Softball Kicks Off 2013 Season with Bullpen Club Dinner
January 27, 2013 | Softball
Jan. 27, 2013
2012 Softball Highlight Video
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team held its sixth annual Bullpen Club Dinner Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Hyatt Regency. The dinner featured Olympian and two-time NCAA Player of the Year Danielle Lawrie as the keynote speaker.
"We look forward to this event every year, because it is our first opportunity to introduce our new team to our wonderful fans and supporters and we also have a chance to connect with former players who have laid the groundwork throughout the years," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We are so grateful to Danielle Lawrie for speaking and sharing her experiences. She was an outstanding player in the college game and has continued her success. Our team enjoyed having her here and I know they will benefit from her message."
This year's dinner drew nearly 200 attendees, including several alumnae as 2013 team was introduced. Along with welcoming the new season, the Cardinals celebrated the 2012 BIG EAST championship season and honored NFCA All-America honorees Tori Collins and Taner Fowler along with NCAA saves leader Chelsea Leonard.
A special presentation was also made to head coach Sandy Pearsall who celebrated her - and the program's - 500th win at U of L on May 5, 2012. Candy Padilla Herald, a member of the 2000 inaugural team, presented head coach Sandy Pearsall with a bat commemorating the program's 500th win
The University of Louisville enters the 2013 season ranked No.18 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll and will open the 2013 season Feb. 8-10 at the UNLV Sportco Kick-Off Classic.
The Cardinals are coming off of a program-best 55-5 campaign in which they captured the 2012 BIG EAST regular season and tournament titles and made their ninth straight NCAA regional appearance. Louisville returns seven starters and 12 letterwinners including All-American Taner Fowler and fellow all-conference selections Alicja Wolny, Katie Keller, Whitney Arion, Caralisa Connell, Jennifer Esteban and Jordan Trimble.
Head Coach Sandy Pearsall is entering her 14th season as the head coach of the University of Louisville softball program. After building the program from scratch in 2000, Pearsall has guided the Cardinals to a 506-261 record, five conference championships, nine consecutive NCAA regional appearances including serving as a host site in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
