Softball Kicks Off Tenth Season with Bullpen Club Dinner
February 01, 2009 | Softball
Feb. 1, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - - The University of Louisville softball team held its second annual Bullpen Club Fundraiser Dinner on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Galt House. The dinner, which was sponsored by Executive Communications, featured two-time Olympic medalist and 2008 Women's Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Jessica Mendoza as the keynote speaker.
Mendoza, has been instrumental in the success of USA Softball. The two-time Olympian and current national team member was a starting outfielder for the 2004 Gold Medal team at the Athens Olympics and the 2008 Silver Medal team in Beijing and is the 2009 President of the Women's Sports Foundation. As she spoke to the softball team, Mendoza related her own experiences on the field as well as how she has directed her passion in many other areas outside of playing such as education and activism.
"I think tonight was a great success," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "Jessica Mendoza did a tremendous job. She really had a great message for the team and I'm hoping that they really take it to heart. We were very excited with all the support we saw. This dinner gets better every year."
Louisville softball enters its tenth season since beginning the program in 2000. Over the past nine years, with Pearsall at the helm, the Cards have amassed 324 wins, earned five consecutive NCAA tournament bids, earned their first top 20 ranking and won three conference championships. The night offered a nod to the past, with several alumnae among the 150 guests in attendance, as well as an outlook to the season ahead as the 2009 team was introduced.
"It's always a pleasure to see our former players, they've helped build our program and it's so good to see them come back and support us as we continue to grow and reach new levels," said Pearsall.
The University of Louisville softball team will open the 2009 season in Feb. 6-8 at Florida International's Combat Classic. The Cardinals return eight starters and 11 letterwinners from the 2008 team which earned U of L's fifth-straight NCAA tournament appearance.
