When the opportunity to return to Delta State Conference titles, while Lady Statesmen Basketball University presented itself, McClain did not hesitate, McClain Tidbits returned to national prominence with a GSC and accepting the offer to become the director of develop- • All-American pitcher at NCAA South Region title, and a trip to the Final ment for Delta State’s Foundation. In just under six Four. In all, eight teams competed in NCAA post- months, McClain raised a total of $165,000 in cash DSU season play and the future looks even better for gifts and over $250,000 in pledges. • Four-year letter-winner the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen under McClain’s “A great foundation has been laid here at Delta • Drafted by Boston Red leadership. State University, and it is my desire to continue to Sox Last year, DSU launched a comprehensive build upon that foundation. It is my goal to continu- in May 1999 student-services program including the NCAA’s ally enhance student-athlete services, while enrich- • Played professional Champs Life Skills Program. DSU Athletics now of- ing their livews through community service. Our baseball until 2003 fers several seminars to student-athletes on several charge to help mold our student-athletes into the best topics including financial planning, and time man- people, not just competitors, they can be and we will Career Notes agement. not stop looking at ways to accomplish this goal,” McClain officially took the reigns of Delta State’s stated McClain. • Statesmen football Department of Athletics on July 1, 2007 and the He is a 1999 graduate of Delta State Univer- program claimed GSC former Delta State All-American from Houlka hasn’t sity with a bachelor’s degree in business. In 2002, championship in his looked back since. McClain completed his master’s degree in business first semester as Direc Prior to taking the helm of DSU Athletics, Mc- administration, and his currently pursuing a doctor- tor of Athletics Clain served the University as director of develop- ate degree in educational leadership from Delta State • Proven fundraiser with ment with the Delta State Foundation until June 30, University. the Delta State Founda- 2007. McClain has been associated with athletics tion nearly his entire life. A standout two-sport athlete at • Prior to Director of Houlka High School, McClain turned heads with his prowess on the baseball diamond and earned a full Athletics post, served as scholarship to attend Delta State University. Director of Develop- An ace for the Statesmen pitching staff from ment for Delta State 1996-1999, McClain still holds many of Delta State’s career pitching marks, including most appearances Personal Notes (69), most victories (45), most strikeouts (324) and • Married to the former most innings pitched (363.1). His perfect 15-0 sea- Christie Cannon of Bruce son in 1999 earned the prolific hurler All-American, • Has two children: All-Region and All-Conference accolades, as well as Cannon and Kate team MVP honors. The hard-throwing right-hander was drafted by the Boston Red Sox organization in May 1999 after

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 3 Delta State University Softball Athletic Administration

Ronnie Mayers Dana George Gerald Jordan Ray Bridges Jim Ervin Kelcey Steinriede Matt Jones Asst. AD/ Special Asst. AD/ Senior Head Athletic Trainer Asst. AD/ Facilities & Facilities Director/ Administrative Director of Athletic Projects Women’s Admin. Compliance Asst. to Ath. Comm. Assistant Communications Administration Men’s Basketball Jeremy McClain, Director of Athletics...... 846-4300 Jason Conner, Head Coach...... 846-4461 Ray Bridges, Assistant Athletic Director...... 846-4299 Brian Ellis, Assistant Coach...... 846-4462 Dana George, Asstistant Athletic Director...... 846-4289 Paul Swartz, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4463 Ronnie Mayers, Asstistant Athletic Director..... 846-4730 Matt Jones, Dir. of Athletic Communications... 846-4284 Women’s Basketball Kelcey Steinriede, Administrative Assistant...... 846-4300 Sandra Rushing, Head Coach...... 846-4465 Gerald Jordan, Head Athletic Trainer...... 846-4280 Mechan Vanderpool, Assistant Coach...... 846-4466 Jim Ervin, Asst. to Athletic Communications.... 846-4594 Taneisha Rogers, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4466 Jimmy Muzzi, Groundskeeper...... 719-0778 Women’s Cross Country Athletic Training • Sports Medicine Doug Pinkerton, Head Coach...... 846-4300 Gerald Jordan, Head Athletic Trainer...... 846-4280 Dr. Mary Jones, Curriculum Dir. for Athletic Training..... Soccer (m/w) 846-4562 Jim Allen, Head Coach...... 719-2004 Hunter Moore, Asst. CD for Athletic Training.. 846-4467 John Constable, Assistant Coach...... 846-4578 Daniel Stewart, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4280 Emily Steen, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4280 Men’s Golf Sam Dunning, Head Coach...... 719-6661 Athletic Communications Matt Jones, Director...... 846-4284 Swimming and Diving (m/w) Jim Ervin, Assistant to Media Relations...... 846-4594 Brian Hein, Head Coach...... 846-4718 Daniel Hawthorne, Soccer/Swimming...... 846-4285 Petya Petrova, Assistant Coach...... 846-4718 Travis Chamblee, Football/Softball...... 846-4285 Ben O’Neill, Assistant Coach...... 846-4730 J.T. Webb, Student Assistant...... 846-4285 Baseball Football Mike Kinnison, Head Coach...... 846-4291 Ron Roberts, Head Coach...... 846-4292 Rodney Batts, Assistant Coach...... 846-4587 Darrin Hicks, Offensive Coordinator...... 846-4298 Stephen Waggener, Assistant Coach...... 846-4586 Clint Roundtree, Secondary...... 846-4293 Jason Cooper, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4586 Randy Grierson, Offensive Line...... 846-4290 John Walker, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4586 Chet Pobolish, Wide Receivers...... 846-4287 Ryan Barker, Defensive Line...... 846-4294 Softball Travis Mikel, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4300 Casey Bourgoyne, Head Coach...... 846-4288 Tyler Hennes, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4300 Dave Martinez, Assistant Coach...... 846-4288 Bryan Brown, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4300 Jenna Smart, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4288 Jarvis Littlejohn, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4300 Blake Whatley, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4288 Brandon Qualls, Graduate Assistant...... 846-4300 Tennis (m/w) Asa Atkinson, Head Coach...... 719-0946

4 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions TheA Coaching History of ExcellenceStaff

Blake Whatley, Jenna Smart, Casey Bourgoyne, Dave Martinez

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 5 Delta State University Softball Casey bourgoyne • Head coach First Season • Delta State, 2002 The Bourgoyne File •Walker, Louisiana native •Bachelor’s in physical education, Delta State, 2002 •Master’s in physical education, Delta State, 2004 •Three-Time All-Gulf South Conference shortstop •Assistant coach at North Alabama from 2005-2008 •Ranks fourth in GSC history in assists, 180 •Ranks eighth in DSU history in hits, 170 •Ranks fifth in DSU history in doubles, 32

Casey Bourgoyne is in her first season as head coach of the Lady Statesmen softball team.

Bourgoyne earned a bachelor’s degree from Delta State in health, physical education, and recreation in 2002 after a stellar career at shortstop for the Lady Statesmen.

After completing an outstanding four-year career with the Lady Statesmen, Bourgoyne began her coaching career as a graduate assistant for former coach David Kuhn in 2003, earning a master’s in physical education in 2004.

After two successful seasons as a graduate assistant, she moved to the University of North Alabama where she has spent the past four seasons as the primary assistant to head coach Jeremy Reece.

While at UNA, the Lions posted a 136-82 record and returned to postseason play for the first time since 2000. In 2005, Coach Bourgoyne helped guide UNA to a 36-20 finish and a trip to the GSC Tournament. One year later, North Alabama went 40-20 and advanced all the way to the NCAA South Region Tournament in Lakeland, Fla.

Bourgoyne finished her playing career at Delta State in 2002 after four years at shortstop. When the Walker, La., native put down the glove, she ranked first all-time in GSC history in assists, and she also held the record for assists in a single season. Bourgoyne is also a member of a select club of Lady Statesmen who have been named to the All-GSC Team at least three times. In Delta State softball history, only six have accomplished the feat.

Bourgoyne was born June 15, 1980, and is the daughter of Cliff and Rena` Bourgoyne. She has two brothers, Derek and Heath.

6 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Dave martinez • Assistant coach First Season • Sul Ross State, 2003 The Martinez File •Del Rio, Texas native •Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine, Sul Ross State, 2003 •Master’s in physical education, Sul Ross State, 2008 •Three-Time All-American Southwest Conference selection

Dave Martinez is in his first year as assistant coach to the Lady Statesmen softball program and head coach Casey Bourgoyne. Martinez is an excellent young coach with a tremendous background in collegiate and professional baseball.

Martinez spent the last year as a graduate assistant softball coach at Sul Ross State University in Texas, while earning his master of education in physical education, graduat- ing in May 2008.

Five years earlier, Martinez was a baseball player for the Division III school, earning a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and sports medicine in May of 2003. Martinez has also played three seasons of professional baseball in the Mexican Professional Baseball League, as well as leagues across the United States.

After graduation from Sul Ross State in May 2003, Marti- nez worked as a coach and physical education teacher at Del Rio Junior High and High School, the same high school he graduated from in 1996. Martinez also volunteered as a coach in summer recreational baseball leagues.

As a player, Martinez led Texas A&M University Kingsville to a Lone Star Conference Championship before transfer- ring to Sul Ross State. Martinez was a three-time All-Amer- ican Southwest Conference selection, and led the Division III program to a conference championship in 1999. He was also named the team’s best hitter and best defensive player in 2001.

Martinez was born August 2, 1978, and is the son of Gilbert and Cookie Martinez. He has one brother, Gilbert Martinez III.

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 7 Delta State University Softball Graduate Assistants Jenna Smart • Delta State, 2007 • Second Season

Jenna Smart begins her second season as a graduate assistant at Delta State. A native of Morris, Ill., Smart concluded her career as one of the all-time leading pitchers for the Lady Statesmen. A four-year letterwinner from 2003-2006, Smart was a key contributor on two GSC West Division title teams. The flame-throwing right-hander recorded 36 career victories and 330 strikeouts. Smart ranks fourth in career victories at DSU with 36, while ranking in the top 10 in every career pitching category. She is a three time All-Gulf South Conference selection. Smart earned a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education and RecreationBusiness from Delta State in the fall of 2006. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Smart’s duties include, but are not limited to, working with the pitchers and catchers, field maintenence, travel coordination and recruiting. She was also an assistant coach under Lauren Lasuzzo at Bayou Academy, helping lead the Lady Colts to a second-straight MPSA State Championship in 2007.

Blake Whatley • Delta State, 2007 • First Season

Blake Whatley is in his first season as a graduate assistant on coach Casey Bour- goyne’s staff. The Cleveland native played baseball at Bayou Academy and Mississippi Delta Community College, before attending Delta State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. After graduation, Whatley spent one year as an assistant softball coach and athletic trainer at Arkansas-Monticello. Under his leadership, the Cotton-Blossoms finished fourth in the GSC West Division. Whatley then returned to Delta State to pursue a master’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. During the fall, Whatley led the Bayou Academy Lady Colts to their third-consecutive Mississippi Private School Association State Championship, finishing with a 40-8 record. He became the third Delta State coach to lead the Lady Colts to a MPSA Championship in three years.

Emily Steen • Delta State, 2008 • Athletic Trainer

Emily Steen is in her first year as a graduate assistant on Gerald Jordan’s staff. The 2008 Delta State graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, and served as a student assistant with the football, softball and women’s basketball teams. Prior to attending Delta State, Steen attended Northeast Mississippi Community Col- lege, where she was a cheerleader. A stellar student, Steen was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. Steen was also a cheerleader at Corinth High School, where she graduated in 2004. Steen’s duties at Delta State include traveling with the softball and men’s soccer teams, and keeping the athletes in top-physical condition, as well as treating their injuries.

8 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions Meet theA History Lady Statesmenof Excellence Seniors

Juniors

Sophomores

2009 Lady Statesmen SoftballFreshman 9 Delta State University Softball Bourgoyne takes reins, attempts to climb GSC mountain

By Travis Chamblee, Athletic Communications Senior Courtney Clark, a two-year starter behind the plate, will spend more playing time in the field this season as the catching duties will fall to junior college transfer Kim The 2009 version of Lady Statesmen softball brings Hensley and senior Kristi Basso. Hensley hit .245 during her several new additions to the playing field this season. Perhaps career at St. Petersburg Junior College, and is an outstanding most noticeably, the new, inning-by-inning Fair-Play score- defensive catcher. board that sits above the leftfield fence, or the concrete deck Another weapon the Lady Statesmen have is speed that rests atop the firstbase dugout, one of two rebuilt dug- on the base paths. Tillery swiped 27-of-29 bases last season, outs at University Field. However, the most important addition finishing second in the GSC, and Courtney Chism was 4-of-4 this offseason season is Casey Bourgoyne. The former Lady in pinch-running attempts. The additions of Northeast Mis- Statesmen great and North Alabama assistant coach will lead sissippi transfer Callie Weaver and Lady Statesmen soccer the Delta State softball program through the new tunnel that player Kimbo Seale gives Bourgoyne an arsenal of speed at leads from the locker room to the dugout in her first season as her disposal. head coach of her alma mater. The Lady Statesmen are attempting to continue a Bourgoyne inherited six starters and nine letter win- streak of 22 consecutive GSC Tournament appearances, one ners from a team that went 33-24 last season. The 2009 cast that has existed since the first GSC Tournament. With the features All-Region senior outfielder Brittany Tillery in the ever-increasing level of competition in the GSC, the Lady lead role. As a junior, the Starkville native led the Gulf South Statesmen face an uphill battle, especially with their first Conference with a .450 batting average, reaching safely in 76 three conference weekends coming on the road. Two of the of 169 at-bats including a team-high nine home runs. She also first three opponents have made the tournament five out of led the Lady Statesmen with 41 RBIs, 51 runs scored, and 27 the past six years, and Arkansas-Monticello has won the West stolen bases. Division three times during that span. Brittany Eikner holds the second highest batting aver- The Lady Statesmen host Christians Brothers in age among returners with a .291. The strong-armed shortstop their home conference opener, before heading to the GSC was named All-GSC, and is becoming a force at the plate, as Crossover, which always proves to be tough for teams from well as one of the best defensive players in the league. Eikner the West, as the East has won the last 14 conference tourna- was also third is the GSC with 18 sacrifice bunts. ments. After the Crossover, Delta State hosts Henderson Joining Eikner on the left side of the diamond is de- State and defending division champion Arkansas Tech to fensive standout Chelsea Carr. The dynamite duo of vacuum close out the GSC season. cleaners committed just 16 errors in 323 opportunities. Carr also hit .282 with 16 runs scored and 13 RBIs during her first season in the GSC. Juniors Kate Moreland and Edie Oliver are two-thirds of a thin pitching staff. The pair combined for a 21-19 record last season, both with ERAs around the 3.46 mark. Joining the Lady Statesmen pitching staff is junior Brooke Allgood, a transfer from Wallace State. Last season, Allgood led the Lions to an NJCAA National Championship, and had a 19-1 record in her two seasons.

10 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence 2009 Lady Statesmen Numerical Roster No. Name POS B/T Hgt. Cl. Hometown 2 Brittany Tillery OF R/R 5-6 Sr. Starkville 3 Brooke Allgood P/OF R/R 5-8 Jr. Hueytown, Ala. 4 Kimbo Seale OF L/R 5-6 So. Meridian 5 Kristi Basso C R/R 5-4 Sr. Ponchatoula, La. 7 Emily Hearn UTIL R/R 5-8 Fr. Millington, Tenn. 9 Courtney Chism UTIL R/R 5-9 So. West Memphis, Ark. 10 Kim Hensley C R/R 5-5 Jr. Land O’Lakes, Fla. 15 Chelsea Carr INF R/R 5-8 Jr. Rowlett, Texas 20 Kate Moreland P R/R 5-3 Jr. Starkville 21 Brittany Eikner INF R/R 5-5 Jr. Grenada 22 Edie Oliver P L/L 5-7 Jr. Europa 23 Callie Weaver OF L/R 5-6 Jr. Houston 24 Paige Silverthorn UTIL L/L 5-5 So. Sikeston, Mo. 32 Courtney Clark C R/R 5-9 Jr. Sheridan, Ark.

Coaching Staff: Head Coach: Casey Bourgoyne (Delta State, 2002) Assistant Coach: Dave Martinez (Sul Ross State, 2003) Graduate Asst.: Jenna Smart (Delta State, 2007) Graduate Asst.: Blake Whatley (Delta State, 2007) Athletic Trainer: Emily Steen (Delta State, 2008)

Paige Silverthorn

Emily Hearn

Courtney Chism Courtney Clark Brittany Tillery Kimbo Seale Kate Moreland Brooke Allgood Brittany Eikner Edie Oliver Callie Weaver Chelsea Carr

Kristi Basso

Kim Hensley

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 11 Delta State University Softball Kristi basso • 5 C • 5-4 • Sr. • R/R • 3L • Ponchatoula, La. / PHS

2008: Played in 38 games with 19 starts...Batted .220 on the season with two doubles, one triple and six RBIs...Season high two hits and two RBIs versus Benedict (2.20).

2007: Played in 39 games with 10 starts, while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery…Hit .222 in just 27 at bats...Solid defensive catcher with a great arm.

2006: Saw action in 52 games with 42 starts...Primarily used as a catcher, but did see time at third base...Batted .247 with three doubles and five RBI...Posted a .969 fielding percentage.

PREP: Played two seasons at Ponchatoula High for coach Dena Adkins and two seasons at Covington High for coach Chris- tine Beauvis...Named All-State in 2004 and 2005...All-District from 2002-2005...Helped guide CHS to the District title in 2004 and 2005...Named to the Louisiana All-Star Team in 2005...Represented the United States on the USA International Team that competed in Australia.

PERSONAL: Full name is Kristi Michelle Basso...Born July 4, 1987...Daughter of Mark and Ava Basso and Kayla and Randy Tomeny...Has one sister, Emily...Majoring in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

More on Basso: Favorite TV Show - Law and Order SVU Pregame Routine - Playing Hangman Favorite Movie - Blue Crush Favorite Liesure Activity - Playing with her cats

BASSO • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2006 .247 81 8 20 3 0 0 5 1-1 19 8 2007 .222 27 3 6 1 0 0 2 0-0 2 4 2008 .220 41 4 9 2 1 0 6 0-0 4 3 Totals .282 117 16 33 3 1 0 13 1-2 13 24

12 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Brittany Tillery • 2 OF • 5-6 • Sr. • R/R • 3L • Starkville / SHS

2008: Started all 59 games for the Lady Statesmen...Named to the All-Gulf South Conference West Division First Team... Daktronics All-Region selection...NFCA Second Team All-Region selection...Batted a team-leading and school-record .450 with 76 hits in 169 at-bats...Slammed nine home runs with two triples, and nine doubles while driving in 41...Scored a team-leading 51 runs and swiped 27-of-29 bases...Led GSC in batting...Ranked third in GSC in slugging percentage (.686), sixth in runs scored (51), third in hits (76), and seventh in total bases (116).

2007: Played in 65 games with 62 starts…Led the team with a .374 batting average…Posted seven doubles, four triples, including an NCAA Division II record tying three in one game, one home run and 26 RBI…Stole a team-high 32 bases in 33 attempts, and threw out 13 base runners from the outfield… Named First Team All-GSC.

2006: Played in 65 games with 52 starts...Batted .248 with 35 hits in 141 at-bats with 39 runs scored...Posted three doubles, two triples, two home runs, and 12 RBI as well...Perfect 10-for- 10 in steals.

PREP: Played six seasons for coaches Wendy Gibson and Marilyn Tillery at Starkville High...Named All-District 2001-2005 and All Conference 2002-2005 seasons...Four-time All-Area selection... SHS MVP in 2003, 2004 and 2005... Garnered Best Offensive Player Award 2003-2005 and Best Defensive Player Award 2002- 2005...Set SHS single season stolen base record with 31...Also lettered in basketball and track.

PERSONAL: Full name is Brittany Nashea Tillery...Born Janu- ary 5, 1987...Daughter of Charles and Marilyn Tillery... Has two siblings, Jermice and Charles II...First African-American player in Lady Statesmen fastpitch softball history...Majoring in Sports Management. TILLERY • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2006 .248 141 39 35 3 2 2 12 10-10 11 25 2007 .374 174 43 65 7 4 1 26 32-33 5 14 2008 .450 169 51 76 9 2 9 41 27-29 6 16 Totals .364 484 133176 19 8 12 79 69-72 22 55

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 13 Delta State University Softball Brooke allgood • 3 P/OF • 5-8 • Jr. • R/R • TR • Hueytown, Ala. / Wallace St.

Wallace State: Played two seasons for coach Jayne Clem and the Lions…Led team to 2007 State Championship with a 14-1 record with six shutouts and a 0.92 ERA…Also hit .303 during her freshman campaign…Led team to a State and National Championship in 2008 with a 5-0 record with three shutouts and a 2.39 ERA…Hit .305 with four triples during the National Championship season…Team went 132-19 during her two seasons.

Prep: Lettered five years for Terry Tingle at Oak Grove HS… Named All-State as a junior, All-Conference as a junior, All-District as a sophomore, junior and senior, and All-Area as a junior and senior…Named team MVP, and earned All- Tournament honors.

Personal: Full name is Brooke Hayley Allgood…Daughter of David and Donna Allgood…Has one sibling, Brent…Major- ing in Criminal Justice.

More on Brooke: Favorite Food - Macoroni and Cheese Favorite Movies - Man on Fire, Eight Seconds Favorite Athlete - Derek Jeter Brooke looks up the most to her father.

14 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Chelsea carr • 15 INF • 5-8 • Jr. • R/R • 1L • Rowlett, Tex. / Stephen F. Austin

2008: Played in 50 games with 49 starts at third base and shortstop…Hit .282 with 33 hits, two doubles and a triple… Drove in 13 runs and scored 16...Had a season-high three hits on Feb. 28 against LSU-Alexandria…Drove in four runs on Feb. 19 against Benedict…Committed just eight errors in 138 chances on the left side of the infield.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN: Hit .154 while playing in 51 games for the Lady Lumberjacks…Hit five doubles and a triple…Had a .923 fielding percentage, recording just 16 errors in 208 opportunities…Was third on team with 14 RBIs.

PREP: Lettered in both softball and basketball at Rowlett High School...Four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at second base for coach Diane Jones...Three-time All-District selection, earning the distinction as a sophomore, junior and senior...Named team MVP as a junior ...Named district defensive MVP as a sophomore...Named to the Hawaii Clas- sic All-Tournament Team...National Honor Society member... Won four academic letters ... Listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students ...Was a Texas Scholar... Earned academic All-State honors ...Played club softball for the Texas Travelers Gold team.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 6, 1988 in Garland, Texas...Daughter of Dwight and Jan Carr.

More on Chelsea: Favorite Food - Mexican Food Favorite Movie - For the Love of the Game Favorite Artist - The Randy Rogers Band Favorite Liesure Activity - Shopping

CARR • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2008 .282 117 16 33 3 1 0 13 1-2 13 24 Totals .282 117 16 33 3 1 0 13 1-2 13 24

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 15 Delta State University Softball Courtney clark • 32 C • 5-9 • Jr. • R/R • 2L • Sheridan, Ark. / SHS

2008: Hit .272 with 33 hits…Legged out two doubles and knocked three over the fence…Struck out just 12 times in 147 at-bats…Drove in 28 runs and scored 26…Stole seven bases in seven attempts…Led everyday players with a .980 fielding position…Had a season-high three hits April 16 against Ouachita Baptist…Drove in five runs Mar. 29 against Arkansas Tech.

2007: Started all 65 games for the Lady Statesmen…Fin- ished with a team-high 46 RBI, while hitting .366…71 hits in a season is seventh all-time in DSU history…Hit eight home runs, second on the team, and seven doubles…Had a 20-game hitting streak…Threw out 30 percent of runners attempting to steal…Named Second Team All-GSC.

PREP: Started four straight seasons for Coach Eddie Paul Woodall at Sheridan High School…Earned All-State honors from 2004-06 as well as All-Conference from 2004-06…2004 All-Area (Southeast)…Also lettered three years in basketball.

PERSONAL: Full name is Courtney Beth Clark…Born April, 6, 1988…Daughter of Walker and Holly Clark...Has one sister, Hunter…Majoring in Athletic training.

More on Courtney: Favorite Food - Mexican Food Favorite Liesure Activity - Sleeping Favorite TV Show - Sponge Bob Courtney looks up the most to her grandfather.

CLARK • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2007 .366 194 29 71 7 1 8 46 1-3 11 22 2008 .272 147 26 40 2 0 3 28 7-7 11 12 Totals .326 341 55 111 9 1 11 74 8-10 22 34

16 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Brittany Eikner • 21 SS • 5-5 • Jr. • R/R • 2L • Grenada / GHS

2008: Played in 58 games with 56 starts…Committed only eight errors in 185 chances…Hit .291 with 37 hits, five doubles and a home run…Drove in 20 runs and scored 18…Was a perfect 6-of-6 in stolen bases…Had two three-hit games, Mar. 26 against Missouri St. Louis and April 2 against Southern Arkansas.

2007: Started 64 of the 65 games, committing just 13 errors in 231 opportunities…Led the team with 139 assists…Hit .262 at the plate with two home runs and 20 RBI.

PREP: Started and lettered six straight years for the Lady Chargers of Grenada High and head coach Leslie Lancaster… Earned All-State, All-Conference and All-District honors from 2003-04…Garnered MVP honors in 2004...Best Defensive Player from 2002-04 and Best Offensive Player in 2005…Won back-to-back State Championships in slow pitch in 2003 and 2004…Also lettered in basketball for three years.

PERSONAL: Full name is Lauren Brittany Eikner...Daughter of Dorman and Lisa Eikner…Born October 11, 1987…Has two sisters Brooke and Cristen…Majoring in Mathematics, with a minor in French.

More on Brittany: Favorite Movie - Love and Basketball Favorite TV Show - Sportscenter Favorite Foods - Steak and Crab legs Favorite Athlete - Chipper Jones

EIKNER • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2007 .262 164 22 43 4 1 2 20 4-6 8 13 2008 .291 127 18 37 5 0 1 20 6-6 12 17 Totals .182 291 40 80 9 1 3 40 10-12 20 30

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 17 Delta State University Softball Kim hensley • 10 C • 5-5 • Jr. • R/R • TR • Land O’Lakes, Fla. / St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg: Played two seasons for coach Jaime Madewell…Hit .245 with two home runs and 22 RBIs for the Titans…Named First Team All-Conference…Team went 55- 16 her freshman year, and 50-19 her sophomore year.

Prep: Four year letter-winner for Jaime Martin at Land O’Lakes High School…Hit .365 with two home runs, including a home run in her last home game…Earn All-District honors as a sophomore, junior and senior…Named All- Conference as a junior and senior…Named All-Area as a junior…Awarded Best Offense Award…Also lettered in volleyball and golf.

Personal: Full name is Kimberley Hensley…Born January 29, 1988…Daughter of Paula and Larry Hensley…Has two siblings, Kayla and Kolton…Majoring in Exercise Science.

More on Kim: Favorite Liesure Activity - Sleeping Favorite Food - Spaghetti Favorite TV Show - That 70’s Show Kim looks up the most to her mother.

18 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence kate moreland • 20 P • 5-3 • Jr. • R/R • 2L • Starkville / EWHS

2008: Finished the season with an 11-9 record in 28 appearances with 22 starts…Her 11 wins are a team-high…Had a 3.48 ERA… Threw nine complete games and three shutouts…Recorded 76 strikeouts and 32 walks in 118.2 innings pitched…Also scored four runs for the Lady Statesmen as a pinch runner…Recorded a season-high nine strikeouts Feb. 19 against Benedict.

2007: Finished season with a 4-4 record in 10 starts…Threw two combined shutouts…Threw six scoreless innings against Ala- bama-Huntsville in GSC Tournament.

PREP: Started six seasons of HS softball with one under head coach Bill Brand at East Webster and the previous five at Stark- vile Academy…Led East Webster to state playoffs, while leading the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and ERA... Earned MPSA All-State, All-District, and All-Conference honors five straight seasons at SA…Helped guide SA to the North State championship in 2004, and State runner-up in 2005...Earned a total of 14 letters in high school: six for softball, four for cheer- leading, three for basketball and one for slow-pitch softball.

PERSONAL: Full name is Katherine Denise Moreland…Born Oc- tober 1, 1987...Daughter of Dan and Sherry Moreland…Has two siblings Kimberly and Blair…Major is Elementary Education.

More on Kate: Favorite Food - Gushers and Reese’s Favorite Movie - A League of Their Own Favorite Liesure Activity - Hunting and being at the river Would Most Like to Meet - God MORELAND • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2007 .222 9 2 2 0 0 0 0 4-4 1 4 2008 .000 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 1-2 1 0 Totals .182 11 6 2 0 0 0 0 5-6 2 4

YR: W-L: ERA: IP: H: R: ER: BB: SO: OBA: 2007 4-4 4.35 66.0 72 52 41 40 38 .275 2008 11-9 3.48 118.2 131 68 59 32 76 .276 Totals 15-13 3.80 184.2 203 120 100 72 114 .275

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 19 Delta State University Softball edie oliver • 22 P/1B • 5-7 • Jr. • L/L • 2L • Eupora / EHS

2008: Finished with a 10-10 record, making 30 appearances and 17 starts…Threw six complete games with three shutouts…Had a 3.44 ERA…Recorded 76 strikeouts in 128.1 innings with 23 walks…Hit .258 with eight hits in 31 at-bats, four doubles…Had a season-high 10 strikeouts Mar. 16 against Arkansas-Monticello.

2007: Went 9-5 in 14 starts with a team-low ERA of 2.40…Re- corded 69 strikeouts in 93.1 innings…Recorded three shutouts and seven complete games, while holding opponents to a .230 batting average…Hit .317 with 15 RBI in 63 at-bats…Named First Team All Gulf South Conference.

PREP: Started five seasons at Eupora HS under head coach Trae Embry…Garnered All-State honors in 2002 and 2005…All- District from 2002-2006, District MVP 2002-2005…District champions 2002-2006 and State Champs in 2005…Finished her career with a .367 batting average with 127 hits and 91 RBI…Known for her pitching, she dominated opponents with a killer 1.26 ERA in her career while posting a school best 63-14 record.

PERSONAL: Full name is Edith Norwood Oliver…Born August 14, 1988...Daughter of Charlie and Becky Oliver…Has one sibling, Casey...Major is Biology, with a minor in Nutrition.

More on Edie: Favorite Food - Seafood Favorite Athlete - Tom Glavine Favorite Artist - Three Doors Down OLIVER • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2007 .317 63 4 20 1 1 0 15 0-0 1 9 2008 .258 31 1 8 4 0 0 7 0-0 4 9 Totals .298 94 5 28 5 1 0 22 0-0 5 18

YR: W-L: ERA: IP: H: R: ER: BB: SO: OBA: 2007 9-5 2.40 93.1 81 40 32 29 69 .230 2008 10-10 3.44 128.1 149 74 63 23 76 .296 Totals 19-15 3.01 221.2 230 114 95 52 145 .269

20 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Callie weaver • 23 OF • 5-6 • Jr. • L/R • TR • Houston / Northeast Miss. CC

Northeast MS CC: Played two seasons for coach Jody Long… Hit .394 with 19 doubles and five home runs…Drove in 44 runs…Tallied 103 total bases with a .644 slugging percentage…Named First Team All-South Region, All-Division, and All-NAJC…Led Tigers to a division title.

Prep: Six-year starter for Keith Jernigan at Houston High School…Earned All-District honors all six years…Named All- Area as a junior and senior.

Personal: Full name is Callie Lou Weaver…Born February 15, 1988…Daughter of Ann and Robby Weaver…Has three siblings, Will, Jenna and Emily…Majoring in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

More on Callie: Favorite Artist - Hank Williams Jr. Favorite Food - Tacos Favorite Movie - Friday Favorite Athlete - Johnny Damon

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 21 Delta State University Softball Courtney chism • 9 INF • 5-11 • So. • R/R • 1L • West Memphis, Ark. / MHS

2008: Played in 23 games with one start…Recorded one hit and an RBI in eight at-bats…Played primarily as a pinch runner…Was 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts…Scored seven runs.

2007: Played one season for coach Sandra Rushing’s Lady Statesmen basketball team…Helped DSU claim its second- straight GSC championship.

PREP: Lettered four seasons for coach David Horton at Marion High School…Garnered All-Conference and All-State honors as a senior…Led her team to the 5A State Title as a senior…All-State and All-Conference in basketball as well.

PERSONAL: Courtney Erin Chism…Born March 11, 1988… Daughter of Jimmy and Kathy Chism…Has one brother, Jus- tin and one sister, Katelyn…Majoring in Physical Education.

More on Courtney: Favorite Food - Pizza Favorite TV Show - Run’s House Favorite Activity - Spending time with friends Favorite Athlete - Chipper Jones

CHISM • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2008 .125 8 7 1 0 0 0 1 4-4 0 2 Totals .125 8 7 1 0 0 0 1 4-4 0 2

22 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Kimbo Seale • 4 OF • 5-6 • So. • L/R • TR • Meridian / East Central CC

2008: Played soccer for coach Jim Allen and the Lady Statesmen…Played in 11 games as a defensive midfielder… Scored two goals in eight shots, with five shots on goal.

East Central CC: Played one season for coach Scott Hill and the Warriors, helping lead East Mississippi to a division title…Played two seasons on the soccer team…Named Best Defender in soccer as a freshman and a sophomore.

Prep: Played six years for coach Rick Roberson at Clarkdale High School in Meridian, earning five letters…Was a five- year starter as a pitcher and an outfielder…Named All- District as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior…Led team to six MHSAA 2A State Championship games, earning three championships…Also lettered in soccer.

Personal: Full name is Kimberly Gwen Seale…Daughter of Lisa and Jimmy Seale…Has one sibling, Eric…Majoring in Elementary Education.

More on Kimbo: Favorite Food - Fried Chicken Favorite Athlete - Jenny Finch Favorite Liesure Activity - Riding four-wheelers Favorite Artist - 3 Doors Down

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 23 Delta State University Softball Paige silverthorn • 24 OF • 5-5 • So. • L/L • 1L • Sikeston, Mo. / SHS

2008: Played in 37 games with 17 starts…Hit .275 with 19 hits, four doubles and a home run…Drove in 15 runs and scored 10 times…Drove in four runs against Arkan- sas-Monticello on Mar. 16…Didn’t record an error in 89 chances at first base.

2007: Redshirted

PREP: Started four years at Sikeston HS under head coach Tiffany King…Earned All-District honors four consecutive seasons, highlighted by an MVP award her sophomore year…Finished her career with a .412 batting average with 90 hits and 28 RBI in 218 plate appearances.

PERSONAL: Full name is Paige Elizabeth Silverthorn… Born July 15, 1987...Daughter of Karen and Gary Silver- thorn…Has an older sibling, Fleming...Major is Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

More on Paige: Favorite Food - Crawfish Favorite Athlete - Albert Pujols Favorite Artist - Meatloaf Favorite Movie - Liar Liar

SILVERTHORN • CAREER STATISTICS YR: BA: AB: R: H: 2B: 3B: HR: RBI: SB-A: BB: K: 2008 .275 69 10 19 4 0 1 15 1-1 4 9 Totals .275 69 10 19 4 0 1 15 1-1 4 9

24 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence emily hearn • 7 UTL • 5-8 • Fr. • R/R • RS • Millington, Tenn. / MHS

2008: Redshirted.

PREP: Lettered all four seasons for coach Ricky Hearn (father) and the Millington HS Trojans…Gar- nered 1st Team All-State honors her sophomore, junior and senior seasons…Helped guide her team to the District Championship as a sophomore…Her high school career batting average stands at .477 with 24 homeruns and 179 RBI…Also lettered in basketball and soccer...Member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Millington Central Hall of Fame, and Beta Club.

PERSONAL: Emily Claire Hearn…Born July 4, 1989… Daughter of Ricky and Beth Hearn…Father played baseball for Coach Ferriss…He is also a member of DSU Athletic Hall of Fame…Sister plays softball at Christian Brothers University…Has one sister, Lau- ren…Majoring in International Business while minor- ing in French.

More on Emily: Favorite Movie - Remember the Titans Favorite Athlete - Jeff Francoeur Favorite Foods - Mexican and Italian Would Most Like to Meet - Julia Roberts

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 25 Delta State University Softball 2008 Season review

By J.T. Webb, Athletic Communications 3.44 ERA. Oliver and Moreland led the team with 76 strike outs each. Senior Britni Adcox finished her stellar career with a The 2008 season was filled with growing pains for 4-1 record and eight saves on the season. Adcox also hit .305 the Lady Statesmen softball team. Seven underclassmen saw in 82 at bats with six RBIs. The Covington, LA., native finished significant playing time for a team that finished the season second all-time with 16 career saves, which ranks second all 33-26 with a solid 18-10 Gulf South Conference record. time in the NCAA record book. DSU finished a brutal non-conference schedule with After a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Valdosta State in the a 12-11 record heading into conference play. In what had opening game of the GSC Tournament, North Alabama defeated become normal procedure, head coach David Kuhn lined up the Lady Statesmen 6-2 to end the 2008 season. the toughest regional opponents to start the season, with With the end of the 2008 season came the end of an era in games against Rollins, Lynn and Florida Southern. Lady Statesmen softball, as 10-year head coach David Kuhn Despite their solid 18-10 conference record, the announced he had accepted the head coaching position at the Lady Statesmen were not able to win more than three University of Central Arkansas. The former DSU baseball gradu- straight conference games, and finished third in the GSC ate assistant compiled a record of 368-222 during his time at West behind Division Champion Arkansas Tech and Hender- the helm of the program. son State. Junior Brittany Tillery hit for a school record .450 batting average, while leading the team with nine home runs and 41 RBIs. The Starkville native also had a solid season on the bases, stealing 27 in 29 attempts. Tillery was the only Lady Statesmen on the roster to start and play in all 59 con- tests. 2007 All-Region selection Chasey Niebrugge also had another solid season, hitting .344 with five home runs and 34 RBIs. Niebrugge also had a solid .978 fielding position at second base. Senior Sam St. Hilaire was the only other hitter to bat above the .300 mark, with a .331 batting average. The Lady Statesmen had a solid four-pitcher rota- tion with St. Hilaire leading the way with a 2.86 ERA in 95.1 innings pitched. The Turner, Maine native capped off her brilliant career ranked in the top-five in nearly every pitching category in the DSU record books. Sophomore Kate Moreland led the pitching staff with 11 wins, going 11-9 on the year. Sophomore Edie Oliver kept her form from her freshman year, finishing 10-10 with a

26 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence 2008 Results Feb 01, 2008 vsCameron 5-6 L 5-10-0 6-6-2 (9) 0-1-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (L 0-1) 50 1:50 Feb 01, 2008 vsTarleton State 4-5 L 4-6-1 5-14-1 7 0-2-0 0-0-0 B. Adcox (L 0-1) 128 2:34 Feb 02, 2008 vsTexas Woman’s W 1-0 1-7-1 0-7-1 7 1-2-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (W 1-0) 173 1:43 Feb 02, 2008 vsAbilene Christian 0-12 L 0-0-1 12-15-0 5 1-3-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (L 0-2) 114 1:29 Feb 03, 2008 vsTexas A&M-Kingsville 3-5 L 3-8-2 5-7-4 7 1-4-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (L 1-1) 100 1:35 Feb 09, 2008 vsLynn University 1-2 L 1-9-1 2-5-0 7 1-5-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (L 0-2) 93 1:42 Feb 09, 2008 vsLynn University W 5-2 5-9-1 2-8-3 7 2-5-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (W 1-2) - 1:58 Feb 10, 2008 vsRollins W 1-0 1-2-1 0-6-1 7 3-5-0 0-0-0 B. Adcox (W 1-0) 78 1:40 Feb 10, 2008 vsRollins W 3-0 3-7-0 0-5-1 7 4-5-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (W 1-2) 78 1:45 Feb 15, 2008 vsDrury University W 7-3 7-10-2 3-6-2 7 5-5-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (W 2-2) 98 1:52 Feb 15, 2008 vsSIU-Edwardsville 0-8 L 0-1-3 8-8-0 5 5-6-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (L 1-2) 102 1:22 Feb 16, 2008 vsU. of Indianapolis W 7-1 7-9-1 1-3-0 7 6-6-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (W 3-2) 114 1:55 Feb 16, 2008 vsLewis University W 4-3 4-9-0 3-10-2 7 7-6-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (W 2-2) 98 2:05 Feb 19, 2008 at Benedict College W 23-0 23-17-0 0-4-9 5 8-6-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (W 2-2) 72 1:24 Feb 20, 2008 at Benedict College W 28-7 28-14-1 7-8-4 5 9-6-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (W 3-2) 72 2:04 Feb 23, 2008 vsMissouri S&T 10-13 L 10-10-1 13-16-3 7 9-7-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (L 3-3) 88 2:42 Feb 23, 2008 vsLewis University 0-5 L 0-1-3 5-9-1 7 9-8-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (L 2-3) 68 2:04 Feb 24, 2008 vsTruman State 3-10 L 3-11-5 10-14-3 7 9-9-0 0-0-0 E. Oliver (L 3-4) 78 2:26 Feb 24, 2008 vsBellarmine W 10-1 10-12-1 1-6-0 5 10-9-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (W 4-1) 72 1:37 Feb 28, 2008 LSU-ALEXANDRIA W 13-0 13-14-0 0-2-0 5 11-9-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (W 5-1) 194 1:28 Feb 28, 2008 LSU-ALEXANDRIA W 3-2 3-6-1 2-5-0 7 12-9-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (W 3-3) 177 1:47 Mar 05, 2008 FLORIDA SOUTHERN 0-6 L 0-2-2 6-11-0 7 12-10-0 0-0-0 St. Hilaire (L 5-2) 152 1:49 Mar 05, 2008 FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1-5 L 1-7-0 5-8-0 7 12-11-0 0-0-0 K. Moreland (L 3-4) 138 1:54 * Mar 06, 2008 CHRISTIAN BROTHERS W 5-1 5-5-2 1-4-2 7 13-11-0 1-0-0 E. Oliver (W 4-4) 122 1:37 * Mar 06, 2008 CHRISTIAN BROTHERS W 8-0 8-5-1 0-3-2 6 14-11-0 2-0-0 E. Oliver (W 5-4) 122 1:30 * Mar 11, 2008 at Arkansas Tech 2-3 L 2-6-0 3-10-0 7 14-12-0 2-1-0 St. Hilaire (L 5-3) 130 1:40 * Mar 11, 2008 at Arkansas Tech 1-10 L 1-4-2 10-14-2 5 14-13-0 2-2-0 E. Oliver (L 5-5) - 1:10 * Mar 13, 2008 at Christian Brothers W 5-2 5-10-0 2-9-0 7 15-13-0 3-2-0 E. Oliver (W 6-5) 75 1:20 * Mar 13, 2008 at Christian Brothers W 3-2 3-9-1 2-8-0 7 16-13-0 4-2-0 B. Adcox (W 2-1) 75 1:45 * Mar 16, 2008 ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO 2-5 L 2-8-0 5-9-3 (8) 16-14-0 4-3-0 E. Oliver (L 6-6) 212 1:54 * Mar 16, 2008 ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO W 7-5 7-13-3 5-9-1 7 17-14-0 5-3-0 K. Moreland (W 4-4) 264 1:56 * Mar 25, 2008 HENDERSON STATE W 8-0 8-12-0 0-3-3 6 18-14-0 6-3-0 K. Moreland (W 5-4) 87 2:11 * Mar 26, 2008 HENDERSON STATE 5-10 L 5-5-0 10-11-0 7 18-15-0 6-4-0 St. Hilaire (L 5-4) 94 1:47 Mar 26, 2008 MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS W 2-0 2-3-0 0-4-1 7 19-15-0 6-4-0 E. Oliver (W 7-6) 114 1:21 Mar 26, 2008 MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS W 4-3 4-7-1 3-10-1 7 20-15-0 6-4-0 K. Moreland (W 6-4) 114 1:31 * Mar 29, 2008 ARKANSAS TECH W 11-3 11-12-1 3-9-1 5 21-15-0 7-4-0 E. Oliver (W 8-6) 228 1:37 * Mar 29, 2008 ARKANSAS TECH W 5-4 5-9-0 4-10-1 7 22-15-0 8-4-0 K. Moreland (W 8-4) 228 1:58 * Mar 30, 2008 at Arkansas-Monticello 1-2 L 1-5-0 2-4-1 7 22-16-0 8-5-0 E. Oliver (L 8-7) - 1:25 * Mar 30, 2008 at Arkansas-Monticello W 4-2 4-7-1 2-6-2 7 23-16-0 9-5-0 B. Adcox (W 3-1) 175 1:40 * Apr 02, 2008 at Southern Arkansas W 5-3 5-11-2 3-4-0 (9) 24-16-0 10-5-0 B. Adcox (W 4-1) 86 2:26 * Apr 02, 2008 at Southern Arkansas W 7-4 7-12-0 4-8-1 7 25-16-0 11-5-0 E. Oliver (W 9-7) - 2:16 Apr 03, 2008 BELHAVEN COLLEGE 7-8 L 7-12-1 8-14-1 7 25-17-0 11-5-0 St. Hilaire (L 5-5) 238 6:20 * Apr 05, 2008 SOUTHERN ARKANSAS 1-5 L 1-4-2 5-8-0 7 25-18-0 11-6-0 St. Hilaire (L 5-6) 214 2:06 * Apr 05, 2008 SOUTHERN ARKANSAS W 8-3 8-12-1 3-5-1 7 26-18-0 12-6-0 K. Moreland (W 7-4) 214 2:08 Apr 08, 2008 at Miss Valley State 3-4 L 3-5-3 4-8-1 7 26-19-0 12-6-0 K. Moreland (L 8-5) 98 1:35 * Apr 10, 2008 vsWest Florida 0-11 L 0-1-0 11-12-0 5 26-20-0 12-7-0 K. Moreland (L 8-6) 87 1:20 * Apr 10, 2008 vsNorth Alabama W 1-0 1-7-0 0-8-2 7 27-20-0 13-7-0 E. Oliver (W 9-7) 92 1:26 * Apr 12, 2008 vsWest Alabama W 2-1 2-5-0 1-3-1 7 28-20-0 14-7-0 St. Hilaire (W 6-6) 57 1:40 * Apr 13, 2008 vsWest Georgia W 10-2 10-10-0 2-5-3 5 29-20-0 15-7-0 K. Moreland (W 9-6) 88 1:25 Apr 14, 2008 at Albany State Univ. 2-6 L 2-5-0 6-10-0 7 29-21-0 15-7-0 E. Oliver (L 10-8) 35 1:38 Apr 14, 2008 at Albany State Univ. W 9-1 9-14-0 1-3-5 7 30-21-0 15-7-0 K. Moreland (W 10-6) 35 1:46 * Apr 16, 2008 at Ouachita Baptist W 6-0 6-11-1 0-4-3 7 31-21-0 16-7-0 St. Hilaire (W 7-6) 91 1:45 * Apr 16, 2008 at Ouachita Baptist 0-1 L 0-5-3 1-6-0 7 31-22-0 16-8-0 K. Moreland (L 9-7) 101 1:40 * Apr 17, 2008 at Henderson State 0-3 L 0-2-1 3-6-0 7 31-23-0 16-9-0 E. Oliver (L 10-9) 109 1:15 * Apr 17, 2008 at Henderson State 0-5 L 0-6-0 5-8-0 7 31-24-0 16-10-0 K. Moreland (L 10-8) 125 1:39 * Apr 19, 2008 OUACHITA BAPTIST W 3-0 3-6-0 0-3-4 7 32-24-0 17-10-0 St. Hilaire (W 8-6) 332 1:45 * Apr 19, 2008 OUACHITA BAPTIST W 5-2 5-9-0 2-7-1 7 33-24-0 18-10-0 K. Moreland (W 11-8) 334 1:37 May 02, 2008 vsValdosta 6-7 L 6-9-0 7-6-2 7 33-25-0 18-10-0 K. Moreland (L 0-1) 0 11:3 May 03, 2008 vsNorth Alabama 2-6 L 2-9-1 6-8-1 7 33-26-0 18-10-0 E. Oliver (L 0-1) 77 1:38 * - Gulf South Conference game 2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 27 Delta State University Softball 2008 FINAL Overall Statistics for Delta State UniVERSITY

Record: 33-26 Home: 13-6 Away: 9-8 Neutral: 11-12 Gulf South: 18-10

(All games Sorted by Batting avg)

Player AVG GP GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB ATT PO A E FLD% 2 Brittany Tillery .450 59 59 169 51 76 9 2 9 41 116 .686 6 17 16 0 .516 0 7 27 29 76 9 3 .966 12 Chasey Niebrugge .344 58 58 183 48 63 19 3 5 34 103 .563 16 2 17 0 .403 0 9 14 14 146 77 5 .978 4 Sam St. Hilaire .331 51 44 121 19 40 10 1 0 16 52 .430 10 5 11 0 .404 0 5 6 8 14 26 2 .952 21 Brittany Eikner .291 58 56 127 18 37 5 0 1 20 45 .354 12 4 17 0 .371 0 18 6 6 85 92 8 .957 14 Erica Harris .289 57 52 142 16 41 6 1 1 16 52 .366 5 3 19 1 .325 1 5 7 8 62 7 4 .945 15 Chelsea Carr .282 50 49 117 16 33 3 1 0 13 38 .325 13 3 24 0 .368 0 15 1 2 63 67 8 .942 32 Courtney Clark .272 55 55 147 26 40 2 0 3 28 51 .347 11 9 12 1 .359 0 6 7 7 175 18 4 .980 10 Amber Hass .230 57 55 161 22 37 8 0 4 31 57 .354 5 1 31 1 .253 3 6 7 7 89 7 4 .960 23 Britni Adcox .305 45 31 82 20 25 3 0 0 6 28 .341 4 0 10 1 .337 0 1 10 14 194 20 5 .977 11 Jackie Stowe .280 35 16 50 8 14 0 0 0 4 14 .280 2 4 10 0 .357 0 1 4 4 3 1 0 1.000 24 Paige Silverthorn .275 37 17 69 10 19 4 0 1 15 26 .377 4 2 9 0 .329 1 2 1 1 87 2 0 1.000 22 Edie Oliver .258 20 12 31 1 8 4 0 0 7 12 .387 4 1 9 0 .361 0 0 0 0 25 24 3 .942 5 Kristi Basso .220 39 19 41 4 9 2 1 0 6 13 .317 4 1 3 0 .304 0 4 0 0 96 10 3 .972 7 Emily Hearn .200 7 2 10 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 .200 0 0 3 0 .200 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1.000 13 Kaci Haney .182 29 13 44 1 8 1 1 0 3 11 .250 2 0 10 0 .213 1 1 0 1 27 9 4 .900 8 Ashley Holder .158 48 10 19 11 3 0 0 0 1 3 .158 0 1 6 0 .200 0 1 5 8 7 19 2 .929 9 Courtney Chism .125 23 1 8 7 1 0 0 0 1 1 .125 0 1 2 0 .222 0 0 4 4 1 1 0 1.000 20 Kate Moreland .000 8 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 1 0 1 0 .333 0 0 1 2 6 29 0 1.000 Totals .299 59 59 1523 282 456 76 10 24 243 624 .410 99 54 210 4 .362 6 81 100 115 1159 418 55 .966 Opponents .289 59 59 1532 220 442 64 4 35 200 619 .404 111 46 235 4 .354 4 61 45 54 1140 510 83 .952

LOB - Team (343), Opp (379). DPs turned - Team (15), Opp (23). CI - Team (2), C. Clark 2. Picked off - C. Clark 1.

(All games Sorted by Earned run avg)

Player ERA W L APP GS CG SHO CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 10 Amber Hass 0.00 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.2 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 .167 0 0 0 0 0 4 Sam St. Hilaire 2.86 8 6 23 19 6 2 3 0 95.1 99 47 39 39 54 14 0 8 365 .271 1 14 3 2 19 22 Edie Oliver 3.44 10 10 30 17 6 2 1 0 128.1 149 74 63 23 76 26 1 14 504 .296 2 20 0 1 19 20 Kate Moreland 3.48 11 9 28 22 9 3 0 0 118.2 131 68 59 32 76 16 0 11 474 .276 9 8 0 1 17 23 Britni Adcox 4.54 4 1 26 1 0 0 4 8 41.2 59 28 27 15 26 8 3 1 178 .331 4 4 0 0 6 11 Jackie Stowe 31.50 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.2 3 3 3 2 0 0 0 1 5 .600 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 3.46 33 26 59 59 21 11 4 8 386.1 442 220 191 111 235 64 4 35 1532 .289 16 46 3 4 61 Opponents 3.67 26 33 59 59 40 8 1 2 380.0 456 282 199 99 210 76 10 24 1523 .299 20 54 2 6 81

PB - Team (10), C. Clark 7, K. Basso 3, Opp (21). Pickoffs - Team (2), K. Basso 1, C. Clark 1, Opp (1). SBA/ATT - C. Clark (25-30), K. Basso (20-23), E. Oliver (12- 19), St. Hilaire (17-17), K. Moreland (12-14), B. Adcox (4-4).

(All games Sorted by Fielding pct)

Player C PO A E FLD% DPs SBA CSB SBA% PB CI 24 Paige Silverthorn 89 87 2 0 1.000 3 0 0 - 0 0 20 Kate Moreland 35 6 29 0 1.000 0 12 2 .857 0 0 11 Jackie Stowe 4 3 1 0 1.000 0 0 0 - 0 0 7 Emily Hearn 3 0 0 1.000 0 0 0 - 0 0 9 Courtney Chism 2 1 1 0 1.000 0 0 0 - 0 0 32 Courtney Clark 197 175 18 4 .980 1 25 5 .833 7 2 12 Chasey Niebrugge 228 146 77 5 .978 8 0 0 - 0 0 23 Britni Adcox 219 194 20 5 .977 6 4 0 1.000 0 0 5 Kristi Basso 109 96 10 3 .972 0 20 3 .870 3 0 2 Brittany Tillery 88 76 9 3 .966 1 0 0 - 0 0 10 Amber Hass 100 89 7 4 .960 1 0 0 - 0 0 21 Brittany Eikner 185 85 92 8 .957 4 0 0 - 0 0 4 Sam St. Hilaire 42 14 26 2 .952 0 17 0 1.000 0 0 14 Erica Harris 73 62 7 4 .945 1 0 0 - 0 0 22 Edie Oliver 52 25 24 3 .942 3 12 7 .632 0 0 15 Chelsea Carr 138 63 67 8 .942 4 0 0 - 0 0 8 Ashley Holder 28 7 19 2 .929 0 0 0 - 0 0 13 Kaci Haney 40 27 9 4 .900 0 0 0 - 0 0 Totals 1632 1159 418 55 .966 15 45 9 .833 10 2 Opponents 1733 1140 510 83 .952 23 100 15 .870 21 0

28 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions Lady StatesmenA History ofRecord Excellence Book

Ashlee Nodhturft

Meridith Coleman, Bre Myers, Alyse Hasty, and Ashlee Nodturft

Alyse Hasty

Joy Long

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 29 Delta State University Softball Lady Statesmen Career Batting Records BATTING AVERAGE HOMERUNS WALKS 1. Kristi Braverman (99-00)...... 390 1. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 42 1. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02) ...... 75 2. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 386 2. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 31 2. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98)...... 71 3. Laura Simpson (96-99) ...... 355 3. Ashlee Nodhturft (04-06)...... 29 3. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 68 4. Chasey Niebrugge (07-08)...... 349 4. Bre Myers (05-06)...... 26 4. Alicia Wright (92-95) ...... 63 5. Ashlee Nodhturft (04-06)...... 343 5. Amber Hass (06-08)...... 17 6. Joy Long (01-04) ...... 342 6. Laura Simpson (96-99) ...... 16 7. Bre Myers (05-06)...... 334 7. Chasey Niebrugge (07-08)...... 15 STOLEN BASES 8. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 329 8. Katie Wright (03-06)...... 13 1. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 135 9. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98)...... 328 9. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 13 2. Leslie Pourciau (01-03) ...... 99 10. Leslie Pourciau (01-03)...... 327 9. Amber Hass (06-08)...... 13 3. Brittany Tillery (06-Present)...... 69 11. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 324 10. Brittany Tillery (06-Present...... 12 4. Angela Armstrong (99-03)...... 55 5. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 51 11. Stacey Taylor (96-97)...... 324 11. Courtney Clark (07-Present)...... 11 11. Joy Long (01-04)...... 11 6. Brittany Tillery (06-Present)...... 42 7. Jayme Brooks (00-02) ...... 40 HITS 8. Jennie Crnkovic (95-98)...... 39 1. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 292 DOUBLES 9. Britni Adcox (05-08)...... 37 2. Joy Long (01-04) ...... 222 1. Laura Simpson (96-99) ...... 48 10. Marni Edwards (91-94)...... 32 3. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 220 2. Ashlee Nodhturft (04-06)...... 46 11. Mia Reeves (91-94)...... 31 4. Laura Simpson (96-99) ...... 200 3. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 41 11. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02)...... 31 5. Brittany Tillery (06-Present)...... 176 3. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 41 5. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98) ...... 176 4. Joy Long (01-04) ...... 35 6. Ashlee Nodhturft (03-06)...... 175 5. Chasey Niebrugge (07-08)...... 32 6. Leslie Pourciau (01-03) ...... 175 5. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02) ...... 32 7. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 173 6. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98) ...... 30 8. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02)...... 170 7. Mia Reeves (91-94) ...... 29 8. Angela Armstrong (00-02)...... 170 7. Kristi Braverman (99-00) ...... 29 8. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 28

RUNS SCORED 1. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 202 2. Brittany Tillery (06-Present)...... 133 3. Ashlee Nodhturft (04-06)...... 129 4. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 128 5. Bre Myers (05-06)...... 116 6. Leslie Pourciau (01-03)...... 114 Four-time All-GSC selection Meredith Coleman ranks in the top-five of every offensive stat category except 7. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02)...... 113 one: batting average, a category in which she ranks 8. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98)...... 109 eighth. 8. Joy Long (01-04)...... 109 9. Laura Simpson (96-99)...... 108 GAMES PLAYED 1. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 241 10. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 107 2. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 239 11. Chasey Niebrugge (07-08)...... 106 Alyse Hasty finished her career with all-time DSU 3. Joy Long (01-04)...... 225 records in hits, home runs, RBIs, runs, and stolen 12. Angela Armstrong (00-03)...... 103 bases, and is the only NFCA All-American in Lady 4. Angela Armstrong (00-03)...... 222 Statesmen history. 5. Casey Bourgoyne (99-02)...... 217 6. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 211 RUNS BATTED IN 7. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 199 1. Alyse Hasty (03-06)...... 172 8. Laura Simpson (96-99)...... 194 2. Meredith Coleman (03-06)...... 146 9. Elizabeth Pelezo (95-98)...... 192 3. Joy Long (01-04) ...... 135 9. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98)...... 192 4. Laura Simpson (96-99) ...... 132 10. Brittany Tillery (06-08)...... 189 5. Ashlee Nodhturft (04-06)...... 109 11. Teresa Anderson (99-02)...... 182 6. Bre Myers (05-06)...... 99 12. Meggan Lee (00-03)...... 173 7. Amber Hass (06-08)...... 97 13. Leslie Pourciau (01-03)...... 169 8. Jen Meeks (01-04)...... 85 14. Britni Adcox (05-08)...... 167 9. Lauren LaSuzzo (02-05)...... 80 15. Leslie Lancaster (96-99)...... 165 9. Jeannie Crnkovic (95-98) ...... 80 Catcher Joy Long is the only Lady Statesmen named 16. Jenn Meeks (01-04)...... 163 10. Brittany Tillery (06-Present)...... 79 First Team All-GSC all four years of her career. She still ranks in the top-10 in nearly every offensive stat 17. Marni Edwards (91-94)...... 147 10. Dana Howard (92-95)...... 79 category at Delta State. 17. Dana Howard (92-95)...... 147 30 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Lady Statesmen Career Pitching Records GAMES PITCHED WINS INNINGS PITCHED 1. Mandi Foster (95-98) ...... 152 1. Nicki Genre (99-02) ...... 85 1. Nicki Genre (99-02) ...... 860.1 2. Nicki Genre (99-02) ...... 143 2. Mandi Foster (95-98) ...... 78 2. Mandi Foster (95-98) ...... 719.3 3. Britni Adcox (05-08)...... 107 3. Duana Meseyton (01-04) ...... 49 3. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 461.2 3. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 107 4. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 42 4. Duana Meseyton (01-04)...... 458.2 4. Jenna Smart (03-06)...... 96 5. Jenna Smart (03-06)...... 36 5. Jaymie Lafitte (89-92) ...... 424.2 5. Duana Meseyton (01-04)...... 86 6. Britni Adcox (05-08)...... 31 6. Lisa Baker (86-88) ...... 400.2 6. Melissa Stafford (86-89) ...... 70 7. Randa Blenden (06-07)...... 26 7. Melissa Stafford (86-89)...... 395.1 7. Randa Blenden (06-07)...... 69 8. Laura Dixon (04-05)...... 24 8. Jenna Smart (03-06)...... 374.1 8. Jaymie Lafitte (89-92) ...... 67 9. Melissa Stafford (86-89) ...... 23 9. Meggan Lee (00-03)...... 62 9. Jaymie Lafitte (89-92) ...... 23 10. Lisa Baker (86-88)...... 61 10. Alicia Wright (92-95)...... 22 11. Alicia Wright (92-95)...... 57 11. Laura Dixon (04-05)...... 57 STRIKEOUTS 1. Mandi Foster (95-98) ...... 925 2. Nicki Genre (99-02) ...... 371 3. Jenna Smart (03-06)...... 330 4. Sam St. Hilaire (05-08)...... 262 5. Duana Meseyton (01-04)...... 237 6. Laura Dixon (04-05)...... 223 7. Randa Blenden (06-07)...... 189 8. Britni Adcox (05-08)...... 178 9. Alicia Wright (92-95) ...... 152 10. Lisa Baker (86-88)...... 149 11. Edie Oliver (07-Present)...... 145 12. Melissa Stafford (86-89)...... 140

Nicki Genre is the winningest pitcher in Lady Statesmen histor, and led all NCAA Division II pitchers with 35 wins in 2002.

Mandi Foster, a three-time All-GSC selection is in the top-two in every DSU pitching category. She will be enshrined in the Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame this year. She is pictured with her family at the retirement ceremony of her number 12 in 2003.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE 1. Mandi Foster (95-98) ...... 1.39 2. Nicki Genre (99-02) ...... 1.55 3. Duana Meseyton (01-04)...... 1.97 4. Jenna Smart (03-06)...... 2.17 5. Meggan Lee (00-03) ...... 2.22 6. Laura Dixon (04-05)...... 2.46 7. Alicia Wright (92-95)...... 2.67 8. Kelli Rushton (90-91)...... 2.73 9. Chrissa Hughes (01-02)...... 2.78

Sam St. Hilaire finished her career last season, and ranks in the top-five of nearly every pitching category. The Turner, Maine native was a four-time All-GSC selection, as well as GSC West Freshman of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 31 Delta State University Softball Lady Statesmen Season Batting Records BATTING AVERAGE RUNS BATTED IN RUNS SCORED 1. Brittany Tillery (08)...... 450 1. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 65 1. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 77 2. Laura Simpson (99) ...... 423 2. Amber Hass (06)...... 63 2. Ashlee Nodhturft (06)...... 69 3. Keri Manchester (92) ...... 422 3. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 56 3. Chasey Niebrugge (07)...... 58 4. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 417 4. Ashlee Nodhturft (05)...... 53 4. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 55 5. Kristi Braverman (99) ...... 411 5. Ashlee Nodhtuft (06)...... 52 5. Ashlee Nodhturft (05)...... 53 6. Alyse Hasty (04)...... 409 6. Bre Myers (06)...... 50 6. Lauren LaSuzzo (05)...... 51 7. Joy Long (03) ...... 403 7. Bre Myers (05)...... 49 6. Brittany Tillery (08)...... 51 8. Meredith Coleman (03) ...... 400 8. Meredith Coleman (05)...... 48 7. Chasey Niebrugge (08)...... 48 9. Jenn Meeks (03)...... 399 9. Courtney Clark (07)...... 46 8. Bre Myers (05)...... 47 10. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 395 10. Laura Simpson (96)...... 44 9. Leslie Pourciau (02) ...... 44 11. Jeannie Crnkovic (96)...... 388 11. Joy Long (03)...... 42 10. Brittany Tillery (07)...... 43 12. Angel Matthews (92)...... 382 12. Brittany Tillery (08)...... 41 10. Amber Hass (06)...... 43 11. Meredith Coleman (06)...... 40 HITS HOMERUNS 12. Brittany Tillery (06)...... 39 1. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 101 1. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 18 2. Ashlee Nodhturft (06)...... 91 2. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 17 WALKS 3. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 81 3. Bre Myers (05)...... 16 1. Jeannie Crnkovic (97) ...... 29 4. Amber Hass (06)...... 80 4. Ashlee Nodhturft (06)...... 15 2. Marni Edwards (94) ...... 28 5. Ashlee Nodhturft (05)...... 77 5. Ashlee Nodhturft (05)...... 14 3. Bre Myers (05)...... 27 6. Brittany Tillery (08)...... 76 6. Amber Hass, 2006...... 12 3. Carrie Robert (96) ...... 27 7. Lauren LaSuzzo (05)...... 73 7. Meredith Coleman (04)...... 11 3. Alicia Wright (94)...... 27 8. Courtney Clark (07)...... 71 8. Chasey Niebrugge (07)...... 10 3. Casey Bourgoyne (99) ...... 27 9. Leslie Pourciau (02) ...... 70 8. Bre Myers (06)...... 10 10. Bre Myers (05)...... 69 9. Meredith Coleman (05)...... 9 STOLEN BASES 10. Laura Simpson (99) ...... 69 9. Brittany Tillery (08)...... 9 1. Alyse Hasty, 2006...... 59 11. Chasey Niebrugge (07)...... 68 10. Courtney Clark (07)...... 8 2. Leslie Pourciau (02) ...... 37 12. Brittany Tillery (07)...... 65 10. Meredith Coleman, 2006...... 8 3. Leslie Pourciau (03) ...... 36 13. Joy Long (03)...... 64 10. Katie Wright, 2006...... 8 4. Brittany Tillery (07)...... 32 13. Alyse Hasty (03)...... 64 11. Lauren LaSuzzo (05)...... 7 5. Alyse Hasty (05)...... 31 14. Kristi Braverman (99)...... 62 11. Laura Simpson (96)...... 7 12. Jenn Meeks (04)...... 6 12. Christy Patterson (01)...... 6

DOUBLES 1. Ashlee Nodhturft, 2006...... 23 2. Ashlee Nodhturft (05)...... 20 2. Laura Simpson (99) ...... 20 Brittany Tillery set the single-season batting aver- 3. Chasey Niebrugge (08)...... 19 age mark, hitting .450 during her All-Region run in 4. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 17 2008. 5. Kristi Braverman (99) ...... 15 TRIPLES 5. Carrie Haynie (96) ...... 15 1. Laurin Cross (91)...... 8 6. Meredith Coleman (05)...... 14 2. Leslie Lancaster (99) ...... 6 6. Christy Patterson (01) ...... 14 2. Sherri Holmquist (86)...... 6 6. Laura Simpson (97)...... 14 3. Alyse Hasty (06)...... 5 6. Keri Manchester (92)...... 14 4. Brittany Tillery (07)...... 4 6. Kristi Braverman (00)...... 14 5. Chasey Niebrugge (08)...... 3 7. Chasey Niebrugge (07)...... 13 5. Amber Hass (06)...... 3 7. Lauren LaSuzzo (05)...... 13 5. Carrie Cauthen (04)...... 3 8. Amber Hass (06)...... 12 5. Alyse Hasty (04)...... 3 Chasey Niebrugge posted four marks in the top-10 5. Meredith Coleman (03) ...... 3 of four different stat categories during her two-year 5. Allison Tidwell (03) ...... 3 career at Delta State, and finished seventh in career home runs. 5. Ashley Driskell (03) ...... 3 32 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Lady Statesmen Season Pitching Records VICTORIES 1. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 35 2. Nicki Genre (99) ...... 28 3. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 27 4. Sam St. Hilaire (05)...... 21 4. Mandi Foster (98) ...... 21 4. Duana Meseyton (03) ...... 21 5. Mandi Foster (97)...... 18 6. Britni Adcox (06)...... 17

EARNED RUN AVERAGE 1. Meggan Lee (01) ...... 0.95 2. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 1.08 3. Duana Meseyton (03) ...... 1.19 4. Mandi Foster (98) ...... 1.20 5. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 1.27 6. Mandi Foster (97)...... 1.37 7. Nicki Genre (01)...... 1.44 8. Meggan Lee (03)...... 1.58 9. Jenna Smart (04)...... 1.59 10. Nicki Genre (99)...... 1.67 Pitching coach Jenna Smart was a dominant pitcher COMPLETE GAMES INNINGS PITCHED during her four years, and ranks fourth behind 1. Nicki Genre (99) ...... 39 1. Nicki Genre (99) ...... 289.0 only Mandi Foster in single-season strikeouts. She also ranks in the top-10 in four other single-season 2. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 33 2. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 273.1 categories. 3. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 28 3. Mandi Foster (97)...... 204.2 STRIKEOUTS 4. Jenna Smart (03)...... 25 4. Mandi Foster (98)...... 203.2 1. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 295 5. Mandi Foster (97) ...... 25 5. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 198.2 2. Mandi Foster (98) ...... 288 6. Alicia Wright (94) ...... 23 6. Sam St. Hilaire (05)...... 188.1 6. Lisa Baker (87) ...... 23 Duana Meseyton posted marks in the top-five in 3. Mandi Foster (97)...... 256 single-season wins (21), ERA (1.19), and shutouts 4. Jenna Smart (03) ...... 133 6. Mandi Foster (98) ...... 23 (9 and 7), each ranking either third or fourth in DSU history. SHUTOUTS 1. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 17 2. Nicki Genre (99) ...... 11 3. Duana Meseyton (01)...... 9 4. Duana Meseyton (03) ...... 7 4. Jenna Smart (03) ...... 7 4. Mandi Foster (98) ...... 7 4. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 7 5. Alicia Wright (94)...... 6 5. Tina Spivey (95)...... 6 5. Nicki Genre (01)...... 6

PITCHING APPEARANCES 1. Nicki Genre (02) ...... 47 1. Nicki Genre (99) ...... 47 2. Mandi Foster (97) ...... 39 3. Britni Adcox, (06)...... 38 4. Sam St. Hilaire (05)...... 37 4. Mandi Foster (96) ...... 37 5. Jenna Smart (06)...... 35 5. Randa Blenden (06)...... 35 6. Randa Blenden (07)...... 34 2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 33 Delta State University Softball Lady Statesmen Post Season Honors NATIONAL FAST PITCH COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL-GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SELECTIONS ALL-SOUTH REGION SELECTIONS Britni Adcox...... 2006, 2007, 2008 Kristi Braverman...... 1999, 2000 Angela Armstrong...... 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Meredith Coleman...... 2003, 2004 Lisa Baker...... 1986, 1988 Jeannie Crnkovic...... 1997, 1998 Marsha Blackwell...... 1993 Mandi Foster...... 1997, 1998 Randa Blenden...... 2006 Nicki Genre...... 1999, 2002 Casey Bourgoyne...... 2000, 2001, 2002 Amber Hass...... 2006 Kristi Braverman...... 1999, 2000 Alyse Hasty...... 2005, 2006 Cheryl Brittain...... 1986 Lauren LaSuzzo...... 2005 Jayme Brooks...... 2000 Joy Long...... 2002, 2003, 2004 Jennifer “Dink” Brooks...... 1995 Jen Meeks...... 2003 Coleen Bryan...... 1988 Bre Myers...... 2005, 2006 Chelsea Carr...... 2008 Chasey Niebrugge...... 2007 Courtney Clark...... 2007 Ashlee Nodhturft...... 2005 Laurin Coss...... 1991 Leslie Pourciau...... 2002 Angie Cotham...... 1990 Laura Simpson...... 1997, 1999 Meredith Coleman...... 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Brittany Tillery...... 2008 Jeannie Crnkovic...... 1996, 1997, 1998 Alicia Wright...... 1995 Laura Dixon...... 2004 Brittany Eikner...... 2008 NATIONAL FASTPITCH COACHES ASSOCIATION Mandi Foster...... 1996, 1997, 1998 ALL-AMERICAN TEAM Nicki Genre...... 1999, 2001, 2002* Amber Hass...... 2006 Alyse Hasty...... 2006, First Team Alyse Hasty...... 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006* Carrie Haynie...... 1986 GSC COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY Sherry Holmquist...... 1986 Alyse Hasty...... 2006 Dana Howard...... 1994, 1995 Lauren LaSuzzo...... 2005 Megan Lee...... 2000, 2001, 2002 Joy Long...... 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Keri Manchester...... 1992 Angel Matthews...... 1992 Jennifer Meeks...... 2003 Duana Meseyton...... 2001, 2003, 2004 Bre Myers...... 2005, 2006 Chasey Niebrugge...... 2007, 2008 Ashlee Nodhturft...... 2005, 2006 Edie Oliver...... 2007 Christy Patterson...... 2001 Elizabeth Pelezo...... 1997 Tiffany Phillips...... 2000 Leslie Pourciau...... 2001, 2002, 2003 Carrie Roberts...... 1996 Laura Simpson...... 1997, 1998, 1999 Susan Sims...... 1987 Delanie Sloan...... 2007 Jenna Smart...... 2003, 2004 Tina Spivey...... 1995 Sam St. Hilaire...... 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Melissa Stafford...... 1987, 1989 Stacey Sanders...... 1990 Stacey Taylor...... 1996, 1997 Brittany Tillery...... 2007, 2008 Brandi Vondenstein...... 2005 Alicia Wright...... 1993 Legend Four-time All-GSC selection Alyse Hasty is one of 11 Delta State athletes to win First Team in Bold the GSC Commissioner’s Trophy, and is one of just three Lady Statesmen to Second Team in Regular Type earn the award. *GSC West Division Player of the Year

34 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Gulf South Conference Academic excellence, 41 National Championships and a the end of 1995-96, and was replaced by Christian Brothers leadership role in the NCAA’s Division II make the Gulf South to keep the Conference at 16 schools. In July 2000, the GSC Conference (GSC) something special. As a charter member of welcomed Harding University and Ouachita Baptist Univer- D-II, the league’s 15 universities in six southeastern states en- sity, making it the largest NCAA conference at any level with ter the 37th year of setting the standards nationally, always 18 schools. MUW dropped its athletics program at the end of breaking new ground. the 2002-03 season, decreasing the membership to 17. The In the summer of 1970, six college presidents met to Conference decreased to 15 teams in 2006-07 when Central talk about athletics; when the meeting ended, a new league Arkansas moved to Division I and Lincoln Memorial moved emerged—the Mid-South Conference—started by, and to this to the South Atlantic Conference. day run by, the CEOs, the first in NCAA history. To this day, Former Commissioner Jim McCullough moved the GSC it is that CEO-control and involvement that makes the league office to Birmingham. The current Commissioner, Nathan work and its 14 championships (football; men’s & women’s (Nate) N. Salant, has been in office since October, 1992. He is cross country and soccer; volleyball, men’s & women’s assisted by Assistant Commissioner for Media and Public Af- basketball, tennis and golf; softball and baseball) so bitterly fairs Michael Anderson, Associate Sports Information Direc- contested. tor Tim Andrzejewski, Sports Information Assistant Michael From that point forward, the GSC has been giant steps Banks and Assistant to the Commissioner Andrea Nguyen. ahead of the D-II pack. Dating back to 1997, the league has The Chairman of the GSC Board of Directors is Dr. David found neutral sites paying sizeable guarantees for most of Rankin (Southern Arkansas). Joining him on the executive its team championships. NCAA Conventions regularly feature committee are Vice Chair Dr. Beheruz Sethna (West Georgia) GSC-proposed or -inspired legislation. No one wins more and past-Chair Dr. Robert Brown (Arkansas Tech). The Super- regionals or earns more NCAA post-season bids. In 2004, the visors of Officials are Bill Johnson (Football), John Caldwell league purchased its own new construction office space. But (Basketball-West Division) and Mike Murphy (Basketball-East the crowning moment came last year, when the GSC debuted Division). its highly successful “GSC-TV Live” package of nine football games and its basketball finals. Add to that its web-TV show, All-Time Commissioners “GSC Sports Weekly,” and you can see why the past few years Nate Salant...... 1992-Present have been so special and why 2007-08 should be even better. Sonny Moran...... 1987-1992 We take pride in our 41 National Team Championships Ralph McFillen...... 1984-1987 in 12 sports and more than 100 regional titles, especially Hayden Riley...... 1982-1984 because there is no sacrifice on the academic side, where Jim McCullough...... 1979-1982 GSC student-athletes regularly earn Academic All-America. Stan Galloway...... 1971-1979 The Conference added one more National Title to its resume in 2007 when Valdosta State captured the National Football GSC Staff and Directory Championship, defeating Northwest Missouri State. Delta State, Florence State (now North Alabama), Jackson- 2101 Providence Park • Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35242 ville State, Livingston (now West Alabama), Tennessee-Martin Phone: (205) 991-9880 • Fax: (205) 437-0505 and Troy State were the charter members who launched the league. Scheduling problems for the 1970-71 academic year Commissioner:...... Nathan N. Salant, Esq. limited the GSC to football, won by Jacksonville State. In President: ...... Dr. David Rankin of Southern Arkansas Assistant Commissioner: ...... Michael Anderson 1971, the addition of Southeast Louisiana (SELA) and Nich- Assistant Information Director: ...... Michael Banks ols State increased the membership to eight. The league Assistant Information Director:...... Eric SanInoCencio opened an office in Hammond, LA, changed its name to the Assistant to the Commissioner: ...... Andrea Ngyuen Director of Football Officials: ...... Bill Johnson Gulf South Conference and began championships in nine Director of Basketball Officials (East): ...... Mike Murphy men’s sports. Mississippi College and Northwestern Louisi- Director of Basketball Officials (West): ...... John Caldwell ana (NWLA, now Northwestern State) joined in 1972 and two years later, NELA left for Division I with SELA and Nicholls GSC MEMBER SCHOOLS (15) State following in 1979. University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) The conference continued with seven teams until 1981, University of Arkansas-Monticello (UAM) when the CEOs admitted Valdosta State, followed by West Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Christian Brothers University (CBU) Georgia (1983). In 1991, Tennessee-Martin and Troy State Delta State University (DSU) went Division I, briefly dropping the GSC back to seven mem- Harding University (HU) bers, before the beginning of an expansion resulting in ten Henderson State University (HSU) new members: Lincoln Memorial (1992-93); Alabama-Hunts- University of Montevallo (UM) University of North Alabama (UNA) ville, Henderson State, Central Arkansas and Mississippi Uni- Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) versity for Women (1993-94); West Florida (1994-95); and Ar- Southern Arkansas University (SAU) kansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Montevallo and Southern Valdosta State University (VSU) University of West Alabama (UWA) Arkansas (1995-96). Jacksonville State went Division I at the University of West Florida (UWF) end of 1992-93. Mississippi College dropped to Division III at University of West Georgia (UWG)

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 35 Delta State University Softball Dr. John Hilpert • University President

Dr. John Hilpert’s four presidential resume. year tenure as president has As president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South resulted in significant growth Dakota, from 1997 until he assumed the presidency of Delta State, and progress for Delta State integrating technology into the university’s academic programs was University. a major goal. Northern received legislative designation as the Center A strong proponent for Statewide E-learning in 2001, and today Northern offers daily of year-long themes, Dr. classes to more than one-third of South Dakota’s school districts Hilpert’s presidency has from ten studios on the campus. been marked by three For seven years prior to his arrival at Northern, Dr. Hilpert clearly-defined, straight- served the University of South Dakota as Vice President for University forward initiatives – “The Relations, and for an interim term as Acting President. He has also Best Regional University held senior administrative posts at Thiel College in Pennsylvania and in America,” “The Year of at Finlandia University (formerly Suomi College) in Michigan, during Cleveland,” and “The Year of the 28 years of his career in higher education. Health and Wellness in the Dr. Hilpert earned his doctorate – a Ph.D. in Higher Education Delta.” Administration – from the Center for the Study of Higher Education “Results come by way of at the University of Michigan. During his doctoral studies, he was concerted efforts and focused honored with the prestigious Brubacher Award for scholarship by attentions, and I believe these year-long themes force us to magnify the faculty of the University of Michigan. He earned both a Master of those specific areas,” Hilpert explained. “I believe we can make Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a Bachelor lasting impacts this way.” of Arts degree from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His tenure would confirm that, as during “The Year of He also holds a two-year diploma from St. Paul’s College in Missouri. Cleveland,” Delta State celebrated its 80th academic year recognizing Throughout his career, Dr. Hilpert has served various the rich relationship it has had with its host community, Cleveland. organizations on boards, task forces, and committees. He was The community rallied together in time of need, as after Hurricanes appointed in 2004 by Governor Haley Barbour to serve on Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast regions, community and Mississippi’s Council for Education Technology. campus citizens acted quickly to offer food, clothing, shelter, and Dr. Hilpert and his wife, Pat, have been married for 35 years. financial help. Both grew up in Missouri, he in Cape Girardeau and she in St. Louis. His most recent program, “Health and Wellness in the Delta” They have three adult sons, Joshua (daughter Julia), Zachary, and has allowed thousands access to free educational programs and Adam (wife Megan). Pat spent 27 years as a Registered Nurse, serving testing, in the form of Delta Health and Wellness Day, a breast in different settings as a nurse administrator and educator. She cancer awareness forum and Dr. Hilpert’s own leadership of the is also a published photographer who has exhibited her creative Delta Health Alliance (DHA), a collaborative partnership comprised works in a variety of galleries and won several awards, including one of Delta State, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and the South Dakota Medical Center, Mississippi Valley State University and Delta Council, Department of Tourism. aimed at promoting programs of health education, health research and increasing the availability and ease of access to health care in the Delta region. He will serve as president of the DHA through June 2008. Under Dr. Hilpert’s leadership, Delta State has also experienced expansive development, most notably in the area of student enrollment, with the fall 2006 enrollment figures marking the largest in school history. Additionally, Delta State boasts a ten percent increase over a five-year enrollment period. Other credits during his tenure include: Delta State’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in December 2005; the University announced the conclusion of its highly-successful, five-year “Wings & Roots: Let our Legacy Soar” fundraising campaign, with the final tally capping at $37,025,042, an amount that tripled the campaign’s initial goal and stands as the largest collection of private support in the history of the university. As shown in the Education Trust and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ recent research Delta State stands atop its peer group of institutions for the percentage of entering students who graduate within six years of first enrollment. The number of doctoral degrees conferred in 2004 doubled, while the number of undergraduate degrees conferred ranked tops among any other Carnegie master’s institution in the state. Further evidence in the University’s commitment to becoming “the best regional university in America,” is the advent of five additional academic majors to Delta State’s already diverse curriculum, including athletic training and gaming management. Dr. Hilpert’s leadership has also seen heavy emphasis put toward the incorporation of classroom technology – a consistent theme on his

36 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 37 Delta State University Softball 2008 Gulf South Conference Opponents OUACHITA BAPT. ARK.-MONTICELLO SOU. ARKANSAS March 21 • 1 PM March 7 • 1 PM March 14 • 3 PM March 22 • 1 PM March 8 • 1 PM March 15 • 12 PM Arkadelphia, Ark. Monticello, Ark. Magnolia, Ark. Anderson Field Blossom Field Ballpark Field Location:...... Arkadelphia, Ark. Location: ...... Monticello, Arkansas Location: ...... Magnolia, Arkansas Nicknames:...... Lady Tigers Nicknames: ...... Cotton Blossoms Nicknames: ...... Lady Riders School Colors:...... Purple and Gold School Colors: ...... Green and White School Colors: ...... Blue and White Field:...... Sully Anderson Field Field: ...... Blossom Field Field: ...... Ballpark on Stadium Conference:...... Gulf South (West) Conference: ...... Gulf South (West) Conference: ...... Gulf South (West) 2008 Record:...... 24-32 2008 Record: ...... 23-31 2008 Record: ...... 10-31 Head Coach:...... Mike McGhee Head Coach: ...... Alvy Early Head Coach: ...... Kevin Allison Record:...... 72-78/Four years Record: ...... 419-232-2/Twelve years Record: ...... 10-31/One Year SID Contact:...... Brian Howard SID Contact: ...... Brian Harvey SID Contact: ...... Houston Taylor SID Phone:...... 870-245-5186 SID Phone: ...... 870-460-1574 SID Phone: ...... 870-235-4102 Website:...... www.obusports.com Website: ...... www.uamont.edu Website: ...... www.saumag.edu

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ARKANSAS TECH HENDERSON STATE March 28 • 2 PM April 18 • 4 PM April 10 • 4 PM March 29 • 12 PM April 19 • 12 PM April 11 • 11 PM Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland University Field University Field University Field Location: ...... Memphis, Tenn. Location: ...... Russellville, Arkansas Location: ...... Arkadelphia, Arkansas Nicknames: ...... Lady Buccaneers Nicknames: ...... Golden Suns Nicknames: ...... Reddies School Colors: ...... Scarlet and Gray School Colors: ...... Green and Gold School Colors:...... Red and White Field: ...... Bland Field Field: ...... Chartwells Complex Field: ...... Delores B. White Conference: ...... Gulf South (West) Conference: ...... Gulf South (West) Conference: ...... Gulf South (West) 2008 Record: ...... 18-28 2007 Record: ...... 41-17 2007 Record: ...... 39-18 Head Coach: ...... Donna Crone Head Coach: ...... Gidget Pambianchi Head Coach: ...... Beth Jackson Record: ...... 136-248/Ten years Record: ...... 75-77/Four Years Record: ...... 0-0/First Season SID Contact: ...... Eric Opperman SID Contact: ...... Ben Greenberg SID Contact: ...... Troy Mitchell SID Phone: ...... 901-321-3378 SID Phone: ...... 479-968-0645 SID Phone: ...... 870-230-5197 Website: ...... www.gobucsgo.com Website: ...... athletics.atu.edu Website: ...... www.hsu.edu

West Florida North Alabama Valdosta State April 2 • 4 PM April 2 • 6 PM April 3 • 2 PM Decatur, Ala. Decatur, Ala. Decatur, Ala. Wilson-Morgan Park Wilson-Morgan Park Wilson-Morgan Park

Location:...... Pensacola, Florida Location: ...... Florence, Alabama Location: ...... Valdosta, Georgia Nicknames:...... Lady Argonauts Nicknames: ...... Lions Nicknames: ...... Lady Blazers School Colors:...... Blue and Green School Colors: ...... Purple and Gold School Colors: ...... Red and Black Field:...... UWF Softball Complex Field: ...... Cox Creek Park Field: ...... Lady Blazer Complex Conference:...... Gulf South (East) Conference: ...... Gulf South (East) Conference: ...... Gulf South (East) 2008 Record:...... 40-23 2008 Record: ...... 28-21 2008 Record: ...... 48-19 Head Coach:...... Tami Cyr Head Coach: ...... Jeremy Reece Head Coach: ...... Thomas Macera Record:...... 816-379/Nineteen years Record: ...... 199-180/Seven years Record: ...... 136-52/Three years SID Contact:...... Matt Rowley SID Contact: ...... Shane Herrmann SID Contact: ...... Shawn Reed SID Phone:...... 850-474-2140 SID Phone: ...... 256-765-4895 SID Phone: ...... 229-333-5903 Website:...... goargos.athleticsite.com Website: ...... www.roarlions.com Website: ...... www.saumag.edu

Alabama-Huntsville West Alabama West Georgia April 3 • 6 PM April 4 • 12 PM April 5 • 12 PM Decatur, Ala. Decatur, Ala. Decatur, Ala. Wilson-Morgan Park Wilson-Morgan Park Wilson-Morgan Park

Location: ...... Huntsville, Alabama Location: ...... Livingston, Alabama Location: ...... Carrollton, Georgia Nicknames: ...... Chargers Nicknames: ...... Tigers Nicknames: ...... Wolves School Colors: ...... Royal Blue and White School Colors: ...... Red and White School Colors:...... Blue and Red Field: ...... Charger Softball Complex Field: ...... UWA Softball Complex Field: ...... Oil Park Conference: ...... Gulf South (East) Conference: ...... Gulf South (East) Conference: ...... Gulf South (East) 2008 Record: ...... 52-9 2008 Record: ...... 29-29 2007 Record: ...... 25-30 Head Coach: ...... Les Stuedeman Head Coach: ...... Will Atkinson Head Coach: ...... Erika Swanson Record: ...... 618-209/Twelve years Record: ...... 29-29/One Year Record: ...... 191-211/Seven years SID Contact: ...... Antoine Bell SID Contact: ...... Kyle Lewis SID Contact: ...... Mitch Gray SID Phone: ...... 256-824-6008 SID Phone: ...... 205-652-3596 SID Phone: ...... 678-839-6544 Website: ...... www.uahchargers.com Website: ...... www.athletics.uwa.edu Website: ...... www.uwgsports.com

38 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions A History of Excellence Lady Statesmen Radio Network J.T. Webb • “The Voice” Fifth Season • Delta State, 2011 The Webb File •Clarksdale, Miss. native •Bachelor’s in physical education, Delta State, 2011 •Minor in journalism, Delta State, 2011 •Broadcast five Regional Championships •Broadcast five GSC championship games •Broadcast two football GSC championship seasons

J.T. Webb is in his fourth season as the “Voice of Lady Statesmen Softball,” and is also in his first season as the “Voice of Lady Statesmen Basketball.” Webb served as an analyst for the Statesmen Sports Network for the past four years, serving as sideline reporter for Statesmen football, and as the color analyst for Lady Statesmen basketball. He also handles the play-by-play for Lady Statesmen softball. In the past five years, Webb has been a part of the broadcast team as the Statesmen advanced to the National Semifinals and won two GSC Championships in football, and he has been alongside Matt Jones during the Lady Statesmen’s three-peat as GSC Champions, as well as chronicalling their trip to the Final Four in Kearney, Neb., last season. The President’s List student is currently pursuing a degree in sports information with a minor in journalism. The Clarksdale native is a life-long fan/observer of Delta State athletics and one day hopes to run his own sports information office. Webb is a 1998 graduate of Clarksdale High School, where he served as a manager for the football team, earning a MHSAA State Championship in 1997.

Lady Statesmen fans can follow all the action of Delta State University softball this season on the Statesmen Sports Network. J.T. Webb anchors the broadcast as play-by-play an- nouncer for a fourth-straight season. Each broadcast begins with the SouthGroup Insurance Locker Room Report beginning 10 minutes before the start of each game. This season, the SSN will broadcast 20 regular season and all Gulf South Conference and NCAA postseason tournament games on the internet. All “live” streaming events are available free of charge at www.GoStatesmen.com through Stretch Internet.

2009 Lady Statesmen Softball 39 Delta State University Softball

40 New Foundations Built on Old Traditions