9 overall seed Tennessee before defeating Liberty again in the regional final. Last season, she was part of the Dukes magical run to the Womens College World Series, catching for breakout star Odicci Alexander, but this season, Bernett was having her own breakout. Sign up to stay up to date with our daily headlines. Jubas is one of 14 returning letterwinners this season, along with Gordon, outfielder Logan Newton, and pitcher/infielder Odicci Alexander. As difficult as the past year has been, Jubas is just relieved to be playing games again. Webmessiclr@jmu.edu. Get our top 10 stories from the past week delivered every Saturday morning. Work out. Humphrey picked up wins in her first two appearances as a Duke this season, including one start. Webhaleoc@jmu.edu: Pete Johnson Equipment Manager Memorial 1148 (395 South High St.) / MSC 6925 540-568-5507 540-568-5507: johnsopg@jmu.edu: Matthew Mitcheroney: The Dukes became the first team in the CAA to participate in the WCWS. Gasso hopes she is doing everything she can to respond. We have to hope everyone in athletics is. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. The teams run to the Womens College World Series national semifinals will forever be etched into institutional lore. Mickey Perry. Whiff. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - James Madison associate head coach Jennifer Herzig was named the Easton/ National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I Assistant Coach of the Year, the association announced Tuesday afternoon. LaPorte is a Roanoke College graduate. Its just screaming for help.. It was something our team and us as a staff had never experienced, but we had to go with it, LaPorte recalled. 11:56 PM EDT, Tue May 3, 2022. They need professional help. James Madison's Odicci Alexander helps carry Dukes to JMU Softball But he doesnt wait for players to reach out to him. Were gritty, said Newton, whose older sister Taylor played for the Dukes as an outfielder from 2014-17. It just filled my heart, and I know that I have to do more things to make this more humanized than robotic.. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," JMU Head Coach Loren LaPorte said. "Our team doesn't get to do that a whole lot," LaPorte said. Google searches for James Madison University increased more than 1,000% from May 31 to June 6. Whenever mid-major programs have success, its almost incumbent it seems that interest on a national level increases. This year's Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City features UCLA, Oklahoma and five other programs that have been there before. The team was in Jacksonville, Florida last March when LaPorte received word the weekend games were canceled. Her huge heart showed grace and kindness to everyone she ever met. 1 overall seed Oklahoma (50-2), which won its fourth NCAA title in 2017, at noon Thursday to kick off the eight-team, double-elimination event. After punching their ticket to the Women's College World Series (WCWS) for the first time, the James Madison Dukes advanced to the WCWS semifinals after beating #1 Oklahoma 43 in eight innings[6] and #5 Oklahoma State 21[7] in the first and second rounds of the tournament. Thats on par with some Power Five conference programs, but softball salaries can vary drastically. In 2018, she signed an extension through 2022 that included an $80,000 base salary, a $5,000 raise from her initial contract. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them back from the Womens College World Series. I want to know, when things dont look right, what does that look like?. It was moderated by folks from the psychological resources office in the athletic department. It also was the first time since 2012 that a non-seeded team played in Oklahoma City, as JMU and Georgia joined the 2012 LSU and South Florida squads. The Dukes were the lead item in the New York Timesmorning newsletter on June 4. And the JMU faithful will never forget the magical ride of 2021. We will use this time to continue healing and to honor Laurens memory while finishing the academic semester strong., Stanford soccer star's death renews questions about student-athletes' mental health. The Dukes had gone to four-straight NCAA tournaments and, just a year prior, had hosted a Super Regional. CNNs David Close contributed to this report. Football head coach Curt Cignetti, deans, administrators and Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed were among the dignitaries in the crowd. Trevor Richardson met with the Cowgirls earlier this week after they returned from a road trip at Florida State. But a lawsuit filed last week by 24 members of the womens softball team and three coaches alleges that it was well-known on campus that the message was about them. Yes, this was a big week for her and her Sooners. Smack. … It just filled my heart, and I know that I have to do more things to make this more humanized than robotic.. No subscription is required to sign up for News-Record newsletters. He signed a five-year deal upon his hiring in 2018 with a base salary that averages out to $150,000 per year. She led the Sooners in an activity where they split into small groups and shared how they were feeling. She believes the upperclassmen have a responsibility to instill core values in the younger players. Students and faculty were shocked to hear of the death of Katie Meyer, a student and standout soccer player for the university on Wednesday. Lots of times, that has nothing to do with softball. Savannah Reger | The Breeze Whiff. OPINION: Morgan will be 22 forever. LaPorte and her husband, former Roanoke College basketball player Josh LaPorte, have a 5-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. It also features a team from Harrisonburg that has advanced to college softball's grandest stage for the first time. Former JMU softball pitcher Alexis Bermudez (2020-22) sails one down the middle against Rutgers last spring. Generally cloudy. Then, Bernett. 'Close your eyes and swing'. She served an assistant coach for five years and was The James Madison softball team beat Missouri on Sunday to earn a berth in the Women's College World Series for the first time. Bernett was 20 years old. Yes, this was a big week for her and her Sooners. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. Mostly cloudy skies. Web43K Followers, 192 Following, 1,392 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from JMU Softball (@jmusoftball) There will be a permanent void in our hearts and our hope is to live out her legacy and make her proud each and every day. SUMMARY: After making history in the Womens College World Series, the Dukes returned to campus as heroes and JMU legends. If you are trying to host tournaments, then you have to look at the potential to add not just to your permanent facility, but then you have to think about what additional rental bleachers and things would need to look like.. When Dean took the head coaching job at JMU for the 2013 season, he convinced LaPorte to join him. JMU softball He also helps cover other colleges, including Radford, VMI, Roanoke, Washington and Lee and Ferrum. Weve got to find better ways to do things., More:What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? Then, Christensen asked if any of the players wanted to share with everyone. As many have fixated on whats been happening inside the lines at Marita Hynes Field during the Bedlam series, many in the college softball world are focusing on whats happening in the hearts and minds of players across the country. racist or sexually-oriented language. Please subscribe to keep reading. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. Absolutely," LaPorte said. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. James Madison University softball How Oklahoma State softball has upped its competitiveness, What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? Loren LaPorte, formerly Loren Messick, completed her 10th year with the softball team at James Madison University and sixth year as head coach in 2023. Additionally, JMU is evaluating potential improvements to Veterans Memorial Park, including enhanced lighting and additional seating, which could make it easier for the Dukes to host Regional and Super Regional games in the future. I think the girls are kind of in awe," JMU coach Loren LaPorte said Monday night in a phone interview. Inductees Police escort in tow, team members got chills upon receiving the warm reception from supporters of all ages, from softball bat-sized fans to longtime loyal followers. She had dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and was trusted by animals in the same way she was trusted by the people in her life. Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Clemson and West Virginia were also in the mix when it came to the youngster. A fundraising campaign run during the Womens College World Series added $50,000 to the softball programs discretionary fund. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Practice for three hours. What could I do for that coach? softball Smack. Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. Gasso hopes she is doing everything she can to respond. Thousand Oaks High School Softball Coach and Athletic Director. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. "We are so excited to be adding them to the JMU Softball family," said LaPorte. JMU softball team wins again at Women's College World Series I hope it inspires more people to come to the university., "It was so cool watching them inspire so many people. The support that our administration and our president gives us, I mean, we couldnt ask for anything more. Other resources include: The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. That might be something a coach cant provide, but a coach can intervene if they know how. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. When Odicci Alexander arrived at James Madison University for the 2017 softball season, the program was already well on its way to being nationally recognized. After the two-week layoff, they swept all four games of their own tournament, beating Stony Brook and Rhode Island twice. Did you encounter any technical issues? Alexander was named to this seasons USA Softball Top 50 Watch List and Softball Americas Top 100. Do they need help? Our pitchers are going to be fresh, so were not going to need to use as many.. 1 seed OU in WCWS", "JMU wins another WCWS shocker, stuns Okla. St", "NFCA | National Fastpitch Coaches Association", "2021 NCAA Pitcher Of The Year: Odicci Alexander", "College softball: JMU's historic run captures 2021 NFCA DI national coaching staff of the year honors | NCAA.com", "JMU Staff Named NFCA Northeast Coaching Staff of the Year", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Madison_Dukes_softball&oldid=1142701329, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year (2021), NFCA Northeast Coaching Staff of the Year (2021), This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 22:38. Fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander, who earned third-team All-America honors in 2018 and 2019, has gone 4-1 with one save in this year's NCAA tournament. That made Gasso think about the daily routine of her players. Its great to come home to this. The biggest lesson LaPorte learned from her years with Dean was the importance of developing a deep understanding of the game. Go to class. This week has also reminded us of the incredible generosity inside the softball community. 'Close your eyes and swing', The story behind OU softball players inviting opponents into postgame prayer circle, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Go to a night class or work on homework. Our facilities are better than a lot of Power Five facilities, LaPorte said. JMU scored once in the bottom of the first. Her smile and laugh were radiant - lighting up every room, bullpen or dugout she walked into and making everyone around her instantly smile. Thats what we try to do here.. JMU softball Don't Threaten. It seems likely LaPorte, who has won more than 81 percent of her games and taken JMU to two Super Regionals, is due for a salary bump and contract extension. We hope so, but sadly, evidence suggests she probably wont be. So I'm not really concerned with the Power Five and all that.". They left everything on the field; Odicci, Im in awe, said Alger, calling the team a class act. Offensively, were pretty strong one through nine, LaPorte said. But as she listened to her players talk during Christensens session with them, Gasso had a realization. Not only did the Dukes make it to their first Womens College World Series in program history, they advanced all the way to the semifinals. First was Stanford soccer goalie Katie Meyer on March 1. In the CAA tournament, the Dukes beat Delaware for their sixth conference title and were rewarded with the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA softball tournament. "I love JMU. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Maybe. We'll send you email alerts as news happens. It's about showing everybody we belong.. that is degrading to another person. The pressures they face present distinct challenges, experts say. She wasnt talking strategy with assistants or watching film of opponents. Despite being a varsity program for fewer than 20 years, JMU Softball left no doubt that its one of the best in the nation. The James Madison Dukes softball team represents James Madison University in NCAA Division I college softball. The team's head coach is Loren LaPorte, leading the Dukes to a 14834 record in four seasons. Trevor Richardson met with the Cowgirls earlier this week after they returned from a road trip at Florida State. 2 UCLA, 9:30 p.m. Mark Berman covers Virginia Tech mens basketball and many other teams at the university. We'd love to hear eyewitness I think thats been not only my attitude but also our teams attitude this year.. She followed with an even better sophomore campaign, leading the team in batting average (.423), and smashed 14 homers, 62 RBI, and 17 doubles. The Dukes will face No. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. Among the sports figures and entities tweeting about the team: the Washington Football Team, Ron Rivera, the Seattle Mariners, the Washington Nationals, Major League Baseball and Elliott Sadler. Its sad because its become quite normal. James Madison University head softball coach Loren LaPorte is becoming accustomed to change. JMU went 3-0 to win the Knoxville Regional, beating Liberty and No. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. Steve Staniland. But sometimes players get to the point where even that doesnt move the needle. 2023 James Madison University Athletics, Dukes Shut Out App State in Game One Victory, Mathis Named to 2023 TUCCI/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year Top 25 List, JMU Softball Goes Gold to Spread Awareness for Pediatric Cancer. Eat breakfast. Maybe. Eat lunch. SEASON CANCELED:JMU softball team cancels remainder of season The Dukes start a quartet of fourth-year juniors and a trio of fifth-year seniors. You have represented us so, so well. Look at video. This season, the Colonial Athletic Association switched to a divisional format and a shortened schedule to reduce travel. JMU has won 26 straight games, including three consecutive wins over No. The James Madison softball team has canceled the rest of its season after sophomore catcher Lauren Bernetts death. On September 10, LaPorte gave birth to Harper, her second child. My phones never off, he said. Thats the sad part.. SPORTS NEWSLETTER: Sign up now for daily updates sent to your inbox, SEASON CANCELED: JMU softball team cancels remainder of season following Lauren Bernett's death, Ive been shaken, the OU softball coach said. Everybody knows that my family is here. James Madison athletic director Jeff Bourne addresses softball fans during a celebration welcoming the softball team home earlier this week from the Womens College World Series. The word I would use to describe what they did is monumental, said Christine Prior (14), whose favorite part of the tournament was all the JMU home runs. Oklahoma's Patty Gasso discusses mental health among college athletes. Morgan will be 22 forever. And we love the community feel.. We have a lot of great pitchers on this staff, and we have a ton of strong hitters in the lineup to keep us in the game.. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and resources. When Dean left Radford to become JMUs coach in the summer of 2012, he brought LaPorte with him. And we have to work in order to compete with the Power Fives.". JMU currently lists capacity at the softball stadium at 625. But as she listened to her players talk during Christensens session with them, Gasso had a realization. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly, JMU coach Loren LaPorte said via a statement released in the morning by the school. The suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett has staggered the sport. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Weve got to find better ways to do things.. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them After graduating, she spent the 2009 season as an assistant there before taking a similar position under Mickey Dean at Radford. Again. "My family is three hours away, in the Northern Neck. Get on the field. We dont have much time throughout the day but we can celebrate the joyful things and the small things.. Low 41F. "Being able to handle the opposing team's fans, we actually thrive from it instead of being intimated.". James Madison University Softball Player Lauren Bernett Dies But as the Sooners were on their final regular-season road trip, Gasso also wanted there to be some fun for the seniors and super seniors. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today. While that decision was due to the ongoing concerns of the pandemic, it also affords LaPorte the luxury of staying close to her family and watching her infant daughter grow. softball Virginia Tech-turned-Oklahoma State ace Carrie Eberle took the loss Friday. Its kind of like the game sometimes. Softball She wasnt talking strategy with assistants or watching film of opponents. She hit .778 and drove in seven runs during the three-game set. JMU Beats Mizzou to Reach First Women's College World Series", "James Madison shocks No.