What. A. Ride.

Celene Funke, a fifth-year senior on the softball team reflects on her time at Louisville. The centerfielder finished her career ranked second on Louisville's list for career triples (22) and stolen bases (74). Her 121 career runs scored place her 10^th on UofL's all-time list. She also owns the school single season record for triples with 13 in the 2019 campaign and stands second in stolen bases after swiping 29 that same year. Funke is also the program's first three-time CoSIDA Academic All-American and served as the president of Louisville's the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in 2021.

Softball has accompanied my name for as long as I can remember. It's difficult to truly comprehend how many doors have been opened because of this great sport. But now, as I've had time to reflect on my journey… I know that I wouldn't be standing where I am today if it weren't for the game I love.

I was just a lightly recruited scrub from Carmel, Indiana who was lucky enough to call Louisville home. From whiffing off a tee as I switched to the left side my freshmen year, to a full-time starter and captain. Softball has shown time and time again that hard work and determination will prevail.

You always hear that softball is a game of failure. But what they don't tell you is how much stronger you become because of your commitment to the game. Failing seven times in a row, just to go 3-for-3 when it matters most is the best part of this game. When you fall… you have to get back up. Were there frustrating times? Absolutely. This sport will give nothing to those that don't work for it and that is a life lesson I will carry with me forever.

As most can relate, whenever you get advice from older players or alumni, they will always tell you to "enjoy the ride." I tried to take that to heart and play as if every game were my last. I hope my teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans that saw me play could see without a shadow of a doubt that I gave it all I had every opportunity I got to step on that field.

While I had some great successes over the years, it is the crazy memories with my teammates that I will remember most. Not the strikeouts, the errors, or the close losses. No. I will remember our 5 a.m. truck push workouts, the goofy bus rides home after a big win, and the amazing teammates I had supporting me along the way.

People always ask, "what kind of legacy do you want to leave?" When my career is said and done, what do I want people to say about Celene Funke? I used to think that it was the record-breaking statistics and flashy plays. However, looking back I hope it is my character, energy, and leadership that is my legacy. I hope that people will remember me as the crazy, all-out player that competed each and every day, while also supporting her fellow teammates. Not the nation's leader in triples, but a great person to come through Louisville and leave it just a bit better than she found it. That's what I hope I've done here.

So, thank you to the city that took me in with open arms. Louisville's student-athletes, coaches, administration, and fans are unmatched. There is no other city I would have wanted to call home these last five years. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity I received here at Louisville. I promise to be the loudest in the stands as I take on a new role in the Louisville softball family…alumni.

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Celene Funke, #33

University of Louisville Athletics

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