Around the "Camel
Diamond"
Alumni Newsletter, Spring
2011
How the Lady Camels are doing
it, and what's up next?????
If you make it they will come...
Most people know that great facilities attract great athletes. This
is what the CU Lady Camels softball team has been working to attain
for our program. The Lady Camels have been making small changes and
upgrades to their facilities over the past couple of years. These
changes help attract quality Division I athletes, increase
attendance and raise awareness of our program on and off the
campus. With the help and support from the university staff,
alumni, community, student athletes, and their families the Lady
Camels are able to take the necessary steps to make changes to
their facilities. In the past three years these changes have
included the additions of new netting with turf for the out door
batting cages, freshly painted dugouts, new field fencing,
graphically designed windscreens, and new Championship banners.
Other additions that the Lady Camels would like to add are new foul
poles, stadium seating, a press box and pitching/fielding machines.
The Brains behind the whole thing...
The Lady Camels have shown great efforts on the field, but off the
field it has also been amazing. Finishing with the 5th
highest grade point average in Division I softball last year (GPA
of 3.520), the Lady Camels continue to display great work in the
classroom finishing the 2011 season with 13 All-Academic team
honors, and 14 NFCA All-American Scholar Athletes in 2010.
2011 Capital One Academic District III 2nd
Team
#26 Lizzie Goldbach, Sr. #24
Sarah Forgacs,
So.
.
The small fish in a big pond...
Head Coach Drew Peterson continues to create a strong competitive
schedule for the Lady Camels. The Lady Camels have had the
opportunity to compete with some of the 25 top ranked programs in
the nation since 2004, including National Champion Arizona State
this season. During this time the Lady Camels earned wins over
nationally ranked opponents the University of North Carolina and
the University of Virginia.
Getting back into the SWING of things ...
With the addition of 2nd Assistant Nikki Prier to the
2010-11 campaign, Coach Peterson assigned Coach Prier the
responsibility to oversee the team's hitting. Coach Prier entered
her first season as a new coach with a lot of positive energy.
After a disappointing 2009-2010 season, Prier helped the ladies
advance games and their swings. This new renewed confidence has
resulted in achieving several team offensive goals for the 2011
season. The 2011 Lady Camels hit 53 homeruns, 67 doubles, scored
280 runs, walked 196 times and were hit by a pitch 47 times. They
also stole 70 bases. All statistics surpassed the preset season
goals. Katie Hinton also broke a school record for career walks
with 111.
An era comes to an end...
The Lady Camels seniors finished the 2011 season 4th in
Conference and 3rd in the A-Sun tournament tagging, and
became on the second class third class to win 30 or more games
three times, and just the second class to win two A-Sun titles! 2
Lady Camels were selected to the A-Sun All Conference team, and 2
to the All-Tournament team. Amanda Miller 1st team All
Conference and All Tournament team honoree, Sarah Forgacs
2nd team All Conference honoree and Lauren Stephan
All-Tournament team Honoree. Amanda also broke a school record
with 559 career assists, and Katie Woodcock set a school record
with 15 saves. We will be forever grateful to the seniors for
their amazing career!
Call a UHAUL we are moving...
Campbell University finishes up their last and final season in the
Atlantic Sun Conference before moving on to the Big-South for the
2011-12 Season. The softball squad leaves the A-Sun Conference with
overall record of 145-165 over 15 seasons.
Signed, Sealed and will be delivered...
The 2011 clan of freshman will be on campus August. This class of
10 talented ladies will be expected to make an immediate impact for
the Lady Camels: Brittany Bruce (Lumberton, NC), Julia Callicutt
(Asheboro, NC), Maggie Christopher (Charleston, SC) Kailey Farmer
(Durham, NC), Stephanie Jones (Black Mountain, NC), Erika Nesbitt
(Salisbury, NC), Camise Patterson (Fuquay-Varina, NC), Casey Taylor
(Lillington, NC), Kerstine Womack (Broadway, NC), and Caroline
Womble (Lillington, NC).
With 6 Rising Sophomores, this will put the underclassman mark at
16 next season. Five upper classman, 3- juniors and 2- seniors to
help lead the way
Rising Sophomores: (L-R) Shaela Churchill, Raven Lee, Tori Ryan,
Jessi Lane, Jordan Clarke, Olivia Scarborough and Katie Andrews
A note from coach's desk...
Another great season has come and gone, and I believe we all felt
we left some games out there that should have been won, but without
a doubt the group of ladies had a great time playing together.
Winning 32 games, beating UNC and UVA were certainly highlights,
and we finished higher than predicted in all areas. As we
previously mentioned, it will be VERY difficult to move forward
without the amazing group of seniors we graduated this spring:
Melissa Elks, Lizzie Goldbach, Katie Hinton, Amanda Miller, Keeli
Michael, Lauren Stephan and Katie Woodcock. As a group they won
135 games, 2 A-Sun tournament titles, and became the first team in
CU history to win a game in Regional play.
WE do have a fantastic group of young women coming in next fall,
and I sincerely hope you will come out, say hello, meet the ladies
giving them a chance to thank you for the foundation you set, and
see the great brand of softball they play!
May God bless you,
Coach Peterson
Vol.
1 Edition 5
Winter
2010
A-Sun
Champions 1995, 2008, 2009
A Note From Coach
Peterson- Another season is under way, and it never
ceases to amaze me at just how fast the time goes from one season
to another. When I first started coaching I would become depressed
the first couple of week after the season ended, because I was
enjoying the team/ season so much. However, I quickly learned that
the new season would come again before I knew it, and so there
wasn't a need to be down in the dumps. I understood it was just a
part of life, and the natural transition of things. Now when the
season ends I take time to relax and rest in order to regroup for
the coming season. After all no two seasons are alike, and each
team must create its own identity.
As coaches we often try to carry over the momentum from the
previous year's success, or build motivation from the
discouragement experienced from the previous year's failures.
Regardless each team and its season take on a life of its own.
Although we have talked a lot about continuing to move forward with
our program toward our ultimate goal of the college World Series,
this year's team seems to understand that it is a process. First
we must again earn success during regular season play in the A-Sun,
trying to repeat as A-Sun champs. Then we must win the A-Sun
tournament, going for the "three peat". Finally, they have a
desire to move farther in the Regional tournament, winning it if
when we get to the championship game.
I have admired the quality of the character of this year's group.
I do trust them to do the work necessary to succeed, and I believe
they are committed to the vision we have set. Ultimately I want to
do what I can to help them reach their potential, and often this
means simply staying out of the way of the momentum.
I do worry at
times that I may be pushing the program forward too fast, but this
year we have taken a BIG step by creating a schedule that is more
in line with the vision we have for the future. I believe at some
level in order to win in the NCAA tournament you have to earn the right
to beat those teams, and this only happens by working hard and
going out there and playing the teams who typically make it to the
NCAA tournament. We will learn some tough lessons on the way,
hopefully making us a more complete team, and teaching us new
lessons which will make us better.
The worry comes with regard to confidence. It is a fragile thing,
consisting of hard work, attention to the correct details and "heat
of the battle" success. The team has gained significantly with
this over the past two seasons, but I worry that the challenges of
this season will be too much for them to maintain the before
mentioned confidence. Ultimately we will either sink or swim, and
then regroup from there in the future. I pray the Lord will be
glorified by how we are doing our work, and carrying out our
responsibilities. It is a very good group of ladies, and I hope
you will get a chance see them play. J
Highlights
of the fall-
The Lady Camels continued to seek out ways to help others in the
community this past fall, while maintaining their focus in being
strong students. Each member of the team contributed a minimum of
12 hours of community service this fall, which included two free
softball clinics in the community (one in Angier and one in Fuquay
Varina), and a meal prepared and served to the families at the
Ronald McDonald house at the Duke children's hospital. We also
came together to again raise support for our teammate Amanda
Littlejohn and her family. All together the team raised about
$3500 to help her with her medical bills through a clinic held at
Campbell, the sale of raffle tickets and t-shirts, and from a
spaghetti dinner served at a church she attends while at CU.
We are so excited to be able ot say that Amanda is back in school,
and at practice encouraging the girls each day, while helping with
the execution of practice when she can.
Academically the ladies came out of the fall with a team GPA af
3.27, which included four individuals who achieved a 4.0. We are
very excited for these successes, and thank God for His blessings
in them.
A
Players Perspective- Senior Pitcher, Brittany
Stanley
This year is the beginning of a new chapter for Campbell Softball.
With exciting success of the past two years, Coach has begun giving
us opportunities to play some of the best competition in NCAA
softball. As a team we are very excited for these
opportunities.
With a rough
start to our season, we are ready to break out of our slump and
take it to these teams. Florida was a neat experience and a great
atmosphere. I would love to bring that back to Campbell.
One
of our goals for this season is to not be content with what we have
done in the past two years. We are competing now with these elite
teams to prepare us for our conference schedule and post season.
We have returned a majority of our team, with some spots open for
new or experienced players to step up. We want to be the team that
other schools see on our schedule and get nervous.
Coach has set us up with a great schedule with our last month's
games all at home. Hopefully this will allow fans to come out in
the warmer weather and give us that atmosphere that we all love to
play in. And on a final note, I want to follow in the footsteps of
the 2009 seniors who missed their graduation, and received a
private ceremony because we were too busy kicking butt in the
Atlantic Sun championship game!! Go Camels!!
The
new Camels are coming:
We are please to
share that seven young ladies have signed letters of intent to play
with our team starting next fall, with some "big shoes to
fill."
Katie Andrews-
Wilmington, DE, 1B
Shaela
Churchill- Winterville, NC, 2B/Util.
Jordan
Clarke- Capron, VA, C
Jessi
Lane- Angier, NC, OF
Raven
Lee- Battleboro, NC, 3B
Olivia
Scarborough- Lillington, NC, P/1B
Tori
Ryan- Randlemann, NC, C/Inf
All of these
ladies are very talented, and should continue to help build the
tradition of Campbell softball for the years ahead!
Thank you for
your support, and PLEASE send me an e-mail with your contact
information so that we can stay in better contact with you.
May the Lord bless
you,
Drew Peterson
Head
Softball Coach
Campbell
University
Vol. 4
Edition 3
Spring
2008
Praises
to God for His blessings:
2008
Atlantic Sun Tournament Champions
2008
NCAA Regional Qualifier
The
first NCAA post season victory in Campbell University's
history
A
coach's reflections and praise for a championship
Season:
Every
season has it's moments of fun, disappointment, surprise and a lot
of memories. The 2008
season was like that..., but somehow more. When you are in athletics long enough
you will occasionally be a part of a team that is special. When I say "special" I mean that
God seems to be divinely leading the circumstances that come before
the team. Don't get me
wrong....hard work and talent are required for special things to
take place, but again there is more to it.
Opportunities
and adversities present themselves that require a deeper need for
faith and commitment by all involved. I suppose it is possible that each
team has these opportunities and adversities before them, but it is
a rare team that commits to stand together during this journey.
This year's team did that.
During
the summer 2007 our program was at a make or break point. We needed to get over the hump
as a program from the standpoint of "worldly success". We needed to win, and win a lot. However as we entered the
transition from the 2006-07 team to the 2007-08 team we learned
that our returning starting catcher, Amanda Littlejohn, was
diagnosed with a serious form of skin cancer and our returning
starting third baseman, Shayla Cullum, required shoulder
surgery. We weren't sure if
these ladies would be able to play in the spring of 2008. We also had to replace a very
successful pitching coach, Nicole (Fox) Cannady, who got married
and changed directions in her career. These all became situations of
adversity that we had no choice but to commit to prayer, and ask
God for help trusting Him to work out His best.
How
did God bless us...Amanda had four surgeries, and was cleared to
play softball (15 HR, 72 RBI, .368 avg.), and Shayla Cullum was
able to rehab her way back into shape (7 HR, 24 RBI in a limited
season). Jay Pyron became
available as an assistant coaching candidate from N.C. State. He helped to provide a new voice
for communicating our hitting philosophy, and this seemed to
finally click with the ladies (check the stats!).
Also...in
the fall one of our prize freshmen, Keeli Michael, was in a very
serious car accident, but she was able to walk away without a
scratch (.303, 9 DB, 33 DP's, 26 RBI's). Courtney Quinn, our only senior and
starting left fielder tore her left ACL...for the third time!
(.322, 20 HR, 19 DB, 45 RBI) I take all of these things as God's
way of showing us how big He is and what He can do in spite of that
is happening around us.
The
tight bond that developed through these growth opportunities served
as a catalyst for on the field wins. One of our slogans became, "she ain't
singin'", and this certainly characterized the effort the ladies
put forth, especially down the stretch during our post season
run. I wish you all could
have seen the incredible execution of God given talents in high
pressure situations. It
was simply incredible to watch.
I
am not sure a person realizes such a season is taking place while
you are in the middle of it, but when you have the opportunity to
look back and reflect you realize all of the wondrous things that
occurred. I have been a
part of three of these seasons as a coach, and the 2008 CU season
was one I will always look back on with thanksgiving and praise to
God for what I witnessed and learned. I am truly looking forward to what
lies ahead for this group.
Alumni
Information/News:
v Denelle Hicks ('97) was elected into the
Campbell University Hall of Fame.
v Alumni get together- Kathy Freaney is
seeking to put together alumni days for this fall. As more information is available we
will pass it along on our web site, www.GOCAMELS.com.
v Melissa Mullins ('96) is leading a short
term mission team to South Africa this summer.
v Amy Anderson ('05) is working as a trainer
with the U.S. Air Force in San Diego, CA.
v Kathy Freaney ('02) is teaching High School
Spanish on Long Island, NY
v Annie (Lewis) Shipman ('01) and her husband
Scott are due to have her first child July 28, 2008.
v Lexi Myers ('06) graduated from Lipscomb
University with her Masters Degree in Education.
Dates
to Remember
v On July 20-24, 2008 our
annual summer softball camp will take place. We are expecting our third consecutive
year of 100+ campers.
v
August 30, 2008 will mark the first game of
Campbell University football as the Camels take on Birmingham
Southern here at CU.
v
September 27, 2008 we will host our annual
fall tournament.
v
November 1, 2008, annual Home coming
festivities.
v
January 10, 2009, annual winter Softball
Clinic.
v
February 6, 2009, season opener at
UT-Chattanooga Tournament.
v February
13-14,
2009, first annual spring Camel Stampede
Tournament.
Thank
you for taking the time to read this letter. We love trying to keep
our alumni up to date on things happening in Camel Country. If
there is something you would like to know more about please feel
free to contact Coach Peterson!
(910)
893-1355, peterson@campbell.edu
A New
Camel in Town: Jay
Pyron, Averett University 2002
The
Campbell family is happy to welcome Jay Pyron to the Camel coaching
staff. Coach Pyron serves as the hitting coach and oversees
recruiting. Prior to coming to Campbell, Jay spent three successful
years at NC State where he assisted with hitting, recruiting and
coached the outfielders.
Hi,
Coach Peterson
asked me to take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is
Jay and I have been coaching softball for nine years, four of which
have been at the collegiate level. I started coaching at Barry
University in Miami and then moved to Raleigh and coached at NC
State for three years. I love North Carolina, so when Coach
Peterson approached me about coming aboard, I was happy to stay in
this part of the country. I have been at Campbell now, since
the middle of August and have enjoyed working here very much. From
what I have seen over the past couple months, Campbell is set apart
because of its people. I have enjoyed working with our team and
having the opportunity to work with Coach Peterson. I have been a
part of some high level teams. My past teams have won conference
championships (ACC), been nationally ranked, beaten teams ranked as
high as #2, and been the #15 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. I
tell you this because I believe that Campbell can achieve similar
success. We have a special group of players that work hard and can
achieve great things. We would love to see you at a game to support
what we are doing now at Campbell! Perhaps I'll see you
soon.
Go
Camels!
Jay
Pyron
Coaches
Fall Warp-Up Report from Assistant Coach Kelli
Hall
Dear
alumni and friends,
This
fall was full of exciting things with our new additions to the
team. First and foremost I would like to congratulate the girls on
a successful academic semester. We had 17 out of 21 players above a
3.0, with 14 of them above a 3.5. Also, a personal congratulations
goes out to freshman Lizzie Goldbach for receiving a 4.0 in her
first semester at Campbell.
This
fall, we conducted two free clinics in the Fuquay-Varina and Angier
community, teaching local girls the game of softball. There will be
another clinic in January, where the girls will help out as well.
We also served the community with various other activities last
fall, including:
v Giving Blood
v Operation Christmas Boxes (providing
underprivileged children with gifts)
v Buies Creek Fall Festival
v Tutoring at local elementary
schools
v Campbell University Sports Clinic
v Helped at Dunn Homeless Shelter
Our
2007 fall season was the most successful since I joined the team
three seasons ago. We played in two tournaments, one at home with
the fifth annual Campbell Stampede and the second at the University
of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
At
the Campbell Stampede, we went 3-0 on the day, with wins over
Louisburg College, Pitt County Community College and Mt. Olive.
Meanwhile, at North Carolina, we battled to a 6-6 tie with the Tar
Heels before downing the 49ers of UNC Charlotte by a 5-2 decision,
bringing our fall record to 4-0-1.
As
a team we hit an electrifying .370 with 11 doubles and 20 stolen
bases. The Camels fielded a stiff .958, with our pitching staff,
freshman Lauren Stephan, sophomore Brittany Stanley and junior
Karlie Love, holding hitters to a .188 average at the plate. After
having a thriving fall season with great workouts, I am definitely
looking forward to the spring!
The
team also became the first NCAA Division I squad to sign a contract
with Combat, which is a company devoted to designing and
manufacturing innovative high quality softball and baseball bats.
We were pleased with the way the girls were able to test the bats
throughout the fall, and come up with a decision. As a staff, our
main concern is that each player feels comfortable and confident in
what they are using at the plate, which is something, I think, we
accomplished. Each girl is supplied with batting gloves, bat bag,
t-shirt and, of course, a new bat, either the Virus FP or the Lady
Virus. The Fighting Camels will use and wear the Combat name
proudly this season!
The
Eakes Softball Complex will also have a new look for the 2008
season. First of all, the Fighting Camels have decided to move to
the third base dugout this season. As a staff we worked hard to get
this completed for the girls with the adding of boxes for each
player with their name and number. We have also completed the
installment of wall pads around the entire backstop. Lastly, the
most exciting additions to our complex are the foul pole flags. We
purchased two flags to be hung from our foul poles with the left
field flag saying "Campbell" and right field saying "Camels" with
each flag being black with orange writing. We feel these new
trimmings only help to take our field to the next level as being a
first class complex.
Alumni
Information/News:
v Laraine Frajio (2006)-is serving as a assistant coach at Augusta St,
obtaining a Masters degree in Community Counseling
v Megan Paul (2007)-is serving as a assistant
coach at Augusta St, obtaining a Masters degree in Community
Counseling
v Jessica Huffman (2007)- Attending UNC
Charlotte to obtain a Masters Degree
v The Fighting Camels will start their
2008-2009 basketball season in the new John W. Pope Convention
Center
Important
Dates
v The Fighting Camels open the season Feb.
9th with a double-header against South Carolina State at
2:00 p.m.
v On Jan 12, 2008 we will be hosting a day
clinic for ages 8-17.
Thank
you for taking the time to read this letter. We love trying to keep
our alumni up to date on things happening in Camel Country. If
there is something you would like to know more about, please feel
free to call or email Coach Peterson at the number or address
listed below.
910-893-1355
peterson@campbell.edu
Blessings,
Kelli Hall
Assistant Coach
Vol.
3, Edition 3-Campbell University Softball
A Humble Recount of the History
of the Program: "The beginning"
(Slow
pitch 1977 - 86/ fast pitch 1986-1990)
Campbell
University initiated its varsity women's softball program in 1977
under the direction of head coach Sandra Peabody. That first club
achieved a 16-5 won-loss record! Not a bad start. From 1977-1985,
the squad competed in slow pitch softball, highlighted by Rhonda
Mueller's all-state selection in 1980 and a NAIA league title in
1986, which proved to be Campbell's final year of competition in
slow pitch softball.
With
newly appointed Mueller as head softball coach, the 1986 campaign
saw the season's schedule become more complex. The 52 game schedule
was split between slow pitch (15-11) and fast pitch (19-7). 1987,
the first complete season playing solely fast pitch softball
produced a 12-19 record and a sixth place finish in the Big South
Conference. Campbell produced three all-Big South players that
year: pitcher Ruth Marks, Catcher Kris Olgiati and first baseman
Jan Faulkner. Olgiati repeated on the all-Big South team in 1988
despite a second straight sixth place showing and a 5-29 overall
record.
Things
turned around quickly though for the fast pitch era as first-year
college coach, Julie Brzezinski, was named the 1990 Big South Coach
of the year after leading the Camels to its most wins (20) since
joining NCAA Division I competition. Sophomore Cheryl Fletcher and
junior Yuko Inoue were tabbed all-Big South. Fletcher's .312
batting average was second in the leagues batting title race.
Sophomore April Moore was named all-tournament, the first time a CU
player had gained such recognition in the Big South. -
Stephenie Pappas, #15, class of 2007
Season Wins Loses Coach
1986 19 7 Rhonda Mueller
1987 12 19 Antoinette Matthews
1988 5 29 Antoinette Matthews
1989 8 18 Mary Weiss
1990 20 22 Julie Brzezinski
Coaches Fall Wrap-up
Report:
Happy
Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you all!
I am again happy to report that the Lady
Camels have enjoyed a very good semester in many areas, and I have
found myself busily recruiting and fund raising. J
Each
member of the 2007 team has completed 12 hours of community service
this fall, which included:
-
Tutoring at the Buies Creek Elementary School and participating in
their fall festival.
-
Helping with the administration of two cross country meets on
campus.
-
Conducting two free clinics for the community (Fuquay-Varina and
Dunn).
-
Putting together Samaritan's Purse boxes for Christmas.
Academically,
11 ladies were recognized by the NFCA as All-Americans for
maintaining a 3.5 GPA or above for the 2005-06 school year. Jessica
Huffman and Stephenie Pappas we inducted into the National Honor
Society for teachers, and Lauren Caviness has been accepted into
the School of Pharmacy at C.U., currently ranked 3rd in
the Nation.
Our
fall recruiting has gone well, and we will be soon announcing the
signing of seven future Camels and one invited walk-on: Mary Cline
(Burlington, NC), Melissa Elks (The Woodlands, TX), Lizzie Goldbach
(Chapel Hill, NC), Katie Hinton (College Station, TX), Kendal
McDowell (Rising Sun, MD), Keeli Michael (Welcome, NC), and Amanda
Miller (Dunn, NC). We are still in the process of recruiting two
pitchers for next fall, but we are excited about the prospects we
have coming to visit in the coming weeks.
Finally,
I want to share with you an update on our softball facility plans.
Campbell University has a number of exciting projects in progress
now-- including the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. We look
forward to the development phase of our softball facility as
well.
With
this in mind, we have completed research into the construction
requirements for this softball facility plan. The project will
consist of three phases: 1. a brick backstop with suspension net
and field side pads, 2. an elevated wrap around style bleacher
configuration with seating for 350-450, and 3. a climate
controlled, enclosed press box elevated above the center section.
It is our intent after the three phases to have a more closed in
"stadium" effect. I have been busy meeting with people telling them
of our plan and asking for their financial assistance with the
completion of this project. The Backstop is currently priority one.
It is our hope that the backstop will be an immediate project with
completion prior to the start of this season.
I would love for you to be a part of this historic transition in
our program. If you are interested in contributing, I would be
happy to talk with you. You are a big part of why we are where we
are at this point in history, and we want to include you in this
excitement!
Blessings
to you all,
Coach Peterson
Phil. 1:3
Alumni
Information/News:
- Alumni day 2006 was a fun time with softball, breakfast and
fellowship connecting the past with the present. It was great to
have you here on campus, and for our "new Camels" to meet those
they are representing in the days ahead.
- FYI, we
are requiring all of the ladies to research their jersey number as
a tool for making them more aware of the past, and to help develop
a growing sense of pride in our program. The names, years and
accomplishments of the players who wore their number in the past
will be displayed on their locker as a reminder of who they are
representing.
Future Dates:
- Winter camp, January 13, 2007.
- Opening day of the season February 9, 2007 at Furman
University
- Summer camp July 15-19, 2007.
o Information is
available at our web site, www.GOCAMELS.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you
have any information you would like to share, please forward it
to:
·
Drew Peterson, PO
Box 10, Buies Creek, NC 27506
· E-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
· Call, 910-893-1355
1993
Big South Conference Tournament Champions
1994
Big South Conference Regular Season Champions
1995
Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Champions
1996
Atlantic Sun Regular Season Champions
Vol.
3, Edition 1
Spring
2006
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni Highlight:
Melissa "Mo" Mullins, Class of 1996
In a
sport where staying in your sport after graduation is a difficulty,
Melissa Mullins has managed to do so on several fronts. Known as
the first Campbell softball player to play professionally, "Mo" was
signed by the Carolina Diamonds in June of 1998 where she played
for one summer. However, perhaps her greatest post graduation
impact has come while being a part of several select softball teams
that have traveled overseas using softball as a tool for spreading
the Gospel and as the current head Coach at Augusta State
University, an NCAA D2 program in Augusta, GA.
Melissa has traveled both played for and coached teams traveling to
Australia, Guatemala, Mexico and numerous trips to the Far East.
These teams play games against foreign club and professional teams,
and conduct clinics at schools and in foreign cities creating
opportunities to develop relationships where the Gospel can be
shared. Many long term friendships have been developed, and some
members of her Augusta State teams have been able to participate in
these over seas ministries. We on the Campbell University softball
coaching staff are proud of the impact Melissa has had allowing God
to use her life to share Christ with so many.
Mo was a
part of the class which won more games over a four year period
(149-84, and a .639 winning percentage) than any other class in
Campbell Softball history. This resulted in wining Big South
Championships in 1993 and 1994 and an Atlantic Sun Conference
tournament title in 1995. Melissa is also ranked in 12 CU offensive
categories, highlighted by a rank of 4th all time with 106 RBI's
and 35 doubles.
Thank you
Melissa for the part you played, and are playing, to advance
softball at Campbell University and more importantly to advance the
Kingdom of God.
Melissa Mullins, #9,
Third Base
3055 Brookhaven Way
Augusta, GA 30909
706-495-0723
Coaches Season Wrap-up
Report:
Every
season starts out with high hopes and positive expectations, and
this season was truly one where this was fulfilled. I am very
thankful and blessed to say:
-
The 2006 Camels 31-28 and a .525 winning percentage had arguably
the most successful CU softball season of the 21st century. A 12-8
record in A-Sun play secured the Camels a fourth place seeding in
the A-Sun tournament (predicted to finish 8th of 11) and
a 4th place finish in the tournament. The team
accomplished several season goals including winning their pool at
the ECU tournament and winning at least five consecutive games, and
setting a school record with 28 double plays (the previous record
of 22 was set in 2000).
-
Jessica Huffman was named team MVP and was the only unanimous
All-conference selection. She finished in the top ten in 10
offensive categories including leading the league with 32 stolen
bases and was 3rd in batting average at .355. Krysten
Vlacancich was named to the all-freshmen team with a .290 average,
3 HR and 23 RBI, and Erica Willis was voted to the A-Sun all
tournament team collecting 4 RBI's and a game winning hit versus
Mercer.
-
Lauren Caviness set a single season school record with 166
strikeouts, and was twice named A-Sun pitcher of the week. Kelly
Weaver (14 wins, 1.83 ERA) and Holly Harris (9 HR, 31 RBI) were
also named A-Sun pitcher and player of the week respectively. Our
manager Kaitlyn Roberts received the CU manager of the year award
and Holly Harris was also named the top female strength and
conditioning athlete.
-
Off the field the ladies logged over 290 community service hours,
and are the current holders of the Camels C.A.R.E. banner for he
team with the most community service hours given. Erica Willis won
the Campbell University Athletic Department senior GPA award with a
cumulative GPA of 3.8 in Biology. Five Camels achieved 4.0 GPA's
during the spring and 13 finished with GPA's over 3.0 qualifying
them for the A-Sun all academic team.
-
Most importantly, all seven of our seniors have graduated or will
this winter. Erica Willis has already begun classes in medical
school in Dallas, TX. Laraine Fraijo is joining Melissa Mullins as
an assistant at Augusta State where she will begin graduate school.
Holly Harris and Joy-Lee Richardson are looking into graduate
school for the fall. Lindsey Landry is going to attend massage
therapy school. Lexi Myers will be finishing her student teaching
in the fall and will then pursue a G.A. position in college
softball. Corri Long will be pursuing her math degree in the
business world. All are ladies who I have great confidence in and
am very proud of. They are already a success on many fronts, and I
look forward to reporting back to you on what they achieve
next.
Blessings
to you all,
Coach Peterson
Phil. 1:3
Alumni
Information/News:
-
Andrea "Nard" Payne, '93- gave birth to her second
child in March!
- Tina (Echerer) Elderbaum, '97- Had her first
child in March!
- Leslie Standiford, '02- Working in Ft. Wayne,
IN, planning to play fast pitch this summer after taking time off
to heal her leg.
- Tiffany (Moyer) Boddie, '02- Serving as a nurse
in the Columbia, SC area.
- Annie Lewis, '01- Getting married July 1,
2006.
- Meredith Moody, '04- Serving as Hitting Coach
for the Michigan Ice of the WPF this summer.
- Campbell Football- yes, we are going to have a
team competing in the fall of 2008! Visit our web site for more
details, www.GOCAMELS.com.
- 1995 NCAA Regional team, we have 1995 A-Sun
Champion T-shirts available for you. Please help us get these to
you with a current mailing address.
- CU Softball camp- July 16-20, 2006.
Future Dates:
We are going to host an alumni
lunch/scrimmage game October 21 during homecoming weekend 2006. If
you are interested please reply via e-mail to Coach Peterson with
this information. Thank you!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you
have any information you would like to share, please forward it
to:
·
Drew Peterson, PO
Box 10, Buies Creek, NC 27506
· E-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
· Call, 910-893-1355
1993
Big South Conference Tournament Champions
1994
Big South Conference Regular Season Champions
1995
Atlantic Sun Tournament Champions
Vol.
2, Edition 4 Campbell University Softball
Summer/Winter
2005
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni
Highlight: Sara (Goodman) Osborne, Class of 1994
A member of the 1993 Big South Championship and 1994 Big
South Regular Season Champion teams, Sara Goodman greatly
contributed as a center fielder and hitter. Her 1994 season will go
down as one of the best offensive seasons ever for a Lady Camel.
She helped lead the way for the team with 15 doubles, 7 triples and
36 RBI's. All three still stand as top five numbers for single
season records. The heavy hitter also ranks in the career top ten
in batting average (4th, .337), slugging percentage
(3rd, .488), seventh in runs scored, hits and RBI's
(109, 194, 93), doubles (3rd, 30), triples
(3rd, 18), home runs (9th, 7) and total bases
(5th, 281). All that being said, I think it would be
safe to say that her most important contribution to the Campbell
University softball reputation has been after graduation.
Sara has
recently been selected the new Executive Director for the Gaston
County ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) after serving ten
years as a bank fraud investigator for Wachovia Bank in Charlotte.
Sara's passion for this organization has emerged as her first son
"little Danny" was born with Down Syndrome in 2001. Since then Sara
and her husband Danny (a former Campbell wrestler) have looked for
ways to help with special needs people. Today Little Danny (who has
a 60 word spoken vocabulary and 70 word sign vocabulary), and the
ARC are growing and advancing beyond expectations! The couple's
"big" struggle is their toddler. Jesse (1 y.) is trying hard to
keep up with his older brother after learning to walk at 9
months!
Sara...we
are proud of your efforts. Thank you for what you helped build with
Campbell Softball, and for the extraordinary example you set as a
Campbell Graduate.
Sara
(Goodman) Osborne, #18, Center field
Campbell Camels Softball 1991-1994
5008
Maplecrest Drive
Gastonia, NC 28056
Birth date: November
30
Coaches
Report:
I am very excited to be
writing to you as a father of four boys. Benjamin James was born to
my wife Jenny and me on July 28, and he has been a joy to our
family. Of course we have had to adjust our sleeping schedule some,
and the amount of time it takes us to go places, but of course we
wouldn't trade this time for anything.
The
summer was again a very productive time for our staff. We were able
to hold a successful summer camp, with 61 campers in attendance
with great feedback coming from those who were involved. Our staff
was very busy recruiting with seven seniors on this year's roster
and one spot that still needed to be filled for the fall. Also we
had an assistant coach again move up and move on
professionally.
Second
assistant Kelly Van Houten was offered three first assistant
coaching jobs, and ended up choosing Georgia State. It is a great
opportunity for her, and I look forward to hearing of her becoming
a head coach in the near future. She has all of the tools to
succeed at the D1 level. We were fortunately able to hire Kelli
Hall, a former outfielder from Marshall University, as our new
Graduate Assistant and outfield coach. Kelli had been coaching at
the University of Indianapolis but was looking to move back into D1
softball, and God was able to work out the details. She is fitting
in great, and has a solid relationship with the players
already.
We
were blessed to be able to sign Lindsey King from Richmond, VA
during the late signing period. She is a very solid short stop with
a competitive spirit and an extremely successful background.
Lindsey has added much needed depth to our infield and offensive
attack.
When
the players returned we sensed they had a true desire to do what
was necessary in order to achieve high goals. This observation was
quickly supported by their work ethic during fall practices and
work out sessions. We had the opportunity to play five games,
winning three including a no-hitter from Kelly Weaver and a 13
strikeout performance from Lauren Caviness. We also had a tough
loss to ECU in 9 innings which included a two out grand slam by
Jessica Huffman.
Recruiting
continued to be a high priority as fall arrived. Many young ladies
from all over the country were brought on campus to experience the
growth and energy at Campbell University, and to witness the
passion of our team. The result has been the signing of six
outstanding student athletes (Arizona, 2- California, 2- Indiana
and North Carolina) who will have a dramatic impact on the future
of our program in all ways. www.gocamels.com
Finally,
with the semester break quickly approaching we are all very excited
about the coming season that will feature games versus Virginia
Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Villanova, Seton
Hall and Boston College as well as our always tough A-Sun schedule.
The A-Sun softball league is currently the 3rd highest
rated RPI league in the Southeast behind the SEC and
ACC.
I
hope you are all proud of the direction we are going and will have
the opportunity to see us in action, or to stop by and visit in the
coming year.
Blessings
to you all,
Coach Peterson
Alumni
Information/News:
- Annie Lewis ('01) has announced a
future wedding coming in late June or early July
- 1995 NCAA Regional team, we have 1995 TAAC
Champion T-shirts available for you. Please help us get these to
you.
Future Dates:
We are interested in finding out
if and when you would be
interested in participating in an alumni scrimmage and "Wall of
Fame" signing day. We would like to plan a date for the 2006-2007
academic year that will be able to host the greatest number of
alumni. Please reply via e-mail to Coach Peterson with this
information. Thank you
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you
have any information you would like to share, please forward it
to:
· PO Box 10, Buies Creek, NC
27506,
· Or e-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
1993
Big South Conference Tournament Champions
1994
Big South Conference Regular Season Champions
1995
Trans America Athletic Conference Tournament
Champions
Vol.
2, Edition 3 Campbell University Softball
Spring
2005
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni Highlight: Andrea
(Nardillo) Payne, class of 1994
If a
visitor to a Campbell University Softball game were to study the
game day media guide they would notice a name often mentioned among
career and single season pitching records, Andrea
Nardillo. She was the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter,
an All-big-South selection in 1993 when she helped lead the team to
the Big South Title as the tournament MVP, and a three time member
of the Big South Presidential Honor role. Andrea's career records:
Wins (60), Appearances (121), Starts (108), innings pitched (724.2)
and shutouts (19), and single season records: Wins (24), Complete
Games (32), Innings (230.2) still stand.
"The 1993
Big South Tournament Championship is definitely my favorite memory
from my playing days at Campbell", Andrea wrote. I recall talking
with her a couple of years ago at the Buzz Classic in
Atlanta, and she shared with me how focused the team was towards
that goal, and the elation that took place when this achievement
was accomplished under Head Coach Julie
Brzezinski. Little did they know that they would again be
winning a conference tournament together just two years later.
Andrea
moved into the coaching field for a few years following graduation
when she helped the 1995 team win the Trans-America Conference
Championship. This is Campbell's only appearance in the NCAA
tournament where they faced UCLA and South Carolina.
Andrea
and her husband Steve currently reside in Delray Beach, Florida
with their new baby son. She has taught second grade, and
thoroughly enjoys their family time. Thank you Andrea for all you
did to help further the softball program at Campbell
University!
Andrea
(Nardillo) Payne, #13, Pitcher
Campbell Camels Softball 1991-1994
3915 Majestic Palm Way
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Birth date: January 21
Coaches Report: Page
2
Another
season has come and gone, and as we are transitioning here into our
tournament recruiting mode, and get ready for summer camp, I can't
help but be thankful. The ladies had a very solid season, 29-27,
and over came a season of difficulties in a very positive way.
The
season was highlighted by wins over, North Carolina, Virginia,
Nevada and Central Florida. We won our pool in the triangle
classic. We swept UNC-Greensboro with two shut outs, and had a
terrific time in Hawaii.
Team
Co-captain Holly Harris was named to the Hawaiian
Airlines all tournament team and 2nd team All-Southeast
Region. Lauren Caviness has selected as our Most
Improved Player and was named to the A-Sun all-Freshman team.
Chelsea Gates also made the Hawaiian Airlines
all-tournament team and was names Rookie of the Year by the team.
Amy Anderson earned the team MVP vote with solid
play in all areas of the game, and Co-captain Megan
Paul received our Coaches award and Hustle Award. "Team
Mom" Laraine Fraijo received the team Spirit
Award.
The team
broke the single season fielding percentage record for the second
year in a row fielding .962. Our pitching staff had the third
lowest team ERA in school history (1.86), and we ended up being
ranked in the NCAA top 30 for stolen bases (80) and triples
(14).
I was
also very proud of the team 3.04 GPA with eight players making
academic All-A-sun, and the completion of over 320 community
service hours. Although we had some inner team struggles and season
ending injuries from key players, the team continued to strive to
do there best in all areas and finished the season strong winning
five of the last eight including a sweep at Elon.
As we
look to next year, we are very optimistic. The four incoming
players:
Ashley
Jones, Thomasville, NC- Career and single season record
holder for home runs in the state of North Carolina,
Karlie
Love, Pilot Mountain, NC- Career .400 plus hitter with
over 50 high school wins as a left handed pitcher/first
baseman,
Krysten
Vlacancich, Marietta, GA- Two time state Champion and all
state first baseman,
Hilary
Wheatley, Mardela Springs, MD, four year short stop and
team MVP.
They will
add strength and depth to the strong group of returning players
including six starters. We will likely sign one more player this
summer to the Camel roster.
It is a
very exciting time to be a part of the program and at Campbell with
all of the building, positive changes (Dorms, Field House,
Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble) on campus. The future
looks very bright!
Blessings
to you all,
Coach Peterson
Alumni Information/News:
Page 3
Annie
Lewis ('01) has accepted the position of Assistant Coach
at Furman University.
Kathy
Freaney('02) is serving as an
assistant coach at St. John's University.
Paige
Smith ('03) is serving as the
assistant Coach at North Idaho College.
Stacy
(Wilson) Ritchie ('98) Will shortly be having her
first baby!
Future
Dates:
Enclosed
you will find a tentative schedule for next season. We would love
to see you at a game! This year we were excited to see Lisa Evans,
Stacy (Wilson) Ritchie, Libby Joyce, Meredith Moody, Jessica Paul,
Christine Hornak, Annie Lewis, and Carolyn Fortney.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you
have any information you would like to share, please forward it
to:
· PO Box 10, Buies Creek, NC 27506,
· Or e-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
1993
Big South Conference Tournament Champions
1994
Big South Conference Regular Season Champions
1995
Trans-America Athletic Conference Tournament Champions
Vol. 2, Edition 2 Campbell University
Softball
Winter 2005
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni Highlight: Jennie
Jones, class of 1985
In the
spring of 1984 the Campbell softball team faced off with the N.C.
State Wolf Pack, and with the game on the line outfielder
Antoinette Matthews fired the ball home from deep
center field for a crucial play at the plate. Catcher
Jennie Jones took the ball in and tagged the
runner out creating one of the first major highlights in Campbell
Softball history. What a momentum and confidence creator their play
must have been!
Following
her graduation from the school of Education at Campbell University,
Jennie went on to receive a Masters Degree in Education from
UNC-Greensboro. She was selected Teacher of the Year while
instructing at Archdale-Trinity Middle School in 1992 and again two
years later while teaching at West Lake Middle School. Miss Jones
currently serves as a physical education teacher, girls basketball
coach and the Healthful Living Department Chair at Lufkin Road
Middle School in Apex, NC.
Many
Campbell Softball alumni have gone on to serve and impact lives in
varied professions, but we would all have to say, "Wow", when
thinking of the work Jennie has done working with Middle School
students. What an amazing number of young people she must have
positively impacted over the past 20 years!
There
were several highlights that came to mind from the years in which
Jennie competed for Campbell softball. In 1983 while playing
Florida State Jennie picked up a dribbler heading up the first base
line, dove and tagged the batter, followed through with a shoulder
roll into a standing position and then proceeded to throw a strike
to third base to nail a runner trying to go from first to third on
the play. Jennie also rose to the occasion in 1982 while playing
UNC-Wilmington at the East Carolina Pirate Invitational (which they
still have by the wayJ). With the game tied in the
18th inning she came to the plate with the potential
winning run on second and delivered a sharp single to center for
the game winning RBI. What a rich history of memories and fun
moments have occurred through the years. Thank you Jennie, you
helped advance the softball program at Campbell University.
Jennie
Jones, #35, Catcher
Campbell Camels Softball 1982-1985
4024 St.
Edmonds Lane
Apex, NC 27539
Birth date: January 2
Coaches Report: Page
2
The
Calendar says it is still winter, but here in Buies Creek spring is
in our hearts with softballs flying. The girls are off to a solid
start going 14-9 with a seven game win streak mixed in and three
wins over UNC-Greensboro. We still have many areas to shore up, and
consistency is a major emphasis for improvement, but we are having
a lot of fun and are excited to see what God has in mind for us
with the remainder of the season.
Our team
captains Holly Harris and Megan
Paul have been doing a wonderful job. We depend on them a
lot as a coaching staff to head off issues within the team, to keep
everyone on the same page and to help carry out little details. I
am proud of them and thankful for all they are doing to help our
team reach its potential.
We are
very excited and blessed to be heading to Hawaii for our spring
trip this year, leaving on Sunday March 6 and returning March 13.
While there we will match up with Virginia, Notre Dame, Nevada and
Hawaii and we are hopeful with anticipation about these
opportunities. These games will help us see where we stand and what
areas we can improve on for conference play. The girls worked hard
to each raise $700 for this trip, and I trust the experience will
be well worth the effort. We also want to again thank those of you
who contributed to the trip financially and are helping to make it
possible for these girls. J
I am also
excited because my wife will be able to attend this year. We saved
up, have a baby sitter lined up (our parents) and we will be
celebrating our 15th anniversary there along with
celebrating the future arrival of our fourth son in August. God has
blessed our family, and we are looking forward to seeing who this
little one will be, and the plan God has for him.
Finally,
I want to remind all about the upcoming ten year celebration for
the 1995 TAAC Championship team on April 2. Lord willing the
weather will co-operate with us and it will be a wonderful time of
reminiscing and celebrating their past accomplishment!
Blessings
to you all,
Coach Drew Peterson
Alumni
Information/News: Page
3
Meredith Moody ('04) has accepted a position
working at Southern Testing and Research labs in Wilson, NC. She is
also serving as an assistant coach at Wilson Hunt High School.
Jessica Paul
('04) is serving as an
assistant coach at Harnett Central High School.
Julie Kennedy (assistant
coach '03) Head Coach at Lees-McRae College,
P.O. Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604-0128
Future
Dates:
April 2, 2005- 1995 TAAC
Championship Team Day:
We
will plan to recognize this team April 2, 2005 to mark the
10th year reunion of this tremendous achievement in CU
history. The Camels will be taking on Mercer University that day at
1 p.m., and we will recognize you all between games. Please pass
the word if you were a member of this historic team! I will be
happy to help you make arrangements for any other special
gatherings you would like to put together while you are here.
(Please RSVP below)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RSVP for 1995 NCAA Regional
Qualifying Team Day (please return by
3-15-05):
Name:
______________ Address: ______________________________
Phone
Number: _____________ ______________________________
E-mail:
_______________ ______________________________
Number
attending: ___________
· Please send to: PO Box 10, Buies Creek, NC
27506,
· Or e-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
Vol. 2, Edition 1 Campbell University
Softball
Fall 2004
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni Highlight:
Jessica (Pleasants) Fraser, class of 1999
With the
1999 Trans-America Athletic Conference (TAAC) Softball season
coming to an end, one spot remained for the TAAC tournament.
Campbell University was scheduled to face Stetson University with
both teams having the opportunity to secure a spot.
The
Camels took game one creating a winner take all game two. With two
outs, two on, and down by one in the seventh inning center fielder
Jessica Pleasants came to bat for the Camels. Jessica must have
faced many emotions as she began to see her turn at bat quickly
coming, but the cool and confident senior took advantage of the
opportunity. A bases clearing triple found its way to the fence in
left center, and the Camels were TAAC tournament bound! Every
player would like to end their softball career with a major
highlight or championship, and Jessica was one of the rare
individuals to have made this come to pass.
Campbell
finished third in the TAAC tournament that year, and Jessica ended
her career on many of the career and single season record lists as
a powerful hitter from the left side.
Jessica
and her beloved husband, Jonathan Fraser, live in Sumter, SC where
she is very happily staying home and taking care of their year and
a half old son, Jonathan Jr. However, even more of a blessing is
that as I am writing this I realize that she has probably just had
or having their second child!
Jessica
and Jonathan live near Jonathan's family, and spend a lot of time
with them on the weekends along with traveling to see her parents
in Virginia. She is very thankful for God's blessings with
providing her with a God fearing husband and growing family.
Jessica
(Pleasants) Fraser, #14, Centerfield
Campbell Camels Softball 1996-1999
46 Bland
Ave.
Sumter, SC 29150
Birth date: November 12
Coaches
Report:
Wow,
what amazing changes have been taking place here in Buies
Creek!
The
Camel softball team now has their own locker room just down the
hill behind the softball field, new student apartments are going up
across from Memorial Baptist church, and a very exciting ten year
plan has been revealed. Along with the many exciting planned
additions will be a $30 million dollar convocation center, a new
library, a shopping area and the move of nearly all athletic
facilities to the Eakes complex area.
This
momentum has certainly carried over to our softball program, as we
are in the process of completing a very enjoyable fall semester.
The 20 member team performed well during fall competition,
including two hard played games versus Augusta St. University,
which happens to be coached by Campbell alumna Melissa Mullins ('96
& '98) and a game against alumni. Mid term grades came in with
good results, and much optimism highlighted by four Camels
receiving National Fastpitch Coaches Association recognition as
Academic All-American and ten named to the A-Sun all academic team.
Our fitness program flowed well, lead by Scott Kirchman and Daniel
Rouse. We witnessed solid strength gains, which were fun to have
applied during our fall individual practice sessions. The ladies
worked hard to contribute 16 hours of community service each and we
are planning to provide a free clinic in the winter at a local High
School.
We
will conduct our traditional winter hitting and defensive camps on
January and are looking forward to record setting numbers. The
ladies will return January 5 for classes, and from that point
forward we will be going full force working toward our first A-Sun
tournament appearance since 1999.
The season will hold many challenges with February games versus
East Carolina and N.C. State on the road, a spring trip in March to
Hawaii where we will face Notre Dame and the University of Virginia
and April home games versus conference rivals Florida Atlantic
& Central Florida and an in state rival UNC-Chapel Hill on the
April 6th (We are planning for a free cookout for our
fans). However, the highlight will be on April 2, when we recognize
the 10th anniversary of the 1995 TAAC Championship team
between our A-sun games versus Mercer. I hope you all can
attend!
God
bless, Merry Christmas and ...Go Camels!!
Coach
Drew Peterson
Alumni
Information/News:
Annie
Lewis ('01) has recently accepted a position as the Head Coach at
West Virginia Jesuit College, which will begin at the conclusion of
the 2004-05 school year.
Kathy
Freaney ('02) has recently been names the assistant Coach at St.
Johns University.
Jessica
Paul ('04) was named to the NFCA Academic All-America
team.
Alumni game 2004:
The team would like to
give a special thank you to the alumni who came out and helped make
our annual alumni game a success again. It has been a fun day to
reminisce with former teammates, get to know the new Camels, pint a
brick on the Wall of Fame and enjoy the game of softball once
again!
Future
Dates:
April 2, 2005- 1995 NCAA
Regional Qualifying Team Day:
We
will plan to recognize this team April 2, 2005 to mark the
10th year reunion of this tremendous achievement in CU
history. The Camels will be taking on Mercer University that day at
1 p.m., and we will recognize you all between games. Please pass
the word if you were a member of this historic team! I will be
happy to help you make arrangements for any other special
gatherings you would like to put together while you are here.
(Please RSVP below)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RSVP for 1995 NCAA Regional
Qualifying Team Day (please return by
3-15-05):
Name:
______________ Address: ______________________________
Phone
Number: _____________ ______________________________
E-mail:
_______________ ______________________________
Number
attending: ___________
Thank
You So Much!
Please send to PO Box 10, Buies Creek, NC
27506, or e-mail to: peterson@campbell.edu.
Vol. 1, Edition 4 Campbell University
Softball
Summer 2004
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni
Highlight: Sharon (Whaley) Brickhouse, class of 1978
Many
people forget that Campbell had a long and successful tradition of
women's slow pitch softball prior to starting fast pitch in 1986.
Though often not thought those teams are certainly not forgotten.
They are an important part of our "softball family" heritage and
Sharon was a valuable member! The strong hitting first
baseman/catcher really enjoyed her experience at Campbell, and
counts it as some of the best times of her life.
"I
remember going to the state playoffs (AIAW), and even though I was
hurt and couldn't play I loved being with the team and the
comradoree we had. Our coach, Darrell Saunders, did a great job
working with us and keeping things fun." The team even took two
games from N.C. State during her career.
Since
graduating from Campbell with a degree in accounting, Sharon has
gone on to start her own accounting firm (1996). She has two
children, Benji who is 21 and Beth who is 17 and will attend
Campbell in the fall of 2005. They are a committed Christian
family, and are regular attendees at the First Baptist Church of
Washington, NC.
Sharon
you were a part of the "grass roots" for women's sports at Campbell
University and in North Carolina, and we want to say "thank you".
Without the efforts and enthusiasm of countless women like
yourself, we would not be where we are today with women's
athletics.
Sharon
(Whaley) Brickhouse, #50, First baseman/Catcher
135
Woolard Lane
Washington, NC 27889
Birth date: March 2
Coaches
Corner:
It is
always amazing to witness how quickly the new academic year arrives
while enjoying summer. We have had a very busy and successful time
with many blessings..!
In late
May I had the opportunity to be a part of the NCAA's Youth for
Education in Sports "YES" program as a clinician. The NCAA hosts a
free clinic to young people at many National Championship sites,
and Head coaches are sought to help conduct these clinics. I was
able to bring Holly Harris, one of our players, with me. We had a
great time teaching the game we love, watching the World Series
games in person and meeting many new friends from other
universities. That was a great blessing.
While in
Oklahoma, I spoke with the Head Coach from Virginia Tech, and he
was interested in requesting a resume from Christine Hornak our
pitching coach. After some discussion with them and interviews she
became their new assistant coach. I am very happy for her, and it
is a blessing for her!
God took
this potentially stressful situation and turned it into a double
blessing as we were quickly led to our new pitching coach, Nicole
Fox. She is a graduate of Marist University and a native of
Southern California. I am very excited and blessed to have her on
our staff!
Our
summer camp was again a big success, and my assistant coaches Kelly
Van Houten and Christine Hornak did an amazing job along with
alumni Melissa Mullins and Annie Lewis. We are looking forward to
continued growth in our camp programs, and appreciate your efforts
to send campers our way! Our next teaching opportunities for the
public will be our winter hitting and position clinics, January 8
and 15.
I was
able to be a part of a short term mission team to the Far East
using softball as a ministry tool for sharing the gospel. The team
I worked with felt blessed to be there, and had many opportunities
to share about Christ!
When I
returned I found the new athletics training center and home of our
new offices and locker rooms completed! What a blessings...
Finally,
we on the softball staff are very excited about the coming year,
the six new players coming into our program, and what the Lord has
in store for us and our wonderful group of young ladies...
Alumni
Information:
It is my
desire to begin to call on our alumni once every four years to help
us do a special trip or project like the one mentioned. We would
like for you to prayerfully consider giving back to the program at
the end of this month August as we will be doing a one week phone
campaign to solicit your help. Of course all gifts will be tax
deductible, and would greatly help these young ladies experience
something they may never again get a chance to do, visit Hawaii and
play softball!
At the
bottom if this mailing, there is a pledge sheet which you could
fill out and mail in a contribution for the trip with the return
envelope. Thank you for your consideration with this! J
Alumni
News:
Annie
Lewis ('01) has recently been promoted to the first assistant
position at Gardner-Webb University.
Andrea
(Nardillo) Payne ('94) and her husband Steve recently had a
baby.
Jessica
Paul ('04) was hired as a Mathematics teacher at Harnett Central
High School.
Future
Dates:
1995 NCAA Regional Qualifying
team:
We
will plan to recognize this team April 2, 2005 to mark the
10th year reunion of this tremendous achievement in CU
history. The Camels will be taking on Mercer University that day at
1 p.m., and we will recognize you all between games. Please pass
the word if you were a member of this historic team! I will be
happy to help you make arrangements for any other special
gatherings you would like to put together while you are
here.
Alumni game 2004:
We will again plan to
have our alumni vs. the current players over the Campbell
Homecoming weekend, October 2 with a 10 a.m. start. Please make
plans to attend if at all possible. It is so great to see the
interaction and reminiscing, and to see our "Wall of Fame" coming
together. It is my goal to have as many former CU players
personalize a brick as possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii Trip Softball Fund
Raising Contribution (please make checks payable to
Campbell University Softball):
Name:
______________ Address: ______________________________
Phone
Number: _____________ ______________________________
E-mail:
_______________ ______________________________
Contribution
Amount: ______Thank You
So Much!
Vol. 1, Edition 3 Campbell University
Softball
Spring 2004
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni
Highlight: Jan Faulkner, class of 1988
If you
have a question for Sprint, Jan would certainly be a great
person to get in touch with! J She has worked with
Sprint for the past fifteen years as a Billing Manager
running tests and validating billing system software changes. As
impressive and busy as these sounds she still has time to be
involved with Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a philanthropic service
organization. It helps support St. Jude Children's Hospital and
various other organization. Jan also thoroughly enjoys golfing,
going out 2-3 times a week
Being a
founding member of women's fast pitch at Campbell, the first
baseman had some tough adjustments. You see during the first season
of NCAA competition the Camels were forced to play slow pitch for
half of their schedule and fast pitch for the other half. This
adjustment could often happen from one game to the next and within
the same week. That is quite a trick for a hitter, not to mention
the defensive adjustments. Take a moment to think about these
changes.J Now try this
on for size. In slow pitch women use an eleven inch ball and in
fast pitch a twelve inch ball is in play. Wow!
Jan also
mentioned all of the fun memories of the road trips with the team.
This seems to be a constant for all student athletes through the
years.
Thank you
Jan for helping to build the foundation at Campbell for the women
who followed you and the opportunities they experienced. I should
mention that the 1986 team had a 19-7 record! Not to shabby. We
sure are proud to be carrying on the tradition that was established
back in '86!
Jan
Faulkner, #20, First Base
15326
Riley
Overland park, KS 66223
Birthday May 20
Coaches
Corner:
Summer is
right around the corner, and another Campbell softball season has
come and gone. Like any season it was filled with highs and lows,
but overall I believe we have continued to move in a positive
direction. This was a great season with regard to team unity, work
ethic and academic excellence. Ten Campbell players were named
all-academic A-Sun, the most since I have been here, and I am proud
of the efforts the team and assistant coaches put forward to help
make this season such a success in the regard.
On the
field we had highlight wins over Stetson and NCAA Regional
qualifier, UC-Santa Barbara. We also played very competitive games
with Regional qualifiers UNC-Chapel Hill, Fresno St., Temple and
Florida Atlantic.
Junior
College transfer Kari Mills was named our team MVP with four game
ending RBI's. Meredith Moody won our coaches award after being
named a team captain two consecutive years. Amy Anderson and Holly
Harris also served as team captains and did a fine job. Jessica
Huffman was our Most Improved player, Kelly weaver was named Rookie
of the Year, Megan Paul was the team Hustle award recipient and
Jessica Paul was presented with the Spirit Award.
Each
season has its points of adversity, and ours was clearly injuries.
Three Camels were forced to red Shirt this season with injuries and
surgeries. One player was only able to make it back for the final
four games due to a shoulder surgery. Another player missed the
final four weeks of the season with mono. Four other players missed
anywhere from four games to three weeks with injuries. All in all
this was a tough set of circumstances to handle, but I believe the
ladies handled this well, and became stronger as a team as a
result.
Wait till
next year!
Future
Team information:
With the
end of the season comes scheduling for the following year, and next
season marks a new challenge for the ladies. They have communicated
a desire to play softball in Hawaii during spring break of 2005,
and they are setting out this summer to each raise $750 to help
cover their part of the additional costs. They will be doing this
in various ways, but one would require your help.
It is my
desire to begin to call on our alumni once every four years to help
us do a special trip or project like the one mentioned. We would
like for you to prayerfully consider giving back to the program
this August as we will be doing a one week phone campaign to
solicit your help. Of course all gifts will be tax deductible, and
would greatly help these young ladies experience something they may
never again get a chance to do, visit Hawaii and play softball!
Thank you for your consideration with this!
Alumni
News/Quotes:
Leslie
Standiford ('02), has recently written and mentioned she has moved
back to Fort Wayne, IN, and is vying for a marketing position with
a single A baseball team there in town. I know her parents enjoy
having her back near home. Good luck Leslie with this job
opportunity!
Paige
Smith ('03) just completed her first season as an assistant coach
at Louisburg College where the team had a stellar season winning
over 30 games. Paige was a big part of helping to push this team to
new heights with her enthusiasm, different perspectives and new
teaching concepts. Congratulations Paige!
Michelle
Carey ('04) has just completed her MBA at Campbell, and already has
a job lined up with Meryl Lynch in New York. Good luck
Michelle!
Future
Dates:
1995 NCAA Regional Qualifying
team:
We will plan to recognize this team April 2, 2005 to mark the
10th year reunion of this tremendous achievement in CU
history. The Camels will be taking on Mercer University that day at
1 p.m. Please pass the word if you were a member of this historic
team! I will be happy to help you make arrangements for any other
special gatherings you would like to put together.
Alumni game 2004:
We will again plan to
have our alumni vs. the current players over the Campbell
Homecoming weekend. Please make plans to attend if at all possible.
It is so great to see the interaction and reminiscing, and to see
our "Wall of Fame" coming together. It is my goal to have as many
former CU players personalize a brick as possible.
Campbell
Information:
Campbell
athletics has a new web site, www.GOCAMELS.com.
It has many new and creative features, and I would love for you to
visit the site soon. Special thanks to John Sinnett, our assistant
SID, for creating this site!
Drew
Peterson, Head Softball Coach
Peterson@mailcenter.campbell.edu
(910)
893-1355
Vol. 1, Edition 2 Campbell University
Softball
Spring 2004
Around
the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni
Highlight: Jan Faulkner, class of 1988
If you
have a question for Sprint, Jan would certainly be a great
person to get in touch with! J She has worked with
Sprint for the past fifteen years as a Billing Manager
running tests and validating billing system software changes. As
impressive as this sounds,
Denise
has many fond memories of her time playing ball during "the glory
days" at C.U., including a road trip in which "Nard" did her
rendition of, The Devil Went down to Georgia. Too bad some
of us missed that! She mentioned what great times the team had
dancing in the isles of the bus and at dance halls, and she is
especially proud of winning the conference tournament at
Campbell.
She also
mentioned that she has some video tape from her playing days, and
some of you may be interested in getting up with her about
that!
Thank you
Denise for all you contributed to help make our softball program at
Campbell something to be proud of!
Denise
Manley (Summons), #12, Short Stop
P.O. Box
1432
King, NC 27021
Birthday September 18
Coaches
Corner:
Well
we are off and running with the 18th season of Campbell
University fast pitch softball, and I am very excited with what I
have seen thus far. Our Junior transfer catcher, Kari Mills got the
season rolling with a 4-5 performance in our two wins against
Radford (2-1 8 inn, and 11-2), including the game winning single in
the bottom of the 8th driving in Senior captain Meredith
Moody.
The team then followed it up with a very
solid performance against Charleston Southern with 5-3 and 6-0
wins. Freshman Stephenie Pappas and Ashleigh Wheeler each
crunched their
first career home runs, and freshman lefthander, Kelly Weaver fired
her first career shutout.
We
are really looking forward to seeing what God has in store next.
Our focus is simply striving to give our best team effort each day,
and trusting God to work out His plan within that
effort.
Our
winter camps went well, with new highs in attendance (36 hitting
and 24 pitching) and all who worked it including alumni Camels
Annie Lewis and Melissa Mullins did an outstanding job! We are
looking forward to the progress of our summer camp with the same
high expectations. Last summers camp even witnessed one camper
giving her life to Christ!
Assistant
Coach Kelly Van Houten took a group of our players over to a high
school in Southern Pines to put on a clinic, and it too was well
received. We thank God for the opportunities to serve others
through softball.
Hope
to see you at a game this spring....blessings to all....
Team
information:
The next
few weeks see the Camels taking on some big universities: Purdue,
NC State, Fresno State and Virginia tech to name a few, and we are
very excited for the challenge. The team will surely learn many new
things about themselves, and trust that these opportunities will be
used by God to continue to stretch the team toward reaching their
potential for His glory.
Alumni
News/Quotes:
Kathy
Freaney started her new job at Furman University coaching with
former Campbell assistant coach Dana Jenkins. She is working with
their pitchers, and very excited to get started on a new season
after a successful experience at St. Johns last year.
Annie
Lewis is beginning her second season at Gardner-Webb University as
the pitching coach, and she has the unique opportunity of coaching
her younger sister, Andrea during her freshman season.
What
a great experiences lie ahead for both of them!
Future
Dates:
1995 NCAA Regional Qualifying
team:
We will plan to recognize this team some time during the spring of
2005 to mark the 10th year reunion of this tremendous
achievement in CU history. Please pass the word if you were a
member of this historic team! I will be happy to work with you on
finding a date that will fit best, preferably some time in April
when things are a little warmer. If you have a particular game you
would like me to set it around, please let me know that
also. J
Alumni game 2004:
We will again plan to
have our alumni vs. the current players over the Campbell
Homecoming weekend. Please make plans to attend if at all possible.
It is so great to see the interaction and reminiscing.
Campbell
Information:
Campbell
athletics has a new web site, www.GOCAMELS.com.
It has many new and creative features, and I would love for you to
visit the site soon. Special thanks to John Sinnett, our assistant
SID, for creating this site!
Drew
Peterson, Head Softball Coach
Peterson@mailcenter.campbell.edu
(910)
893-1355
Vol. 1, Edition 1 Campbell University
Softball
Fall 2003
Around the "Camel Diamond"
Alumni
Highlight: April M. Moore, class of 1993
It is
with much sadness that I am recognizing April Moore as the first
Alumna to be recognized by this newsletter. Sad in that April has
passed away, as of October 2003 after a long 9 ½ year battle
with cancer and other health problems.
April is
special to me because she was one of the first to reach out and
welcome me after my selection as the new Campbell softball coach,
and she attended the first alumni day that we put together. Her
name appears on our "Wall of Fame", and her memory lasts very
fondly in the hearts of her former teammates.
"Ape", as
she was known by her teammates, recently wrote me prior to her
death, and shared these thoughts about her time as a CU softball
member, "...just traveling and being together as a team is a
wonderful memory in itself. I wouldn't change it for anything. On
our Spring Break trip to & through Georgia, our bus driver
couldn't find our hotel. On our day off, the driver got his
directions wrong and we almost ended up in Alabama. Then between
games in Augusta we almost go into a fight...just too much fun to
list on that trip...", I think we can all relate to the fun
conversations and incidents that occur in those settings.
April
worked at a recreation center as a supervisor, and for the
department of parks and recreation in Newport News, VA, and loved
working with special need children. She participated in the Relay
for Life events, enjoyed cross-stitching and made many wonderful
works of art. She played wheel chair softball and basketball, and
was close to earning a certificate in Hang Gliding!
We can
all use examples of how life can be lived, and I think it can be
said that April Moore truly lived...
April M.
Moore, #5, First baseman
(1970-2003)
Coaches
Corner:
I am very
excited to begin using a new tool for Campbell University softball
Alumni communication. My plan is to continue our quarterly
communication, but to add a different format. Each addition may
include alumni information and quotes, updated team information,
alumni gathering opportunities, coaching and player commentary and
general Campbell information. With this being a new venture, please
feel free to contact me with ideas, information or thoughts you may
have for the advancement of this communication tool.
My hope
is that this will be an enjoyable piece of information for you to
receive, and help create a more "connected" Camel softball
family.
I want to
share a little about this year's team, and hope that it will "whet
your appetite" to see this year's addition to the softball family
in action at sometime. This group of ladies has impressed me with
their commitment to one another in genuine friendship, and the
consistency in which they go about doing the work set before them.
Some of their objectives are: 1) to earn a ring, 2) to do things
the right way, 3) to communicate openly and honestly with one
another, 4) and to play as a TEAM with heart. I feel they re doing
their best to pursue these desires.
We asked
each player to raise $500.00 this year in order to take a spring
trip to California, and they came through. We ask them to
contribute 16 hours in the fall semester towards community service,
and they are going to meet that request. They have completed a
second consecutive perfect (100%) semester of study table hours
(ISP), and have again created and executed a team Bible study. It
has been a blessing to their individual relationship with God and
to building a team fellowship that is growing in Him. Amen.
Team
information:
Campbell
Softballer Erica Willis Named NFCA
Scholar-Athlete
BUIES
CREEK, N.C. - Following an impressive freshman softball campaign
last season both on and off the field; sophomore Erica Willis has
been named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar
Athlete.
To
qualify for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a 3.5 or
better GPA throughout the year.
"We
are very proud of the hard work Erica has consistently displayed in
all areas of her college experience," said Head Coach Drew
Peterson. "She is a unique individual who seems to be able to
balance the focus and discipline necessary to excel in areas of
difficulty, and at the same time posses a very light hearted, fun
loving demeanor. Erica is truly a blessing for our staff to
coach."
In
2003, Willis batted .231 and started in 51 games. The native of
Dunn, N.C. posted three homeruns and 25 RBI.
The
Camels are slated to start the upcoming 2004 season on Saturday,
February 7 as they host the Radford Highlanders. - John
Sinnett.
We signed one local player during the early signing period, Bailey
Garner of Robbins, NC. We are very excited about Bailey, as she is
a young lady who demonstrates strong character, and a heart felt
passion for the game that carries over onto an enthusiastically
competitive style of play. She can play each infield position well,
and has the speed and arm to play the outfield. We are very excited
about adding this young lady to our softball family.
Alumni
News/Quotes:
Our fourth alumni function
since I have been here was again a day of fun and reminiscing. This
marks the second alumni game in which players I coached while at
Campbell participated. The game ended in a 4-4 tie (as I
recall). J We were able to provide an
alumni game t-shirt for those who RSVP'd, complete with their
number on it. Our "wall of Fame" has continued to get filled in by
new and old members of the Camel family, and we all enjoyed a
catered lunch by Subway.
Andrea
(Nardolillo) Payne pitched three stellar innings, and Melissa " Mo"
Mullins provided some timely strategy. Sara (Goodman) Osborne came
through with a key RBI, and Misty Bowman showed her slapping
abilities and speed. We were also witness to Shannon O'Bryan and
Tiffany Moyer each knocking three hits a piece for the pesky alumni
team!
Future
Dates:
1995 NCAA Regional Qualifying
team:
We will plan to recognize this team some time during the spring of
2005 to mark the 10th year reunion of this tremendous
achievement in CU history. Please pass the word if you were a
member of this historic team! I will be happy to work with you on
finding a date that will fit best, preferably some time in April
when things are a little warmer. If you have a particular game you
would like me to set it around, please let me know that
also. J
Alumni game 2004:
We will again plan to
have our alumni vs. the current players game over the Campbell
Homecoming weekend. Please make plans to attend if at all possible.
It is so great to see the interaction and reminiscing.
Campbell
Information:
Campbell
athletics has a new web site, www.GOCAMELS.com.
It has many new and creative features, and I would love for you to
visit the site soon. Special thanks to John Sinnett, our assistant
SID, for creating this site!
Merry
Christmas in the name of Jesus!
Drew
Peterson, Head Softball Coach
Peterson@mailcenter.campbell.edu
(910)
893-1355