We again want to thank everyone for their caring thoughts and support during this time and we continue to ask for privacy as a program as we grieve and support one another. James Madison fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander is 16-1 this season, including 4-1 in the NCAA tournament. WebCamarillo High School Wrestling Coach. Lots of times, that has nothing to do with softball. The JMU head softball coach said the decision to end the season was a difficult one that wasn't made lightly. 540-568-7979. You have permission to edit this article. What could I do for that coach? Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Now that James Madisons historic run to the Womens College World Series is over, fans of JMU and softball at large cant help but speculate whats next for Dukes coach Loren LaPorte. A giant inflatable Duke Dog and a swarm of fans awaited the JMU softball team Tuesday as the players returned from their stint in the Womens College World Series (WCWS). WebCoaching career James Madison. Ive been shaken, the OU softball coach said. But he doesnt wait for players to reach out to him. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze on April 13, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. OU second baseman Tiare Jennings goes for long drives with her windows down and her music up. Gajewski strives for that, too. JMU was selected as the favorite to win the realigned South Division in the CAAs preseason poll, garnering seven first-place votes to total 25 points. Gary Walin. It was moderated by folks from the psychological resources office in the athletic department. Their mental health is poor, and their outlook is bleak. That was something Gasso knew prior to the events of recent weeks, but in the aftermath of Bernetts suicide, she asked OU psychologist Dolores Christensen to meet with the team. Eat breakfast. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The following statement has been issued from the James Madison Softball coaching staff regarding the untimely death of catcher and sophomore Lauren Bernett: Finding the words to describe what our team is going through right now feels nearly impossible. JMU and Georgia are the only unseeded teams in this year's Women's College World Series field. But as she listened to her players talk during Christensens session with them, Gasso had a realization. JMUs trip to the WCWS this season and her CAA Coach of the Year award also triggered several performance bonuses totaling $23,197.92. Many members of our team found comfort in knowing Lauren would always be there for them on a tough day. Maybe. 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. When I pick at you about your love life or your family or school or whatever it is, thats not me trying to be in your business more than you want me. that is degrading to another person. Call (800) 950-NAMI (6264), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email info@nami.org. 8 overall seed Missouri in the Columbia Super Regional. I think its just finding joy in the small, little things, OSU ace Kelly Maxwell said. However, we want others to know the impact Lauren had on each of our lives, and each member of not only our softball family, but the entire JMU community. Do they need help? "NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships", "JMU Softball beats Tennessee 3-1; Advances to Regional Final", "JMU Downs Liberty To Win Knoxville Regional", "OKC BOUND! 'Close your eyes and swing'. The suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett has staggered the sport. Then came Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze on April 13. Hotel rooms near Something in the Water are still available but they wont be cheap. They require an intervention. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. We'll send you email alerts as news happens. Get on the field. But sometimes players get to the point where even that doesnt move the needle. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Look at video. She believes the upperclassmen have a responsibility to instill core values in the younger players. "It's kind of cool to see their faces right now when they get to experience this. Thats the sad part.. RELATED CONTENT: President Alger wrote a first-person reflection about the softball team. "I love JMU. 9 overall Tennessee and 43-win Liberty to come out of the Knoxville regional unscathed. Local high school softball teams have the talent to make deep CNN values LaPorte acknowledged the impact the cancellation may have on graduating students whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion, vowing the university will ensure theyre also honored for their contributions to JMU as student athletes. Our facilities are better than a lot of Power Five facilities, LaPorte said. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. Elkton native Mickey Dean, who preceded LaPorte at JMU, left the Dukes after the 2017 season for a $250,000 salary at Auburn. The James Madison softball team is the first Virginia team to make the Women's College World Series in 13 years. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. That battle mentality speaks to the theme of this years team, never back down. racist or sexually-oriented language. Are they getting help?, Theres just a lot of questions that I have.. He also helps cover other colleges, including Radford, VMI, Roanoke, Washington and Lee and Ferrum. They need professional help. 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.. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. Be Truthful. That might be something a coach cant provide, but a coach can intervene if they know how. Look at video. That was something Gasso knew prior to the events of recent weeks, but in the aftermath of Bernetts suicide, she asked OU psychologist Dolores Christensen to meet with the team. On September 10, LaPorte gave birth to Harper, her second child. The Dukes will face No. Published And its just over and over and over and over again, Gasso said. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," JMU Head Coach Loren LaPorte said. The James Madison softball team arrived in Oklahoma City on Monday, one day after winning an NCAA super regional series at Missouri to earn its first Women's College World Series berth. I think these student-athletes are pushed and pressed, Gasso said, and they have a lot of plates that are spinning and are trying to balance everything.. Like Gasso, Gajewski asked one of the athletic departments psychologists to speak to his team recently. There is also a crisis text line. LaPorte is a Roanoke College graduate. 8/4/2022 12:00:00 PM. "Being able to handle the opposing team's fans, we actually thrive from it instead of being intimated.". Read "True Grit" here. Error! Making History: JMU Softball upsets No. 1 Oklahoma How JMU catcher Lauren Bernett's death rocked college 1 play on ESPNs SportsCenter Top 10. After suffering a torn hamstring on March 12, Alexander did not play again until April 17. Virginia Techs Pete DAmour had the Hokies one victory away from the WCWS this spring. She died April 25 and the Western District Medical Examiners Office in Virginia told CNN Tuesday she died by suicide. Are they getting help?, Theres just a lot of questions that I have., Carlson:At a time college softball has more parity than ever, it also has a favorite as clear as crystal. Thats something that over the last few years has seemed to be even more prominent. After a dominant performance in the regular season, the Dukes entered the postseason with a 341 record. The remaining game cancellations included a contest against Virginia Tuesday and a three-game league series against Elon May 6 and 7. JMU is the first team from outside the power conferences to reach the Women's College World Series since Louisiana in 2014. It's about showing everybody we belong.. She was serving as a panelist on mental health in athletics. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. Data about campus suicides is difficult to come by. Ive been shaken, thinking, What if I was the coach on the other side? LaPorte and her staff can choose to use that money for, among other things, recruiting costs or to pay for JMU to play in high-profile regular-season events. Purple ribbons were worn by not only teams, but also coaches and umpires in Tennessee softball s 7-2 win over Liberty on Wednesday. On Sunday, April 24, she finished a monster weekend, going 4-for-4 with a homer and two doubles in the series finale against Drexel. [4] They then went on to beat #8 Mizzou on the road in the best-of-three series in Columbia, Missouri.[5]. Sign up now for daily updates sent to your inbox, JMU softball team cancels remainder of season following Lauren Bernett's death, suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett. It is the first time since 2012 that any unseeded teams have reached Oklahoma City. 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. We realize the value of having the JMU brand and what it means throughout the entire country.. Although JMU freshman right-handed pitcher Kylah Berry gave up two runs in the top of the first, senior first baseman Hannah Shifflett put the Dukes on the board swinging on the first pitch, homering to center field. Bernett, 20, played a major role in the 2021 Womens College World Series. This isnt how you win, she thought. softball Sign up to stay up to date with our daily headlines. JMU Dukes Softball Never Backs Down From LaPorte and JMU have renegotiated and extended her contract twice since she took over for Dean in 2017 on a one-year deal. JMU softball She led the Sooners in an activity where they split into small groups and shared how they were feeling. 1:26. At the end of the day, you want to look back and have no regrets.. The past year has certainly had its fair share. LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- James Madison softball coaching staff, led by Head Coach Loren LaPorte, was named National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division Staff of the Year, the association announced on Thursday afternoon. Oklahomas Patty Gasso, who topped JMU last week to earn a spot in the Womens College World Series championship series, makes more than $1 million a year. Softball How pressure of college sports can harm athletes' mental health. Softball The Dukes won their first six games to open the 2021 season, the first two coming against Virginia and George Washington at the UVA Tournament. By WHSV Newsroom. JMU currently lists capacity at the softball stadium at 625. Its great to come home to this. All Rights Reserved. JMU softball receives warm welcome home from fans following historic WCWS run | Sports | breezejmu.org Skip to main content You have permission to edit this article. HARRISONBURG, Va.Its not a stretch to say the JMU Softball program captured the hearts and attention of sports fansand non-sports fans alikeacross the nation during the past several days. JMU brought in $3,637,197 in revenue from its mens basketball program while paying out $3,637,197 in expenses. On the positive side, this means the program didnt lose any money - and thats not something every college sports program can claim. The head coach and 3 assistant coaches train and lead the 33 players of the JMU womens basketball team. They have fun winning they love to win but it was fun to see them having fun in another space. But a COVID-19 breakout forced them to withdraw from the Liberty Tournament the following weekend. The team was in Jacksonville, Florida last March when LaPorte received word the weekend games were canceled. OU second baseman Tiare Jennings goes for long drives with her windows down and her music up. "They're going to be really excited about that.". The Dukes are 39-2. Whats hard this year is that were only playing 34 games. Thats why Gasso wanted to do that webinar Wednesday evening. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. 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. … It just filled my heart, and I know that I have to do more things to make this more humanized than robotic.. Terry Lee Pendleton. But if LaPorte has learned one thing during her career as a player, assistant, and head coach, something new is always around the corner. The pressures they face present distinct challenges, experts say. It was moderated by folks from the psychological resources office in the athletic department. That in itself makes you want to just be loose, play to the best of your ability, and have fun. She allowed two runs in four-plus innings. When Dean took the head coaching job at JMU for the 2013 season, he convinced LaPorte to join him. HARRISONBURG, Va. James Madison softball will welcome four transfers this year, Head Coach Loren LaPorte announced Thursday. JMU (39-2) had fallen short in its first two appearances in the super regionals in 2016, when Megan Good and Bath County graduate Jailyn Ford were the team's stars, and in 2019. Rebecca Muh, Grace Newell, Brittany Hook and Avery Pinder will join the Dukes on the field in the 2023 season. Maybe. First was Stanford soccer goalie Katie Meyer on March 1. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. By submitting my information, I agree to the, JMU Coach Loren LaPorte Interview At 2021 PGF, Replay: James Madison vs Elon | Feb 19 @ 5 PM, NFCA Announces All-Region Honors; 17 CAA Players Garner Accolades, JMU's Hannah Shifflett Named CAA Softball Player Of The Year, Remainder Of JMU Softball Season Canceled, CAA Announces Cancellation Of JMU/Delaware Softball Series, Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. To say she will be missed is an overwhelming understatement. When you look at hosting, at least at where things are at this day and time on a national scale, we have to at least consider the lighting component. Work out. Sure, she couldve left such matters to some other coach or some other time. We have to hope everyone in athletics is. It has served them well during a year that has forced everyone to live for the moment and not look too far ahead. With four of the top nine ranked teams in CIF-Southern Section Division 2, three of which are ranked in the top 8 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, the local high school 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. In the circle, LaPorte is counting on Alexander, along with transfers Alexis Bermudez (Bethune-Cookman), Kayla Boseman (Mississippi State), and Alissa Humphrey (Jacksonville). Mickey Perry. But as Newton points out, thats an approach every player should take even in ordinary circumstances. Then, Christensen asked if any of the players wanted to share with everyone. The Dukes were 13-6 in 2020 before the shutdown. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Bristol eighth-grader Hayden Reed commits to Va. Tech baseball, CASEY: Hardy grandmother out $316 after buying gift cards at Walmart, CASEY: Forger cashed phony checks worth tens of thousands in undertakers name, Hokies quarterbacks Bullock, Farrell enter transfer portal, EPA cites West Virginia plant linked to Roanoke Valley reservoir contamination for release of 'forever chemical', Landowners' lawsuit against Mountain Valley Pipeline revived by U.S. Supreme Court, CASEY: The Deep State connection to Roanoke's biggest breakfast, Wife of 7-Eleven fatal shooting victim calls for deeper background checks on gun buyers, Mattel introduces first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome, Radford to buy foundry site; mayor says move is part of city's resurgence, Judge hears appeal in trailer park water cutoff case, City, state and citizens group collide over Williamson Road makeover, funding. She served an assistant coach for five years and was elevated to head coach in September of 2017. How you handle things is going to be based on what happens next.. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). It made me sit back and appreciate just being able to play. The team includes freshman Meredith Wells, a Lord Botetourt graduate who made three appearances in April. We will do whatever it takes to win. The pitcher said she went through a low point last season but grew from the support of her teammate. As a player, you dont really know the game in and out, LaPorte explained. They require an intervention. It was during the bus ride home that the CAA officially ended the season. Reach out just to anybody.. Theyre playing games, and theyre laughing, and theyre laughing so loud securitys coming up to the room, Gasso said. Building meaningful relationships with players has been a key element to LaPortes success as a coach. Shortstop Sara Jubas became the first JMU softball student-athlete named a CoSIDA Academic All-American. Coach Of the 18 head coaches at JMU, 6 are leaders of mens teams and 12 lead womens teams. The average salary of the mens team head coaches is $281,312, while the head coaches of womens team make, on average, $102,398 per year. softball She is 16-1 with a 1.14 ERA overall this season and is also batting .343. I dont call them an underdog, but everyone else does. LaPorte, formerly known as Loren Messick, was an All-ODAC shortstop at Roanoke College. Eat lunch. There was a problem saving your notification. "My family is three hours away, in the Northern Neck. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. The support that our administration and our president gives us, I mean, we couldnt ask for anything more. Really sad, OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said earlier this week as tears welled in his eyes. Tahj Bullock and Devin Farrell elected to enter the transfer portal with the intent of continuing their college careers elsewhere. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Yes, this was a big week for her and her Sooners. 'Close your eyes and swing', The story behind OU softball players inviting opponents into postgame prayer circle, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Gajewski strives for that, too. JMU The team participates in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and plays home games in Veterans Memorial Park. Gajewski is proactive in interacting and communicating with players. JMU Weve got to find better ways to do things., More:What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? Maybe. 11:56 PM EDT, Tue May 3, 2022. I think they get frustrated early, he said. Anybody up at-bat can get the job done. James Madison canceled the remainder of its softball season Monday morning as the Dukes continue to grieve last months death of sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett. The past few months havent been all negative. Will the three-time Colonial Athletic Association coach of the year be courted by a school from a major conference, as Dean was? Go to class. Absolutely," LaPorte said. Thats on par with some Power Five conference programs, but softball salaries can vary drastically. Published: Apr. Whiff. 10 Florida State vs. No. Some student-athletes came out to support their peers, including a handful of football Dukes. 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. Keep it Clean. Softball Coaches - James Madison University Athletics Local weather delivered each morning to your inbox. This year's Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City features UCLA, Oklahoma and five other programs that have been there before. appreciated. 2 UCLA, 9:30 p.m. Mark Berman covers Virginia Tech mens basketball and many other teams at the university. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Were not alone, OSU outfielder Chyenne Factor said. Weve got to find better ways to do things.. James Madison's Odicci Alexander helps carry Dukes to She was serving as a panelist on mental health in athletics. She hit .778 and drove in seven runs during the three-game set. The Dukes start a quartet of fourth-year juniors and a trio of fifth-year seniors. Bernett is seen during a NCAA softball game in May last year. Odicci Alexanders diving play at the plate was the No. But (Mickey) taught me the strategy, what happens in this situation, a pitchers patterns, little stuff you dont think of as a player. Morgan will be 22 forever. On Sunday, April 24, she finished a monster weekend, going 4-for-4 with a homer and two doubles in the series finale against Drexel. James Madison standout pitcher Odicci Alexander returned on Saturday evening to the same circle where she tossed a 125-pitch one-hitter less than 24 hours before. 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. We dont have much time throughout the day … but we can celebrate the joyful things and the small things.. A Warner Bros. Everybody knows that my family is here. As difficult as the past year has been, Jubas is just relieved to be playing games again. Fly high Lauren, your JMU Softball family will forever love you.. Our pitchers are going to be fresh, so were not going to need to use as many.. LaPorte said JMU also provides the Dukes with everything they need to make James Madison a dynastic powerhouse. "We are so excited to be adding them to the JMU Softball family," said LaPorte. Former JMU softball pitcher Alexis Bermudez (2020-22) sails one down the middle against Rutgers last spring. Both were athletes at Roanoke College. Eat breakfast. 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. JMU Softball 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. JMU scored once in the bottom of the first. WebSara Jubas gave JMU the lead with a three-run home run in the top of the 3rd inning, and the Sooners answered with a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning. Catch up on the stories that have people reading and talking. 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: Josh, he's from Staunton. That made Gasso think about the daily routine of her players. Data about campus suicides is difficult to come by. JMU Softball (@jmusoftball) Instagram photos and videos She was mature beyond her years and always put others before herself, wanting everyone around her to be happy.