Introduction Table of Contents Quick Facts 2013 Schedule
Meet the Team 2013 Roster
Head Coach Maggie Johnson
RADFORD 1 2 3
4 5
Assistant Coach Michelle Carlson
6
Assistant Coach Sarah Phillips
7 9-15
Newcomer Player Profiles
16-20
Big South Conference
22
2012 Accolades
23
All-American Nichole Beall
24
2012 Results and Standings
25
Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award Winner
26
Highlanders in the Pros
27
This is RU RU Softball Field
28-29
Radford University President Penelope Kyle
30
Athletics Director Robert Lineburg
31
This is Radford University
32-33
The New River Valley
34-35
Campus Life
36
Student-Athlete Support Services
37
Strength and Conditioning
38
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
39
Credits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Returning Player Profiles
The 2013 Radford University Softball Guide was written and edited by Brian Stanley and designed by the Radford University Office of Athletic Communications. The Publication was designed using InDesign and
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Photoshop CS5. Additional editing and historical research provided by The Big South Conference and Gene Hyde, archivist at Radford University’s McConnell Library.
Photography: Tim Cowie, Lora Gordon, Steven May and Athletic Communications.
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RADFORD
2009 & 2010 Big South Champions
University Facts
2
Location Radford, Va. Founded 1910 Enrollment 9,370 Nickname Highlanders Colors Red, White, Navy Blue Facility/Capacity Radford University Softball Field/500 Affiliation NCAA Division I Conference Big South President Penelope W. Kyle (Guilford College) Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg (Roanoke, 1991) Athletic Trainer Katlyn Joyner Website www.RadfordAthletics.com
SOFTBALL History First Year All-Time Record / Seasons Big South Record / Seasons Conference Titles / Years NCAA Appearances / Last Results
1992 571-583-1 (.495) / 21 170-120 (.586) / 21 2 / 2009 & 2010 2 / 2010 2-2; Florida State (l, 1-10); Elon (W, 8-0) Florida State (W, 3-2); Georgia (L, 1-8)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach Maggie Johnson / First Season Alma Mater, Year UNC Wilmington ‘01 Record at Radford 0-0 Career Record / Seasons 87-80 / 3 Big South Record 0-0 Assistant Coach Michelle Carlson / First Year Alma Mater, Year Radford, ‘08 Assistant Coach Sarah Phillips / First Year Alma Mater, Year North Georgia College & State University ‘11 Softball Office Phone (540) 831-5882
2012 Team Facts
2012 Overall Record 2012 Conference Record / Finish Position Starters Returning / Lost Pitchers Returning / Lost Others Returning / Lost Newcomers
Athletic communications Assistant Director (SB Contact) Office Phone Cell Phone Email Assistant A.D. Office Phone Email Assistant Director
SOFTBALL
34-21 16-5 / First 3/6 2/2 2/4 10 Brian Stanley (540) 831-6884 (540) 818-6656 bmstanley@radford.edu Tom Galbraith (540) 831-5726 tgalbraith@radford.edu Brian Cox
RADFORD
DATE DAY OPPONENT
LOCATION TIME
Feb 13
Wed.
at North Carolina
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Feb 20
Wed.
VIRGINIA TECH
RADFORD
College of Charleston Classic Feb. 23
Sat.
4/6:00
3:00
Charleston, S.C.
at College of Charleston
Charleston, S.C.
4:30
Feb. 24
vs. Wagner
Charleston, S.C.
10:00 am
vs. South Carolina
Charleston, S.C.
2:30
Sun.
12:00
Bulldog Invitational March 1
RADFORD
11:00 am
March 23
KENT STATE
RADFORD
1:00
Kent State vs. Binghamton
RADFORD
March 24
Sat. BINGHAMTON
Sun. BINGHAMTON
3:00
RADFORD
11:00 am
Kent State vs. Binghamton
RADFORD
1:00
KENT STATE
RADFORD
3:00
March 27
Wed.
at Longwood *
Farmville, Va.
4:00
March 29
Fri.
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN * RADFORD
4/6:00
March 30
Sat.
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN * RADFORD
1:00
Athens, Ga.
at Georgia
Athens, Ga.
5:30
April 3
Wed.
at Liberty *
Lynchburg, Va.
2/4:00
March 2
Sat.
vs. North Dakota State
Athens, Ga.
10:00 am
April 6
Sat.
at Costal Carolina *
Conway, S.C.
1/3:00
vs. Indiana State
Athens, Ga.
5:30
April 7
Sun.
at Costal Carolina *
Conway, S.C.
Sun.
at Georgia
Athens, Ga.
12:30
April 10
Wed.
LONGWOOD *
RADFORD
4/6:00
April 13
Sat.
at Presbyterian *
Clinton, S.C.
1/3:00
April 14
Sun.
at Presbyterian *
Clinton, S.C.
1:00
12:30
Radford Invitational
vs. Indiana State
March 3
Fri.
LOCATION TIME
Miken Tournament March 8
Fri.
1:00
vs. St. John’s
College Park, Md.
1:00
April 17
Wed.
at Charlotte
Charlotte, N.C.
4/6:00
at Maryland
College Park, Md.
5:00
April 19
Fri.
CAMPBELL *
RADFORD
4/6:00
March 9
vs. Ohio State
College Park, Md.
5:30
April 20
Sat.
CAMPBELL *
RADFORD
1:00
vs. Binghamton
College Park, Md.
7:30
April 24
Wed.
at Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Va.
7:00
March 10
vs. Iowa
College Park, Md.
9:00 am
April 27
Sat.
at Gardner-Webb *
Boiling Springs, N.C.
1/3:00
April 28
Sun.
at Gardner-Webb *
Boiling Springs, N.C.
1:00
Sat. Sun
USF Under Armour Invitational
May 1
Wed.
at Appalachian State
Boone, N.C.
4/6:00
1:15
May 4
Sat.
WINTHROP *
RADFORD
2/4:00
Clearwater, Fla.
4:00
May 5
Sun.
WINTHROP *
RADFORD
1:00
Clearwater, Fla.
11:00
May 8-11
Big South Tournament
March 15
Fri.
vs. Quinnipiac
Clearwater, Fla.
vs. LIU-Brooklyn
Sat.
vs. Boston College
vs. Cornell
Clearwater, Fla.
4:00
March 17
Sun.
vs. Rhode Island
Clearwater, Fla.
11:45
March 20
Wed.
LIBERTY *
March 16
2013 Schedule
vs. Charleston Southern
DATE DAY OPPONENT
Winthrop, S.C.
* Denotes Big South Games
SOFTBALL HOME GAMES CAPS/RED/BOLD
RADFORD
4:00
All Times Eastern (unless noted); Times and Dates subject to change
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RADFORD
2010 Regional Finalist
No. Name Pos. B/T Ht. Yr. Hometown 1 Megan Honaker C/UT S/R 5-3 Fr. Damascus, Va. 3 Casey Burns 1B/3B R/R 5-7 Fr. Copley, Ohio 5 Allie Reid P R/R 5-4 Fr. Lovettsville, Va. 7 Nia Chiles UT S/R 5-11 Fr. Amherst, Va. 8 Jackie Jenkins P R/R 5-8 Sr. Mechanicsville, Va. 9 Mackenzie Blackwell OF R/R 5-7 So. Dolphin, Va. 10 Hayley Tabora 2B/3B R/R 5-0 Fr. Virginia Beach, Va. 11 Ryndee Ruch UT R/R 5-5 Sr. Mechanicsville, Va. 12 Becky Mantel OF R/R 5-4 Fr. Riverside, Ill. 13 Jessica Agee OF/2B R/R 5-7 Sr. Louisa, Va. 15 Hilari Hopkins MI/OF L/R 5-5 So. Cottondale, Fla. 20 Morgan Eye OF R/R 5-6 Sr. Bridgewater, Va. 22 Jessie Hutchens UT R/R 5-9 Jr. Berwyn, Ill. 24 Stephanie Dameron P R/R 5-7 Jr. Dameron, Md. 25 Rachael Walters P L/L 5-9 Fr. Powhatan, Va. 32 Whitney Davis 1B/3B R/R 5-11 Fr. Onley, Va. 44 Emily Naegele C R/R 5-8 Fr. Oak Forest, Ill.
High School Holston Copley Woodgrove Amherst County Atlee Brunswick Academy Kellam Atlee Riverside Brookfield Louisa County Dothan (Ala.) Gulf Coast State College Turner Ashby Riverside Brookfield St. Mary’s Ryken Powhatan Nandua Oak Forest
Head Coach: Maggie Johnson (UNC Wilmington ’01 / First Season) Assistant Coach: Michelle Carlson (Radford ’08 / First Season) Assistant Coach: Sarah Phillips (North Georgia ’11 / First Season)
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PRONUNCIATIONS
BY STATE
Jessica Agee....................................................................A-G Nia Chiles...................................................................NEE uh Megan Honaker................................................ Hawn-uh-ker Becky Mantel.......................................................... MAN-Tell Emily Naegele............................................................ NAYgle Ryndee Ruch...............................................................Roosh
VIRGINIA (11): Agee, Blackwell, Chiles, Davis, Eye, Honaker, Jenkins, Reid, Ruch, Tabora, Walters FLORIDA (1): Hopkins ILLINOIS (3): Hutchens, Mantel, Naegele MARYLAND (1): Dameron OHIO (1): Burns
BY CLASS SENIORS (4): Agee, Eye, Jenkins, Ruch JUNIORS (2): Dameron, Hutchens SOPHOMORES (2): Blackwell, Hopkins FRESHMEN (9): Burns, Chiles, Davis, Honaker, Mantel, Naegele, Reid, Tabora, Walters
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RADFORD
Maggie Johnson
Head Coach ♦ First Year ♦ UNC Wilmington ‘01
Maggie Johnson was named Radford University’s sixth head softball coach on August 14, 2012. Johnson, who has extensive knowledge of the program and community, has spent a total of six seasons as an assistant coach for the Highlanders, including her second stint in 2012. She also brings Division I head coaching experience with her, serving as Georgia Southern’s skipper from 2009-11.
Johnson was the fastest Eagle coach to reach the 50-win plateau in program history and has the highest winning percentage (.536) among GSU head coaches over their first two seasons. One of those victories was at Georgia Tech which snapped the Yellow Jackets’ two-year home non-conference winning streak. In the summer of 2010, Johnson gained professional experience when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bandits of the National Professional FastPitch (NPF) League. The season saw the Bandits capture another regular season title and make a championship game appearance. During her stint, she worked with world-renowned pitcher Jennie Finch, league MVP and current national team third baseman Stacy May Johnson and Offensive Player of the Year, Rachel Folden. The Raleigh, N.C. native returned to the New River Valley for the 2012 season after her stint with the Eagles. Prior to her time in Statesboro, Ga., Johnson began her collegiate coaching career at Radford in the fall of 2003. In her first six seasons with the Highlanders, the program recorded 200 wins, reached the 40-win plateau for the first time and broke the home run record in each of her final four seasons. As the squad’s hitting coach, Radford slugged 40 long balls in 2006 for the first time in program history and also recorded the highest batting average in 12 seasons.
Coaching Profiles
In three seasons with Georgia Southern, Johnson steered the Eagles to an 87-80 mark and an appearance in the 2009 Southern Conference Championship game. Under her guidance, Nina Iduate set a Southern Conference batting average record (.450) to earn Player of the Year honors in 2010. Her pitchers also succeeded as Briana Streetmon garnered two pitcher of the year honors and rookie Allie Miles was tabbed freshman of the year in 2011.
A 2001 graduate of UNC Wilmington, Johnson was a four-year starter for the Seahawks and earned all-conference recognition in 2001. She later earned a Master’s of Education in Counseling from Boston University in 2003.
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7 Big South Coaches of The Year 6
RADFORD
Michelle Carlson
Assistant Coach ♦ First Year ♦ Radford ‘08
Michelle Carlson, a 2008 Radford graduate, was named assistant softball coach on Aug. 27, 2012.
Upon returning to the New River Valley, Carlson’s on-field duties will consist of working with the outfielders, while assisting in all other aspects of the program. The Radford alum gained coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate level, most recently as an assistant at Winthrop University in 2011. Carlson, who spent four years with the Highlanders, donned the red & white uniform from 2005-07 and served as a student assistant while completing her undergraduate work at the University. The Chesapeake, Va. native played an integral part in the initial success of the softball program. During her playing career, the Highlanders recorded 123 wins, enjoyed their first 40-win season (2006) and reached the Big South Championship game for the first time in 2006 and then again in 2007. As a Highlander, Carlson was a two-time Big South All-Academic team member (2006-07), a 2006 NFCA Scholar-Athlete and a 2007 league all-tournament selection. Stepping into the role as a coach in 2008, Carlson was part of a staff that saw the Highlanders post a school-best 46-15 record, as well as setting new team marks in home runs (57), batting average (.307) and slugging percentage (.468). They also boasted seven allconference players, the league’s Freshman of the Year and earned their first national vote in program history. Following graduation, Carlson ventured down to Statesboro, Ga. and worked under Johnson as an assistant coach at Georgia Southern. The Eagles finished runner-up in the Southern Conference Tournament and led the league in batting average (.293) and slugging percentage (.435). The Eagles placed six players on the all-conference team and were recognized with both the Conference Pitcher and Freshman of the Year. The program was also ranked in the NFCA Top 25 All-Academic Team with a cumulative team GPA of 3.35. Prior to her time at Winthrop, the 2010 Southeastern District Coach of the Year skippered Indian River High School (Chesapeake, Va.) where two members of her squad earned honorable mention all-district honors.
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Carlson, who graduated with a degree in exercise, sport and health education, is currently working towards her masters degree in sports administration from Ohio University.
RADFORD
Sarah PHILLIPS
Assistant Coach ♦ First Year ♦ North Georgia College & State University ‘11
Phillips enjoyed one of the most prolific softball careers in NCAA Division II history. The two-time Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year finished her career as the league all-time leader in wins (124) and North Georgia’s record holder in innings (946.1), strikeouts (911) and shutouts (45). She was the main catalyst on a Saints squad that made three straight NCAA Division II College World Series appearances, which was most evident in 2010 when she won 44 straight games and was named the Ron Lenz Division II National Pitcher of the Year. “Sarah is a strong addition to our staff,” said Johnson. “Her experience and success will compliment our pitching staff well. The World Series experience she gained will make her a great resource to our athletes.” In addition to her collegiate success, Phillips gained international experience when she was selected to the 2011 Canadian Senior Women’s National Team. She competed in the Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship, US World Cup of Softball and the Pan American Games, and helped Team Canada to a silver medal in the latter. Along with her duties as a graduate assistant coach, Phillips also served as an assistant during the 2011 season at Lumpkin County High School.
Coaching Profiles
Sarah Phillips was hired as an assistant softball coach at Radford University in October of 2012. Phillips, a two-time All-American and four-year standout at North Georgia College and State University, joins the Highlanders in the role of pitching coach after serving as a graduate assistant at her alma mater last season.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Phillips graduated from North Georgia in 2011 with a degree in middle grades education.
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Meet Your 2013 Highlanders
RADFORD
SOFTBALL
2012 Highlights
RADFORD
Jessica AGEE
Made 14 starts and appeared in 33 contests...Perfect on 13 defensive attempts in the outfield... Recorded first collegiate outfield assist vs. North Carolina... Pinch hit single and scored a run in series final vs. Presbyterian... 1-for-1 with a career-high two runs and two walks, along with a double and RBI in game two at Virginia... RBI bunt single against Kentucky.
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Senior ♦ Outfield/2nd Base
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Came off the bench as a pinch runner or pinch hitter in 32 contests... Scored a pair of runs and stole two bases during Big South Tournament... Crossed the dish in NCAA Regional win vs. Elon… Tallied three hits and eight runs on the year… First collegiate base knock and RBI came at home vs. Siena which was preceded by her first run a game earlier against Albany… Also registered hits vs. Kent State and Longwood.
PREP
LCHS Senior Female Athlete of the Year... Four year-starter for the Lions under Susan Sharp… Second Team All-Battlefield District outfielder as a senior... 2008 and 2009 LCHS Offensive MVP… Second-team All-Battlefield District infielder as a junior… Also lettered in volleyball and track and field (pole vault)… Holds school’s pole vault record and was an all-state performer as a senior... Also garnered all-district and all-region track honors.
PERSONAL
Full name is Jessica Lindsay Agee... Majoring in foods and nutrition... Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School Student... Jessica and sister Katy Lampman are the daughters of Yvonne and Dean Peery Agee Jr... Father played baseball and football at Virginia Tech... Sister Katy played softball at Winthrop.
YEAR 2010 2011 2012 TOTALS
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5-7 ♦ R/R Louisa, Va. louisa county
SOFTBALL
Returner Profiles
Appeared in 26 games and made first collegiate start at Samford... Recorded pinch-hit double in game two vs. Coastal Carolina... Registered first hit of season with first collegiate double vs. La Salle... Tallied two stolen bases in game two vs. Toledo... Finished season 6-of-7 in stolen bases.
AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SF SH SB-SBA TB SLG% OB% PO A E FLD% .273 32-0 11 8 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 4-5 3 .273 .273 1 0 0 1.000 .167 26-1 18 3 3 2 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 0 6-7 5 .278 .250 0 0 0 .000 .107 33-14 28 6 3 1 0 0 3 3 0 8 1 3 4-6 4 .143 .188 12 1 0 1.000 .158 91-15 57 17 9 3 0 0 4 4 1 22 1 3 14-18 12 .211 .222 13 0 0 1.000
9
RADFORD
Morgan EYE
4 Big South Players of the Year
Senior ♦ Outfield
10
2012 Highlights
Started 26 of last 28 contests... Posted a career-best .278 average and 14 RBI... Batted .342 (.579 slugging / 10 RBI) over her final 17 games... Registered first two collegiate triples and three home runs... In league contests, batted .342 with two triples, three home runs, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored, along with .711 slugging and .409 on base percentages... 2-for-3 with RBI and run scored in tourney opener vs. Winthrop... Tripled, scored and went 2-for-3 in game two at Charleston Southern... Homered and knocked in a season-high three runs in game-three win over Gardner-Webb... 2-for-3 with first collegiate triple and two RBI in game three at Winthrop.... Hit game tying home run in second inning and also scored a pair of runs in series final vs. Coastal Carolina... Launched first collegiate home run, a two-run shot, in game two at Campbell... Doubled, stole third and scored eventual game-winning run vs. Binghamton (3/17)... Went 2-for-3 with two runs, two stolen bases and a RBI vs. Bearcats. 2011 HIGHLIGHTS Started 28 contests and appeared in 49... Tallied career highs with 20 runs, 19 hits and six doubles... 4-for-4 in stolen bases at RU Invitational and finished season with 11 thefts... Knocked in career-high four runs in win over UConn... Career-best seven game hitting streak (9-18/.500/3 doubles)... Batted .600 (6-10) at USF Under Armour Invitational... Registered first two multi-hit games against College of Charleston and Toledo (G2)... Broke 3-3 deadlock with two-run single vs. Jacksonville... Recorded first collegiate double vs. Mercer (2/12). 2010 HIGHLIGHTS Appeared in 42 contests mostly as a pinch runner.... Stole seven bases, and scored 11 runs... Stole first base vs. Kent State at NFCA Leadoff Classic and tallied first run vs. Boston University (Clearwater, Fla.)… First collegiate hit came at Longwood.
5-6 ♦ R/R bridgewater, Va. turner ashby
YEAR 2010 2011 2012 TOTALS
20
PREP Garnered multiple all-district honors, including first team as a senior… Second team All-Region III first baseman… Turner Ashby’s offensive Player of the Year… Also lettered in basketball helping squad (27-2) to a state runner-up finish in 2009 which included a win over two-time state champion Hidden Valley in the semifinals. PERSONAL Morgan is the daughter of Randy and Gena Wheeler... Majoring in exercise, sport and health education with a minor in biology... Has a younger sister Bréhanna Wheeler.
SOFTBALL
AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SF SH SB-SBA TB SLG% OB% PO A E FLD% .200 42-0 10 11 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7-10 2 .200 .200 4 0 0 1.000 .221 49-28 86 20 19 6 0 0 12 5 1 20 0 2 11-14 25 .291 .272 48 1 1 .980 .271 49-32 70 17 19 3 2 3 14 6 2 14 1 7 8-11 35 .500 .342 33 2 2 .946 .241 140-60 166 48 40 9 2 3 26 11 3 38 1 9 26-35 62 .373 .298 85 3 3 .967
2012 Highlights
RADFORD
Jackie Jenkins
Big South Pitcher of the Year.. First Team All-Big South and SecondTeam All-Mid Atlantic Region... Selected to VaSID All-State SecondTeam... Tied for second in the Big South in overall shutouts (5), third in wins (17) and saves (3), fourth in ERA (2.16) and fifth in opponent’s batting average (.234)... Big South All-Tournament selection... Picked up win with 2.2 innings of one-hit shutout relief in 1-0 victory over Gardner-Webb... 3-hit shutout in tourney opener vs. Winthrop... Recording a league-best 10 wins, 1.37 ERA and fewest walks per seven innings with 1.28 in league only play... Radford Invitational MVP (2-0, 1.50 ERA, 2 CG)... Eagle Classic All-Tournament selection (1-0 with a save in three appearances)... Two-time Big South Pitcher of the Week.
Senior ♦ Pitcher
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Joined team on March 30 and made first appearance at Longwood one day later, striking out first batter she faced... Earned first victory with 3.2 innings of shutout relief at James Madison... Finished season 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 10 appearances… Tossed a season-high six innings at North Carolina… Earned relief victory in 11-10 victory vs. Presbyterian… Made appearance in regional final against eventual national semifinalist Georgia.
PREP
2009 Capital District Pitcher of the Year… A first team all-metro and district selection… Named to the Central Region’s second team… Atlee’s MVP… Helped the Raiders to a Group AAA state quarterfinal appearance.
PERSONAL
Full name is Jacqueline Nicole Jenkins… Majoring in exercise, sport and health education… Jackie and her older sister Kate are the daughters of Rick and Pam Jenkins… Father played football at the University of Richmond… Former high school teammate of fellow classmate Ryndee Ruch.
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5-8 ♦ R/R Mechanicsville, Va. Atlee
SOFTBALL
Returner Profiles
Big South Pitcher of the Year… First Team All-Big South and state… Second Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region… Sported ninth best ERA (1.12), a new school record, in the NCAA... Seventh in the nation in walks per seven innings (0.94)… Held opponents to a .224 average and twirled a league-best six shutouts… Went 31.2 innings without an earned run and surrendered just one earned run over final 51.1 innings of league play… Suffered season-ending injury prior to final conference series of the year (May 7-8)… 8-1 with a 0.49 ERA in league contests… Four-time Big South Pitcher of the Week… Tied for best start to season in program history (9-1)... Logged scoreless streaks of 23 and 21.2 innings... Earned win in first collegiate start vs. Toledo.
YEAR W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR BF B/AVG. WP HBP 2010 2-1 2.03 10 0 0 0/1 0 20.2 31 9 6 3 4 4 0 3 96 .337 1 0 2011 15-4 1.12 24 13 7 6/1 2 118.2 96 27 19 16 36 10 2 5 467 .224 1 5 2012 17-9 2.16 36 24 14 5/3 3 162.0 146 66 50 30 39 14 1 20 682 .234 4 8 TOTALS 34-14 1.74 70 37 21 11/5 5 301.1 273 102 75 49 79 28 3 28 1245 .239 6 13
11
RADFORD
Ryndee Ruch
40 First-Team All-Conference
Senior ♦ Utility
12
2012 Highlights
Started every contest in leftfield... Named to Big South All-Academic squad... Doubled and scored game-winning run in 10-inning thriller over Gardner-Webb in Big South Tournament... Homered in game two vs. Presbyterian... RBI single at No. 10 Tennessee... Hit first collegiate home run in 9-3 victory over Coastal Carolina and finished game with two hits and two runs scored... 2-for-3 with game-winning RBI in 4-1 win over Longwood... 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored in 9-1 Liberty win... Named to Radford Invitational All-Tournament Team after 5-for-11 performance.... Recorded pair of two-hit games vs. Lehigh and Binghamton... Career-best 3-for-3 performance vs. Robert Morris... Scored game-winning run in upset over then-No. 20 Florida State... 4-for10 with a double and 4 RBI at Eagle Classic... Registered two hits and a career-best 3 RBI e at Georgia Southern.
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 32 contests with 25 starts... Registered a pair of twosteal games against Toledo and Robert Morris... Finished season a perfect 6-for-6 on stolen bases... Tallied three walks and three runs in game one vs. Toledo... Recorded first collegiate multi-hit game with two singles vs. Jacksonville... Game-winning single against College of Charleston.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 25 games, making five starts early in the season... Recorded first hit and RBI with a double vs. Illinois State at NFCA Leadoff Classic… Singled at Longwood and drove in a run vs. Presbyterian.
PREP
5-5 ♦ R/R Mechanicsville, Va. Atlee
YEAR 2010 2011 2012 TOTALS
11
Three-time first team All-Capital District selection… 2008 and 2009 All-Central Region honoree… Second team all-metro performer as a senior… Four-year starter and two-time offensive team MVP…Participated in the 2009 VHSL All-Star Game… Helped the Raiders to a Group AAA state quarterfinal appearance… Also lettered in indoor track.
PERSONAL
Full name is Ryndee Adele Ruch … Named to the 2012 Big South All-Academic team... Sports administration major with a minor in marketing… Ryndee and younger brother Dalton are the children of Steve and Carrie Ruch… Former high school teammate of fellow classmate Jackie Jenkins.
SOFTBALL
AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SF SH SB-SBA TB SLG% OB% PO A E FLD% .069 25-5 29 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 8 0 1 2-4 3 .103 .069 2 0 0 1.000 .153 32-25 59 9 7 0 0 0 8 5 2 17 0 5 6-6 9 .153 .242 194 10 5 .976 .242 55-55 153 18 37 4 0 2 15 7 0 21 1 9 8-13 47 .307 .273 61 1 3 .954 .199 122-85 241 29 48 5 0 2 25 12 2 46 1 15 16-23 59 .257 .242 257 11 8 .971
2012 Highlights
RADFORD
Stephanie Dameron
Posted a perfect 6-0 mark in 16 appearances... Put in a strong outing of 6.2 innings in game three at CSU in which she allowed a run on six hits with three strikeouts and zero walks in only start of the season... Recorded sixth win of season with 3.2 innings of shutout relief in game two against Presbyterian... Posted three innings of two-hit shutout relief to register win against Liberty... Earned a six-inning relief victory over Binghamton... Picked up a seven-inning relief victory over Marist, allowing a run on three hits.
Junior ♦ Pitcher
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
PREP
Four-year starter at St. Mary’s Ryken... Three-time Southern Maryland Enterprise First Team All-County... Named to the Washington Post’s All-Met second team as a senior and honorable mention as a junior... Four-time All-WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference), including first team in 2010... St. Mary’s 2010 MVP and Most Promising Athlete as a freshman.
PERSONAL
Stephanie is the daughter of George and Kathy Dameron... Majoring in education... Stephanie has six younger siblings, Tyler, Andrew, Rachel, Joseph, Jonathan & Christopher... Her hometown is named after her family.
24
5-7 ♦ R/R Dameron, Md. St. Mary’s Ryken
SOFTBALL
YEAR W-L ERA APP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B 2011 16-6 1.89 40 25 8 3/1 1 152.0 143 53 41 14 49 24 4 2012 6-0 2.86 16 1 0 0/0 0 51.1 49 23 21 12 21 3 0 TOTALS 22-6 2.13 56 26 8 3/1 1 203.1 192 76 62 26 70 27 4
Returner Profiles
Garnered Second-Team All-Conference and VaSID All-State honors during rookie campaign… Ranked second in NCAA in fewest walks per seven innings (0.64)… Set Radford rookie record with 1.89 ERA, eighth lowest in program history... One of just three Big South pitchers to post a sub-2.00 ERA, ranking third… Logged a team-best 152 innings… Faced 618 batters and allowed a leaguelow two home runs… Twirled a pair of four-hit shutouts in league play against Gardner-Webb and Winthrop... Started her rookie campaign without allowing an earned run in her first 16.1 innings of work… 1-1 with a 1.11 ERA in Big South Tournament, making appearances in all five contests... First collegiate shutout was one-hit gem against Connecticut… In first three collegiate relief appearances, she tossed 11 innings of three-hit ball and allowed just an unearned run at Spring Hill Suites Eagle Classic.
HR BF B/AVG WP HBP 2 618 .247 3 10 8 213 .258 5 3 10 831 .250 8 13
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RADFORD
Jessie Hutchens
40 Wins Per Season Since 2005
Junior ♦ Utility
14
2012 Highlights
Second team All-Big South at first base... Saw action in every contest, making 54 starts... Improved in every offensive category which included first five home runs, along with 23 RBI... Batted .367 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 12 RBI in league contests... Belted three-run first-inning home run and knocked in career-best three runs in tourney opener vs. Winthrop... 4-for-10 with two RBI in final series at Charleston Southern... Homered and knocked in both runs in 2-0 game-two win over UNCG... 2-for-3 with a RBI in each of the final two games of Presbyterian series... Recorded career-best two stolen bases vs. Appalachian State... Knocked in game-winning run with two-out sixth-inning single in 1-0 win over Binghamton (3/18)... First collegiate home run vs. Robert Morris (3/10) in Hawai’i.
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 38 contests with 32 starts... Made four starts in Big South Tournament, including a two-RBI performance in if necessary game against Coastal Carolina... Recorded first collegiate multi-RBI game with two in game two at Elon... Scored a pair of runs against Toledo... Recorded a pair of multi-hit games against Toledo, going 4-for-6 in the twinbill... First collegiate hit was a single at UAB.
PREP
2010 Riverside Brookfield Female Athlete of the Year... Batted .536 with 67 hits, 11 doubles, 15 home runs, 54 runs scored and 74 RBI and was tabbed first-team all-state as a senior... Four-year MetroSuburban All-Conference selection and league MVP in 2010… Named a top-100 player in the state of Illinois in 2009… Suburban Life All-Area honoree as a junior and senior... Owns school records for home runs, batting average and hits... Also lettered in basketball, earning all-conference and all-area honors while being named 2010 Metro-Suburban Conference MVP.
PERSONAL
5-9 ♦ R/R Berwyn, Ill. Riverside brookfield
YEAR 2011 2012 TOTALS
22
Full name is Jessie Leigh Hutchens...Exercise, sport and health education major (sport and wellness leadership)... Jessie is the youngest of Larry and Debbie Hutchens’ three daughters... Sister Meghan was a four-year basketball student-athlete at Illinois-Chicago (2005-09) and played professionally in Holland, while sister April was a softball All-American softball at Valdosta State (2009-12)... Volunteered in New Orleans, helping restore buildings hit by Hurricane Katrina.
SOFTBALL
AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SF SH SB-SBA TB SLG% OB% PO A E FLD% .221 38-32 77 7 17 0 0 0 8 4 4 20 2 5 2-3 17 .221 .287 82 50 10 .930 .263 55-54 152 11 40 4 0 5 23 6 0 26 3 2 6-8 59 .388 .286 419 27 12 .974 .249 93-86 229 18 57 4 0 5 31 10 4 46 5 7 8-11 76 .332 .286 501 77 22 .963
RADFORD
Mackenzie Blackwell
Sophomore ♦ Outfield
Did not see action due to injury.
PREP/CLUB
Selected to all-state, all-conference and all-tournament teams every year since joining Brunswick’s squad in eighth grade... Batted. .487 with 44 runs and a .529 on base percentage helping the Vikings to a 19-4 record in 2011... Member of the Richmond Diamonds U18 club team... Also lettered in basketball, volleyball and cross country.
PERSONAL
Full name is Mackenzie Jean Blackwell... Majoring in exercise, sport and health education (exercise and sport science)... Mackenzie is the oldest of Kevin and Terry Blackwell’s three daughters... Brunswick Academy Honor Graduate, National Honor Society member and a 2010 All-Academic selection for cross country.
9
5-7 ♦ R/R Dolphin, Va. Brunswick Academy
SOFTBALL
Returner Profiles
2012 Highlights
15
3 Big South Freshmen of the Year 16
RADFORD Casey Burns
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-7 ♦ 1ST/3RD BASE ♦ R/R COPLEY, OHIO ♦ COPLEY
3
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
2012 second-team all-state... Two-time first-team all-district and All-Suburban League honors… Copley’s two-time Defensive Player of the Year (2010 & 2011) and team MVP; 2011& 2012 Offensive Player of the Year for the Indians… Earned second-team all-league in 2009 and 2010 and honorable mention all-district as a sophomore… Also lettered in soccer... Scholar-Athlete... Member of 18u Beverly Bandits (2010-12) and helped team to third place finish at the 2011 PGF Nationals... Joins Bandits teammates and fellow classmates Becky Mantel and Emily Naegele.
PERSONAL
Full name is Casey Dee Burns... Plans to study interior design and business... Casey and her older sister Peyton are the daughters of Troy and Lea Burns.
7
nia chiles
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-11 ♦ UTILITY ♦ S/R AMHERST, VA. ♦ AMHERST
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Garnered first-team all-state and all-region honors as a junior and senior... Three-time first-team all-district selection... 2011 Seminole District Player of the Year; batted .485 (33 hits) with 35 runs, 28 RBI and a .956 slugging percentage; posted a 1.54 ERA and 53 punchouts in 50 innings of work... First-team all-district outside hitter for the volleyball squad... Also competed in track & field... Member of the Central Virginia High Voltage travel team
SOFTBALL
PERSONAL
Full name is Nia Tiara Chiles... Undecided on a major... Nia and her older sister Renesha are the daughters of Renee Jones and Nathanial Chiles... Renesha plays softball at Virginia Union.
RADFORD
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whitney davis
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-11 ♦ 1ST/3RD BASE ♦ R/R ONLEY, VA. ♦ NANDUA
2012 Region A and Eastern District Player of the Year... Three-sport standout; Named 2011-12 Nandua Female Athlete of the Year… Two-time first-team all-state honoree; second-team in 2011… Selected first-team all-district and region her final three seasons… Garnered four all-district first-team honors in volleyball and three more in basketball... United States Marine Corps Athletic Achievement Award recipient... Member of Sportsplus (2010-12) and Delaware Diamonds (2006-10) travel teams; helped Diamonds to 2009 18U USSSA World Series runner-up finish and was named the tournament’s offensive MVP and selected to the all-world team.
PERSONAL
Full name is Whitney Lia Davis... Plans to study elementary education... Whitney and her older brother Billy are the children of Billy and Kathy Davis.
megan honaker
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-3 ♦ CATCHER/UTILITY ♦ S/R DAMASCUS, VA. ♦ HOLSTON
1
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
2012 Region C and Hogoheegee District Player of the Year and first-team all state; Batted .583 with 50 runs scored, while slugging .910 and recording a .688 on base percentage... Joe Preston Female Athlete of the Year, Bristol Herald Courier Catcher of the Year and was selected to the VHSCA and FCA All-Star Teams during her senior year... Helped HHS to three straight Group A State Championship game appearances (2010-12) and a 73-8 record... In four years, she batted .483 with 29 doubles, 25 triples, 77 RBI, 159 runs and 130 stolens bases with a .573 on base .740 slugging percentage; Garnered several all-conference and all-region recognitions... Member of the National Honors Society and was the Holston Student Council President and co-valedictorian... Also a member of the cross country, track & field and cheerleading squads.
SOFTBALL
Newcomer Profiles
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
PERSONAL
Full name is Megan Elizabeth Honaker... Plans to major in nursing... Megan and younger sister Miranda are the daughters of Scott and Barbie Honaker... Earned an associate’s degree from Virginia Highlands Community College while dual enrolled her senior year... Jason Witten SCORE Foundation scholarship recipient.
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RADFORD
15 All-Region Selections
hilari hopkins 2012 HIGHLIGHTS (Gulf Coast)
First-team all-conference... Batted .311 (57 hits) with five doubles, two triples, a home run, 23 RBI, 38 runs and 14 stolen bases.
HIGH SCHOOL
Garnered a pair of all-state tournament awards her junior and senior seasons; Helped team to a 2011 state championship and a runner-up finish in 2010... Selected to the AHSAA South all-star squad as a junior and the Wiregrass Super 12 as a senior... Also lettered in volleyball... Member of the Liberty Belles, Patriots, Crushers and Birmingham Vipers summer ball squads.
PERSONAL
Hilari Elizabeth Hopkins is the daughter of Robert and Becky Hopkins... Will major in chemistry and prehealth.
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becky mantel
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-4 ♦ OUTfIELD ♦ R/R RIvERSIDE, ILL. ♦ RIvERSIDE BROOKfIELD
HIGH SCHOOL
2012 Chicago Tribune First-Team All-State selecton; Posted a .460 batting average with 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 62 RBI, 40 runs scored... Three-time Suburban Life’s All-Area team honoree… Class 3A All-State third-team in 2011; For the season, she batted .478, slugged .826 and posted a .580 on base percentage with 39 runs, 29 RBI and 13 doubles… Four-time Metro Suburban All-Conference selection… NFCA MaxPreps Player of the Week (5/15/11)… 2011 and 2012 Chicago Sun-Times and 2012 Chicago Tribune Top 50 Players… Member of the Beverly Bandits club team; Joins former club teammates and fellow classmates Casey Burns and Emily Naegele... Earned the President’s Education Award for outstanding academic achievement.
SOFTBALL
PERSONAL
Full name is Rebecca Kimberly Mantel... Plans to study occupational therapy... Becky and her older brother Ken are the children of Tom and Judy Mantel... Former high school teammate of junior Jesse Hutchens.
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15
SOPHOMORE ♦ 5-5 ♦ MIDDLE INfIELD/OUTfIELD ♦ L/R COTTONDALE, FLA. ♦ DOTHAN (ALA.) / GULf COAST STATE COLLEgE
RADFORD
44
Emily naegele
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-8 ♦ CATCHER ♦ R/R OAK fOREST, ILL. ♦ OAK fOREST
2012 ESPN Top-100 recruit... 2011 and 2012 Southtown Star South Suburban Blue Conference Player of the Year... Batted .607 as a senior with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, 50 RBI and 31 stolen bases... Three-time all-state, all-area and all-conference selection… As a junior, batted .634, slugged 1.178 with 11 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs, 56 RBI, 47 runs and 22 stolen bases; Behind the dish, she threw out 71 percent of runners attempting to steal… Chicago Tribune’s Top 35 Players to Watch in 2011… Chicago Tribune/WGN9 Athlete of the Month for April 2011… ChicagoSun Times Top 100 Softball Players in 2010 and 2011… Keyed Oak Forest to a 2009 Class 3A State Championship... Former Beverly Bandits teammate of fellow freshmen Casey Burns and Becky Mantel... Presidential Scholar at Oak Forest.
PERSONAL
Full name is Emily Ann Naegele... Plans to study athletic training... Emily and her brother Andrew are the children of Pete and Cara Naegele.
allie reid
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-4 ♦ PITCHER LOvETTSvILLE, VA. ♦ WOODgROvE
5
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Newcomer Profiles
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
2012 Washington Post All-Met Second-Team selection... First-team all-region and district and second-team all-state as a senior... Guided Woodgrove (27-2) to a 2012 Group AA State Championship; tossed a two-hit shutout and homered in title game against Broadway; struck out 14 in semifinal win over Abingdon... Struck out 237 batters and also knocked in 28 runs during her senior season... Garnered second-team all-district honors in 2010 & 2011... Member of the Ashburn Shooting Stars that finished 25th at the 2012 ASA Nationals.
SOFTBALL
PERSONAL
Full name is Alexandra Nicole Reid... Plans to study mathematics and education... Allie and her older sister Katie are the daughters of Rick and Kathy Reid.
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6 Big South Pitchers of the Year 20
RADFORD Hayley Tabora
10
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-0 ♦ 2ND BASE/3RD BASE ♦ R/R VIRgINIA BEACH, VA. ♦ KELLAM HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Second-Team All-Beach selection in 2010 and 2012... Earned 2011 Coaches Award... Received Academic award for softball (2011) and athletic training (2012)... Also played field hockey... Member of the Virginia Legends travel ball squad.
PERSONAL
Full name is Hayley Nicole Tabora... Plans to study sports medicine... Hayley and her older brother Justin are the children of James and Laurie Tabora... Justin played baseball at Ferrum.
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Rachael walters
FRESHMAN ♦ 5-9 ♦ PITCHER ♦ L/L POWHATAN, VA. ♦ POWHATAN
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
2011 Region A Pitcher of the Year and first-team all-state selection… Posted a 19-2 record in 2011 with a 0.49 ERA and 196 strikeouts... Three-time all-district first team selection... 2010 and 2011 district pitcher of the year as well first-team all-region and all-metro... Was a member of the field hockey team... Helped her 18u Richmond Storm squad to a 2010 Pony National Championship.
SOFTBALL
PERSONAL
Full name is Rachael Elizabeth Walters... Plans to study athletic training... Rachael and her twin sister Chelsea are the daughters of Timmy and Michelle Walters.
RADFORD
Hawai’i 2012
SOFTBALL
21
Four-Time Regular Season Champions 22
RADFORD
The Big South Conference
Since its founding in 1983, the Big South Conference has matured into a competitive leader in college athletics, actively pursuing excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The League’s growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is evident by athletic accomplishments on the national stage, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages, and quality athletic competition while intentionally fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of each student-athlete. This has evolved into the Conference’s mission of “Developing Leaders Through Athletics.” The 2012-13 academic year features the Big South’s largest membership (12) and sponsored sports (19) in its 29 years of existence. The Big South Conference was formed on August 21, 1983, when Charleston Southern (then Baptist College) Athletic Director Howard Bagwell and Augusta President George Christenberry began recruiting members into the Big South, receiving initial commitments from Augusta, Charleston Southern, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop. One month later, Dr. Edward M. Singleton was selected as the League’s first Commissioner and continued to solicit new members. His efforts led to the additions of Armstrong State, Radford and UNC Asheville, giving the Big South more than the required six members to constitute an official conference. The Big South’s first year of competition was in the Fall of 1984, and in September 1986, the Big South Conference was granted full-fledged NCAA Division I status. During its infancy and prior to securing automatic bids to NCAA Championships, the Big South made early strides in earning at-large berths in several national postseason events, including volleyball, women’s basketball and women’s golf. In 1989, George F. “Buddy” Sasser replaced the retiring Dr. Singleton as Commissioner, and in 1990, the League received its first automatic bid – receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Baseball Championship. Under Sasser’s seven years of leadership, the Conference implemented its public relations and compliance programs, and introduced its first-ever men’s basketball television package, featuring the Big South competing among some of the finest teams in the nation. In August 1996, Kyle B. Kallander replaced Sasser as the League’s third Commissioner, and in his 16 years at the helm of the Big South, Kallander has been instrumental in aggressively promoting the Conference to new heights. The Conference has enjoyed record levels in marketing revenue during his tenure, he has brought television coverage to Big South women’s basketball, baseball, softball and men’s soccer for the first time in Conference history, as well as increased national television exposure to the League as a whole through aggressive and unique television packages. Under Kallander’s leadership, the Big South developed and initiated its first long-range strategic plan, re-affirming the League’s vision as a distinctive athletic Conference committed to the quality of institutional life through athletic competition. He also spearheaded the efforts to add football as a championship sport, which came to fruition in 2002, and oversaw the additions of men’s and women’s indoor track & field in 1997. The Conference’s 19th championship sport -- women’s lacrosse, begins play this season with eight members. At the same time, Kallander has solidified Conference membership, as an all-time high 12 member institutions comprise the 29-year old League. Recent additions include High Point, Gardner-Webb, Presbyterian College and Longwood, plus the return of charter member Campbell University. Kallander’s long range vision has also included technological advancements, as the Conference introduced its first live video streaming event in 2005 and has since expanded its video offerings to more than 700 events annually through a partnership with the member institutions, as well as the creation of several online and social media platforms. In the last 15 years alone, the Big South Conference has experienced monumental growth and success in nearly every sport. During this time, the Conference has had an individual National Champion six times, has had more than 280 All-Americans, has reached the “Sweet 16” in men’s soccer, women’s basketball and baseball, has received national Top 25 rankings in football, men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, men’s outdoor track & field, and men’s golf, had an individual selected to play in the NCAA Singles Championship seven times in addition to the first men’s tennis doubles at-large selection, had the first women’s golf program advance to the national finals, had the No. 1 ranked men’s golfer in the country, had the nation’s top scoring men’s basketball team five consecutive years as well as the national men’s basketball scoring leader twice, received an at-large playoff berth in the Football Championship Subdivision in 2006, has had six NFL Draft picks, and has had two institutions finish in the top 10 in the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships -including the Conference’s highest-ever team finish in an NCAA event (fifth in 2007). In 2006-07, the Big South was the only Conference nationwide to have an at-large participant in the football playoffs (Coastal Carolina), a team in the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (Winthrop) and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Baseball Regionals (Coastal Carolina). In fact, Coastal Carolina’s baseball program has been a No. 1 seed four out of the last eight years -- including a national seed for the first time in 2010, while the Chanticleers’ FCS playoff berth in 2006 came in just the fifth-year of the Big South’s football existence. The 2009-10 season saw Liberty’s Sam Chelanga win two NCAA National Championships (cross country, 10,000-meter run); Coastal Carolina’s baseball team reach the Super Regionals for the second time in three years as well as being ranked No. 1 in the national RPI and as high as No. 3 in the national polls;
and three women’s basketball teams reach the postseason for the first time in Conference history. In 2010-11, Chelanga won two more NCAA National Championships (cross country, outdoor 5,000-meter run), the Big South had its first automatic bid recipient in football (Coastal Carolina), UNC Asheville reached the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Coastal Carolina’s women’s golf team was the first in Conference history to advance to the NCAA Championship out of Regional play, and a League-record 18 baseball players were drafted in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. This past season, the Big South had a record 41 student-athletes earn All-America distinction, while another 10 were named Academic All-Americans. The Conference also won its first football playoff game (Stony Brook), had the national women’s basketball Rookie Coach of the Year, had two men’s soccer teams reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade (Coastal Carolina, Liberty), and had a record five individuals selected for the NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals -- the most of any Division I conference in 2011-12. In addition, Liberty was the first men’s golf team in Conference history to win an NCAA Regional, and the Flames went on to finish 10th at the national event. Several former Big South student-athletes have also reached national prominence in recent years. Coastal Carolina’s Amber Campbell made the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008 and 2012, and was one of five former Big South athletes to compete in the 2008 Games; VMI’s Reggie Williams reached the NBA with the Golden State Warriors in 2010, UNC Asheville’s Ty Wigginton was named an American League All-Star in 2010, and Coastal Carolina’s Dustin Johnson has won six PGA Tour events since departing the Big South Conference in 2007. Three former Big South baseball players made their major league debuts in 2012, while Avery Warley became the third Big South women’s basketball player to play in the WNBA. The Conference’s tagline, “Developing Leaders Through Athletics” was unveiled in 2008-09 in conjunction with the Conference’s 25th Anniversary. The League also honored its heritage with the Top 25 “Best of the Best” moments in League history from 1983-2008, with Liberty University’s 10-year women’s basketball championship run from 1996-2007 being crowned the No. 1 moment in the Big South’s first 25 years. The Conference’s on-field accomplishments have been duplicated in the classroom. Annually, more than 40 percent of Conference student-athletes are named to the Big South’s Presidential Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average, and the League has had more than 100 Academic All-Americans in its 28 years of existence. Furthermore, the Big South has recorded double figure totals in NCAA Public Recognition Awards for APR progress the last three years.
SOFTBALL
RADFORD ACCOLADES
VaSID All-State (2nd)
NFCA All-American (3rd)
Big South All-Tournament
Big South Player of the Year
Vicki Madden
NFCA All-Region (1st)
All-Conference (2nd)
All-Conference (1st)
HANNAH OJEDA
VaSID All-State (1st)
All-Conference (1st)
CoSIDA Academic All-District
RYNDEE RUCH
JESSIE HUTCHENS
Big South All-Academic
All-Conference (2nd)
Jackie Warr
JACKIE JENKINS
All-Conference (2nd)
Big South Pitcher of the Year
MICKEY DEAN
NFCA All-Region (2nd)
Big South Coach of the Year
All-Conference (1st)
Nichole Beall, the program’s first AllAmerican, took home Player of the Year honors for the second straight season.
The Highlanders were the first Big South program to win four straight regular season titles (outright).
SOFTBALL
2012 SEASON REVIEW
Jackie Jenkins earned Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season. It’s the sixth time in seven years a Highlander has garnered this award.
NICHOLE BEALL
41 Highlanders have garnered all-conference honors (27 first team) since 2006, 11 more than any other program during that time period.
23
RADFORD
2012 NFCA All-American
NICHOLE BEALL capped off a record-breaking career on May
24
30, 2012 when she earned National FastPitch Association (NFCA) All-American honors. Named to the third team as an at-large/shortstop selection, Beall is the program’s first All-American and the ninth individual at Radford to garner the honor at the Division I level. Beall, whose name is littered all over the record books, became the first Highlander to be named player of the year twice and earn first-team all-league accolades all four years. She was also the eighth Big South player to earn four first-team nods, and just the third to do so since the league started recognizing two teams (1994). In 2012, Beall led Radford with a .340 batting average, 51 runs, 14 doubles and 13 home runs. She also walked 30 times, swiped 31 bases in 32 attempts, slugged .698 and recorded a .478 on base percentage. Starting every contest (225), whether at third, second or shortstop since her first game as a Highlander, Beall first obtained the home run record on March 2, 2012 and finished with 52, the second most in Big South history. As the season progressed, she also moved to the top in doubles (53/tie), RBI (158/tie), walks (96), slugging (.686), on base percentage (.442), total bases (459) and consecutive starts (225). She also finished in the top-five in runs (2nd/177), hits (5th/232), batting average (3rd/.347), triples (t5th/9), hit by pitches (2nd/24), sacrifice flies (3rd/7), stolen bases (3rd/79) and assists (4th/401). The two-time Big South Player of the Year is the fourth league player to earn All-American status, the first since Winthrop’s Lisa Kingsmore (2008), and the fifth selection overall. Beall also became the fifth Radford female student-athlete to obtain this accolade, joining former Highlanders Tiffany Evans (Track& Field/2006), Khadijah Conda (Track & Field/2000) Sue Williams (Women’s Soccer/1993) and Stephanie Howard (WBB/1986-1989) in the University’s annals.
“It was an awesome feeling when I found out I was selected an All-American,” said Beall. “What an honor to know my name will be on the same list as players you competed against and from teams you see play in Women’s College World Series every year.”
SOFTBALL
RADFORD 2012 RESULTS
2012 BIG SOUTH STANDINGS
Overall W L Pct Home Road 34 21 .618 17-9 12-8 44 20 .688 25-6 9-8 33 26 .559 16-8 11-12 30 29 .508 18-7 5-10 28 28 .500 12-9 9-11 19 36 .345 7-13 7-16 20 33 .377 9-9 8-15 16 39 .291 6-13 2-13
Neu 5-4 10-6 6-6 7-12 7-8 5-7 3-9 8-13
! = Regular Season Champion; # = Tournament Champion
4/2, 4/23 3/5, 4/23 3/5
Big South Player of the Week Honors Jackie Jenkins (Pitcher of the Week) Nichole Beall (Player of the Week) Micalah Sacre (Pitcher of the Week)
Batting Avg. Hits Doubles Triples Home Runs Runs RBI Walks
Nichole Beall....... .340 Hannah Ojeda..... .284 Nichole Beall.......... 54 Hannah Ojeda........ 44 Nichole Beall.......... 14 Vicki Madden..........11 Hannah Ojeda.......... 3 three tied with 2 Nichole Beall.......... 13 Vicki Madden........... 6 Nichole Beall.......... 51 Micalah Sacre........ 25 Vicki Madden......... 29 Nichole Beall.......... 28 Nichole Beall.......... 30 Vicki Madden......... 27
2012 LEADERS
Stolen Bases Slugging On Base Pct. ERA Wins Shutouts Strikeouts Opp. BA
Nichole Beall.......... 31 Jackie Warr............ 19 Nichole Beall....... .698 Morgan Eye........ .500 Nichole Beall....... .478 Vicki Madden...... .389 Jackie Jenkins.... 2.16 Micalah Sacre..... 2.57 Jackie Jenkins....... 17 Micalah Sacre.......... 8 Jackie Jenkins......... 5 Micalah Sacre.......... 1 Emily Norton............ 1 Micalah Sacre.......115 Emily Norton.......... 53 Micalah Sacre..... .184 Emily Norton....... .219
Date Opponent Result Feb. 14 at Virginia Tech L, 1-9 (5) Feb. 25 vs. Kentucky ! L, 5-9 at Georgia Southern ! W, 6-4 Feb. 26 vs. Jacksonville State ! W, 3-2 vs. Albany ! L, 2-9 Feb. 28 at James Madison ! W, 3-2 at James Madison ! W, 6-3 March 2 at No. 22 Hawai’i @ L, 3-11 (6) March 3 vs. No. 20 Florida State @ W, 3-2 vs. UC Santa Barbara @ L, 1-2 March 4 at No. 22 Hawai’i @ L, 0-5 vs. UC Santa Barbara W, 3-0 March 10 vs. Marist $ W, 5-1 at No. 19 Hawai’i $ L, 0-4 March 11 vs. Robert Morris $ W, 3-1 vs. Southern Illinois $ L, 3-4 (9) March 17 LEHIGH % W, 3-0 BINGHAMTON % W, 6-5 March 18 BINGHAMTON % W, 1-0 LEHIGH % W, 4-3 March 21 at Liberty * W, 6-3 March 22 APPALACHIAN STATE W, 6-5 (8) March 28 LIBERTY * W, 9-1 (5) LIBERTY * W, 4-3 (10) March 30 at Campbell * L, 4-8 at Campbell * W, 10-2 (6) March 31 at Campbell * W, 3-0 April 4 LONGWOOD W, 4-1 April 6 COASTAL CAROLINA * L, 2-6 COASTAL CAROLINA * W, 9-8 April 7 COASTAL CAROLINA * W, 9-3
April 10 at No. 10 Tennessee L, 2-8 April 11 at Virginia L, 1-7 at Virginia W, 12-1 (5) April 14 PRESBYTERIAN * L, 0-4 PRESBYTERIAN * W, 4-2 April 15 PRESBYTERIAN * W, 7-2 April 17 UNCG L, 3-4 (9) UNCG W, 2-0 April 21 at Winthrop * W, 8-1 at Winthrop * W, 8-0 (5) April 22 at Winthrop * W, 5-0 April 24 VIRGINIA TECH L, 0-5 April 25 No. 19 NORTH CAROLINA L, 1-7 No. 19 NORTH CAROLINA L, 1-8 April 28 GARDNER-WEBB * L, 1-4 GARDNER-WEBB * W, 4-1 April 29 GARDNER-WEBB * W, 8-0 (6) May 5 at Charleston Southern * W, 4-1 at Charleston Southern * W, 5-0 May 6 at Charleston Southern * L, 3-4 (9) May 10 #8 Winthrop # W, 8-0 (5) May 11 #5 Gardner-Webb # W, 1-0 (10) May 12 #2 Coastal Carolina # L, 2-3 #2 Coastal Carolina # L, 0-4
! - Georgia Southern Invitational (Statesboro, Ga.) @ - Bank of Hawai’i Classic (Honolulu, Hawai’i) $ - Pepsi Malahini Kipa Aloha Tournament (Honolulu, Hawai’i) % - Radford Invitational (Radford, Va.) # - Big South Tournament (Raford, Va.)
SOFTBALL
2012 Season In Revew
Big South Team W L Pct Radford ! 16 5 .762 Coastal Carolina # 13 8 .619 Charleston Southern 12 9 .571 Campbell 12 9 .571 Gardner-Webb 11 10 .524 Liberty 9 12 .429 Presbyterian 8 13 .382 Winthrop 3 18 .143
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RADFORD
2011 Lowes Senio CLASS Award
Chelsea Kelley was named the 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS win-
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ner for Softball. Awarded one of the most prestigious accolades in collegiate athletics, Chelsea was presented the trophy on July 2 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in front of a sold out crowd during the Women’s College World Series. Kelley, who has made an impact on the field, in the classroom and the community during her four years wearing the red and white, is the first Radford and Big South student-athlete to earn this honor. She joins fellow Cave Spring High School alumnus and current Orlando Magic guard JJ Redick (Duke Men’s Basketball) as a recipient (2005-06) of this award. It marked the fifth year of the award for softball and Kelley will have her name beside previous winners; Caitlin Lowe (Arizona), Angela Tincher (Virginia Tech), Stacy Nelson (Florida) and Charlotte Morgan (Alabama). In addition to this prestigious honor, Chelsea was named the Big South’s 201011 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was a NCAA Woman of the Year finalist. Chelsea maintained a 3.94 GPA during her four years and graduated summa cum laude in May of 2011 with a degree in sports medicine. On the field, the 2009 Big South Pitcher of the Year’s exploits played a major role in the Highlanders winning three consecutive regular-season Big South Championships as well as their first two tournament titles in 2009 and 2010. In doing so, the left twirler helped Radford reach its first two NCAA Tournaments, including the 2010 Regional final against Georgia. Even though her career on the field is finished, Chelsea is continuing her education with the aspiration of working in sports rehab or spinal therapy. She is studying at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences as a member of Radford’s first physical therapy doctoral class. The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I head coaches, national media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA Division I softball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
“I feel tr uly bles se munity for the la d to have been a part of st four y one who the Rad ears and has led ford com just wan me to w t to than here I am k everytoday.”
SOFTBALL
Shifflett With The Cowles Cup
SOFTBALL
Highlanders In the Pros
RADFORD Over the past nine years, Radford Softball has seen significant improvement to its program both on and off the field with championships, NCAA appearances, national attention, record-book chart toppers and individual accomplishments. But none have been clearer in the past three years than the Highlanders making an impact professionally. In 2011, recent graduate Kristen Shifflett became the first Radford female student-athlete to be drafted by a professional organization. Three summers earlier, 2008 graduate Ashley Carlson was the first player in program history to compete professionally in the summer of 2008. Both Highlanders played key roles in their rookie seasons helping the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF) to a pair of NPF Championships. On March 21, 2011, Shifflett, a four-year starter at shortstop, was selected by Chicago with the 16th pick overall. Shifflett came off the bench the majority of rookie season. Seeing time at second and shortstop, she registered two hits, scored four runs and stole two bases as the Bandits won their organization’s second Cowles Cup in four seasons. Shifflett made her first professional start at shortstop on June 11 in a Bandits victory over the USSSA Pride and recorded her first hit, a fifth-inning single against Akron on June 26. A four-year starter at shortstop, Shifflett left Radford as its most prolific player in program history. The 2009-10 Big South Female Student-Athlete of the Year owns five career records (home runs, doubles, runs, total bases and hit by pitches), ranks second in four more (hits, batting, slugging and on base percentage and is in the top five in four more categories. She was tabbed the Big South and State Player of the Year in 2010 and was a firstteam all-league selection three times. A two-time Big South Tournament MVP, Shifflett keyed Radford to its first two Big South Championships (2009 & 2010) and NCAA Tournament appearances, which included a NCAA Regional Finals appearance in 2010. Carlson, a four-year starter in the Highlander outfield, landed a roster spot on May 25, 2008 with the Bandits. Carlson, a two-year member of the Bandits, came off the bench as Chicago won its first NPF Championship in 2008. The Bandits made their magical run from worst to first, winning their final 15 games, culminating with a 6-4 victory over the Washington Glory in the championship game to win the Cowles Cup Trophy on Aug. 24. In her first professional start on June 9, Carlson helped the Bandits in a 14-1 victory over the Akron Racers with three singles and a sacrifice bunt. She also scored a pair of runs and had an RBI. She finished her rookie season batting .286 (4-14) with 12 runs scored and an RBI. She tied for third on the team with eight stolen bases. Carlson, a two-time All-Big South performer, was a key factor in the success of Radford softball from 2005 to 2008. The Highlanders won 169 games during her time roaming the outfield. Carlson’s speed and quick hands contributed to her breaking both the career hits and steals records at Radford, while landing in the top five in the Big South in both those categories. She played 257 games, making 254 starts. She batted .313 with 255 hits, eight doubles, eight triples, 30 RBI and 139 runs scored. She also stole 98 career bases, leading the Big South in that category her final three seasons.
Carlson In 2008
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75-15 Since 2008 in Big South Play
RADFORD
SOFTBALL
RADFORD
RU SOFTBALL FIELD L
SOFTBALL
RU Softball Field
ocated in the northeast corner of the Dedmon Center’s outdoor facilities, Radford Softball Field offers several new amenities with the most recent additions being made in 2009. A backstop netting replaced the original fencing and a second batting cage located on the first base side are the featured upgrades. Other improvements included a new outfield windscreen, along with lowering the fences to four feet in foul territory. Along with the upgrades, RU Softball Field has been host to the 2009 and 2010 Jenny Finch Softball camp. This three-day event featured 400 campers and over 1,000 people descending on Radford’s softball facilities. In the summer and fall of 2007, new grass sod was laid out in foul territory. With that, a new irrigation system was installed to cover the expanded area of grass. Renovations on the field started prior to the 2004 season when covered dugouts that include a heating system were built. Upgrades prior to the 2006 season included a working press box and an improvement in the fan seating areas, moving the primary grandstand area directly behind home plate. These improvements allowed the Highlanders to host their first Big South Championship at RU Softball field in 2006 as well as 2009. Radford is also the host for this season’s 2012 tournament. In addition to the conference tournaments, the Highlanders were able to show off their home field when they welcomed ESPNU on April 19, 2009 for a nationally televised contest against Winthrop. Radford upended the Eagles, 9-4, in front of a national audience and are a perfect 4-0 on the network. The newest addition to the list of amenities for the Highlander softball team is an indoor batting and pitching facility that allows Radford to practice year-round. The facility includes six dedicated batting cages, with the necessary equipment and amenities for either live pitching or machine pitching. Located adjacent to campus, the indoor facility can serve the Radford softball team year-round, anytime the weather restricts outdoor practice.
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RADFORD
Radford University President Penelope Kyle
President Penelope W. Kyle
Penelope Ward Kyle became Radford University’s sixth, and first female, president when she took office on June 1, 2005. She came to RU with more than 30 years of experience in state government, the corporate and legal worlds, and higher education. Upon assuming the presidency, President Kyle immediately focused on leading the university’s initiative to become one of the top 50 masters universities in the nation. The Radford University strategic plan “7-17”, completed in 2007 at her direction, identifies four strategic directives -- the investment in people, programs, global and local society and the future of Radford University. Under President Kyle’s leadership, the university also added its first doctoral program with an emphasis in rural mental health and launched an initiative to grow graduate college student enrollment by offering additional doctoral and masters level programs. She hired the university’s first provost and created two new vice presidential areas of responsibility, Information Technology and University Relations. The Radford University Board of Visitors, at President Kyle’s request, has increased its membership by four positions to provide an opportunity for more diversity and leadership innovation within the governing body. A native of southwest Virginia, President Kyle is a product of the Galax public schools system. She graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina and did her postgraduate studies in English at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law and later earned her MBA from the College of William and Mary.
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President Kyle served as Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery for 11 years, under three successive governors. First appointed by Governor George Allen in 1994, she was reappointed by Governor James Gilmore, and then reappointed once again by Governor Mark Warner. Previously, Ms. Kyle was employed by CSX Corporation, an international transportation company, where she became the company’s first female officer. Before joining CSX Corporation, she was an attorney with McGuire, Woods, LLP in Richmond. She also taught English for six years at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia. President Kyle serves in leadership positions on numerous educational, civic, cultural, professional, financial and volunteer organizations. She served on the Board of Visitors at James Madison University from 1984 until 1992 and on the JMU Foundation Board 1992 until 1994. She also served on the Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation Board from 1994 until 2000 and on the Board of Governors of Saint Christopher’s School from 1999 until 2005. President Kyle is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Board of Directors of PRA, Inc., a publicly traded company. Ms. Kyle is married to Charles L. Menges, an attorney and partner with McGuire, Woods, LLC. They are the parents of three children, son, Kyle Ward Menges, and two daughters, Penelope Whitley Menges, and Patricia Lee Menges.
SOFTBALL
RADFORD
Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg
SOFTBALL
Director of Athletics
Since being introduced as Radford University’s Director of Athletics in the fall of 2007, Radford native Robert Lineburg has helped usher in a new era of Highlander athletics, marked by unprecedented on-and off-field improvements and successes. In his short time with the department, Lineburg has been the catalyst for a number of changes, particularly in areas such as facilities, personnel and strategic planning. His most visible influences to date have been on the Dedmon Center and Radford University’s new 700-seat baseball stadium. Beginning in the spring of 2008, the Dedmon Center, the centerpiece of Highlander athletics, underwent transformations to the arena, including a new steel-supported roof, a new basketball floor, renovated athletic offices, a new-look natatorium, and improved athletic locker, training, and medical facilities. Along with the initial upgrades to the Dedmon Center, an improved state-of-the-art strength and conditioning room, new ticket office and Learning Enhancement Center (LEC), which houses student-athlete academic support, were completed/added in 2009. In 2010, facility upgrades included a new high-tech videoboard / sound system to the Dedmon Center as well as a new playing surface / irrigation system and dugouts to the Radford University Baseball Field. This past spring, Radford transformed its baseball program in April of 2011 by opening a brand-new stadium and making the first significant adjustment to its home park since opening in 1986. For the first time ever, the Highlanders have the capability to host night games. The stadium features lighting standards that meet the requirements of NCAA Regional Tournament host sites. In June, Robert Lineburg introduced Mike Jones as Radford University’s 7th head men’s basketball coach. Lineburg has also overseen the hires of six new head coaches as well as seven new athletic administrators. His other hires include women’s basketball head coach Taj Njongba, head volleyball coach Marci Jenkins, women’s head golf coach Jeff Beeler, head men’s soccer coach Marc Reeves and the promotion of track and field interim director Brent Chumbley to head coaches’ status. Among the administrators added in Lineburg’s tenure are executive associate A.D. Randy Butt, head athletic trainer Chad Hyatt, assistant A.D. for communications Joey Beeler, director of student-athlete support services/senior women’s administrator Stephanie Ballein and Director of Facilities Brad Epperley. As a result of the changes, Radford achieved a banner year in 2008-09: women’s soccer, men’s basketball, men’s tennis and softball claimed Big South conference crowns and advanced to NCAA Tournament play. Women’s soccer advanced to its fourth tournament, men’s basketball won the Big South regular-season and tournament title to advance to the NCAAs for the first time since 1998, men’s tennis made its thirdstraight appearance, and softball appeared for the first time and won Radford’s firstever NCAA tournament game in any sport. Lineburg and the Highlanders backed their success in 2008-09 with a men’s tennis and softball Big South regular season title in 2009-10. Mickey Dean’s softball team went on to win their second straight conference tournament crown before advancing to the Athens, Georgia Regional final with two more NCAA Tournament victories. The successes on the field continued in 2010-11 as Radford captured three more Big South titles. Women’s soccer and softball claimed regular season crowns, while men’s tennis advanced to the NCAA Tournament with their fourth league tournament championship in five years. Along with their competitive success, the Highlanders have defined the true meaning of “student-athlete” during Lineburg’s tenure. For the second consecutive year, Raford led all Big South institutions by placing 58.3 percent of its student-athletes on the conference’s Presidential Honor Roll. In 2008-09, the Highlanders had 57.9 percent of their students on the list. He and his staff have also been responsible for creating a five-year strategic plan for
the Radford athletic department and building an athletics facilities master plan. Additional achievements include ushering in a new athletics Internet site (RadfordAthletics. com), and helping implement a new ticket system (Ticket Return). Lineburg and his staff have also hosted top-level competition, with five Big South championships taking place on the Radford campus from 2008-11 (men’s basketball, track & field, softball, men’s tennis and volleyball). In addition to making an impact on Radford athletics, Lineburg is also involved in a number of different organizations and committees. He is the chairman of the Big South Conference Subcommittee on Basketball Improvement, a member of the Big South ad-hoc Committee on Basketball Issues, a member of the selection committee to select Radford University’s Vice President for Advancement, and most recently, was selected to serve on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Issues Committee Prior to becoming Radford’s third Director of Athletics, Lineburg’s corporate knowledge was groomed as a marketing associate with Peloton Real Estate Partners in Dallas, Texas. Along with his business experience, Lineburg spent 15 seasons as a college basketball coach, including time as Southern Methodist’s (Dallas, Texas) interim head coach. Prior to serving as the Mustangs interim head coach, Lineburg spent eight years as an assistant coach at SMU. Following his interim tenure, he served two more seasons as an assistant coach at Southern Methodist. Lineburg’s coaching resume also includes assistant coaching positions with the men’s basketball programs at James Madison University and Emory & Henry College, as well as with the Dallas Mavericks summer league team. His coaching experience also took him through the Big South, as he spent time on the sideline at UNC Greensboro. A 1991 graduate of Roanoke College, Lineburg started his collegiate basketball career as a Radford Highlander, where he was a two-year letterman before transferring to nearby Roanoke College to play his final two years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in political science with a minor in history. In 1995, he received a Master’s Degree in education from Virginia Tech, where he was also a graduate assistant on the men’s basketball staff. “In addition to being a good candidate, Robert is a Radford native, something that will serve him well in his new role,” Kyle said at the time of his hire. “He has great family ties in the area and we’re excited he’s decided to come home to work with us.” Lineburg is the son of retired Radford High School football coach and athletic director Norman Lineburg and the brother of Dr. Mark Lineburg, the Superintendent of Bristol City Schools, Paul Lineburg, the Assistant Principal at William Byrd H.S. and Wayne Lineburg, who is the interim head football coach at the University of Richmond. He is married to the former Mary Parish, also a native of Radford.
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RADFORD
Radford University
This is Radford University
Nestled in the New River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Radford, Va., Radford University is student-centered and focused on providing outstanding academic programs for its more than 9,000 students. Well known for its strong faculty/ student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful campus, Radford University offers many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. Radford University welcomes students from the Commonwealth of Virginia, across the country and around the world. Here, you will find inspiration in the surroundings – the manicured green lawns on campus, the steady roll of the New River, the wonders along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the stately university buildings and a quaint downtown. Radford’s 153 undergraduate and graduate programs offer every student the opportunity to discover new talents, develop leadership skills and experience personal growth. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs. First and foremost, the university emphasizes teaching and learning and the process of learning in its commitment to the development of mature, responsible, well-educated citizens. Radford University develops students’ creative and critical thinking skills, teaches students to analyze problems and implement solutions, helps students discover their leadership styles, and fosters their growth as leaders. Toward these ends, the university is student-focused and promotes a sense of caring and of meaningful interaction among all members of the University community. Research is viewed as a vital corollary to the teaching and learning transaction as it sustains and enhances the ability to teach effectively. Radford University believes in the dynamics of change and has a strong commitment to continuous review, evaluation, and improvement in the curriculum and all aspects of the university, so as to meet the changing needs of society.
Fast Facts
- Located in the New River Valley of Southwest Virginia - 177-acre main campus; 78-acre RU West campus - 9,370 Students (58% female, 42% male) - 1,020 Graduate enrollment - Students originate from 39 states and Washington D.C.; 57 countries - Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 - 83% of faculty hold doctorate or terminal degrees in their fields
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UNIVERSITY
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New River Valley
NEW RIVER
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The NRV is home to one of the oldest rivers in the world the New River. It’s also one of the few rivers in the world that flows south to north. The NRV hosts the largest research park in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The NRV is comprised of the following counties- Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Giles and the Independent City of Radford. The NRV is home to approximately 165,145 residents. The NRV hosts Radford University, Virginia Tech, and New River Community College.
THE NEW RIVER
DOWNTOWN RADFORD
Bisset PARK
VALLEY
New River Valley
CASCADE FALLS
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Radford University
CAMPUS LIFE
Want to get involved? You can start with more than 200 clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, outdoor clubs, national honor fraternities and Greek associations. Join a team -- RU has club and intramural sports and NCAA Division I athletics, which includes eight men’s and 11 women’s sports. If that’s not enough, there’s campus lectures, movies, performances, festivals (pictured below) and concerts from big names like Third Eye Blind (pictured below) Outkast, Matchbox 20 and Fuel.
CLIMBING WALL
third eye blind
highlander festival
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The mission of the Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) office for Radford University Athletics is to promote, assist, and provide counsel to all student-athletes. Its primary, constant goal is to develop graduates and outstanding citizens who have contributed in the areas of athletic competition during their tenures of education. Located in the Dedmon Center, the newly established Learning Enhancement Center is equipped with computers, tutorial rooms, and a study lounge. The Learning Enhancement Center provides direction for student-athletes via academic counseling in conjunction with advisors from the respective colleges at Radford University. Academic support services such as tutoring and supervised study hall are provided, as well as career planning, monitoring of eligibility status, and a host of other guidance and advisory services. *Support efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation *Assist student-athletes in using athletics as preparation for success in life *Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities; *Meet the changing needs of student-athletes; *Promote respect for diversity among student-athletes; *Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes; *Assist student-athletes in building positive self-esteem; *Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities; *Encourage the development of leadership skills.
Stephanie Ballein Director SWA
ATHLETICS Leslie Anderson Assistant Director
Alex Guynn Assistant Director
Student -Athlete Support Services
Student-Athlete Support Services
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Strength & Conditioning 38
RADFORD
Strength & Conditioning
A component that is vital to Radford student-athletes is the strength and conditioning program directed by Strength and Conditioning Coach Scott Bennett. Highlander Athletics has long been recognized as one of the leaders among Mid-Atlantic schools in its conditioning and strength training. It has been an instrumental part in the success of Radford University sports through the years. Under the direction of Bennett and Assistant Strength and Conditioning coaches Tim Ridley and Michele Huffman, the program is designed to help each student-athlete reach his or her full potential in their respective sport. Each Radford University student-athlete has strength and conditioning programs unique to their goals as a player. This program, developed by Bennett, helps prepare Radford student-athletes for the long and rigorous in-season schedule. The Strength and Conditioning staff at Radford University is committed to excellence in competition and in life.
Scott Bennett Director
Bringing 23 years of experience in the strength and conditioning field, Scott Bennett will oversee the day-today operations of the strength and conditioning program. In his career, Bennett has coached a multitude of collegiate athletes who have gone forward to find careers in the professional ranks (over 30 in the NFL), as well as conference champions, national champions, world record holders, and Olympians. As a professional, he has risen to the top of the strength and conditioning field. Bennett was recently awarded the honor of being part of the NSCA’s (National Strength and Conditioning Association) Coaches Registry at the Emeritus level—the highest level awarded in the field. Perhaps the honor standing out the most in his impressive list of accolades is his accreditation as a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCCa) since 2006. At the time, there were only 62 certified at this level in the world. Today, there are roughly 100 practicing at the Master’s level.
The Sports Medicine Department within Radford University Athletics is comprised of certified athletic trainers, licensed physicians and several other health care professionals who collaborate to optimize performance and provide health care for the student athletes competing on Radford’s 19 intercollegiate teams. This health care delivery team works together in the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. The athletic training staff, certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, work out of athletic training facilities at Cupp Stadium and in the Dedmon Center. Radford’s Sports Medicine Department provides preventative and rehabilitative services for the student-athletes throughout the day, as well as first responder professional rescue services at the teams’ practices and competitions. Other responsibilities include: travel with teams; drug testing coordination, appropriate health care referral, supervision, education, and evaluation of students enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP); and education of student-athletes and coaches in numerous health-related areas. *Committed to diversity in our Sports Medicine Staff. *In which conducts its programs and business with integrity and the highest ethical standards. *Devoted to providing our student-athletes with the highest quality medical care. *Devoted to providing our student-athletes with the highest quality programs in preventative medicine and health care education. *Committed to acquiring and developing the best qualified Medical Team. *Committed to developing the leadership potential of our certified staff. *Committed to preserving tradition while managing an ever-changing environment.
Chad Hyatt Director
ATHLETICS Katlyn Joyner Assistant Director Softball
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
Sports Medicine Athletic Training
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RADFORD
Seniors
FRES
Juniors
Sophomores
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SOFTBALL
HME
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