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2001 SOFTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM SELECTED FOR HALL OF FAME a school-record 47th victory of the season, which still stands today. En route to the softball World Series, they won the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Regular-Season Championship, the OAC Tournament Championship, and the NCAA Central Region Championship. The Muskies ended the year winning 34 straight games to set the NCAA Division III record for the longest winning streak. The 2001 softball national championship team will be inducted into the Muskingum Athletic Hall of Fame during the Night of Impact on January 28, 2022. They will become the first-ever team to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The Night of Impact, presented by Carol Goff & Associates Real Estate, will be hosted at EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville, Ohio beginning at 7:00 p.m. Muskingum’s Class of 2022 senior student-athletes will also be recognized during the event.
Under the leadership of legendary Coach Donna Newberry, the team won the University’s first NCAA Division III team national championship on May 20, 2001. Their 4-1 triumph captured the NCAA Division III softball national championship and set
On January 29, 2022 the championship softball team members will also be honored during the Muskingum men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Otterbein at the Anne C. Steele Center on campus.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE Each year, Muskingum’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) works to enhance the total studentathlete experience at the University, extending the long tradition of involvement by Muskie student-athletes. SAAC members from each of Muskingum’s varsity sports dedicate themselves to supporting their fellow studentathletes, the University, and the community. Their initiatives are designed to: • Promote engagement and communication between the student-athletes and athletics administration. • Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues, including student-athlete welfare. • Generate a student-athlete voice within the Muskingum athletics department’s formulation of policies. • Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletic teams. • Organize community service efforts. • Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus and in the community.
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SAAC plans, organizes, and hosts a variety of events, including the Annual Golden Hook Awards, Hoops for Hunger food drive, and special promotions throughout the year at Muskingum athletic events. The group meets monthly and regularly discusses issues surrounding intercollegiate athletics and the lives of student-athletes both at Muskingum and across the country. The 2021-2022 SAAC Student Officers include President Gracie Andrews ’22 (women’s tennis), Vice President Kaylee Anstaett ’23 (women’s tennis), and Social Media/Promotions chairs Gavyn Freeland ’22 (football) and Tyler Reed ’23 (football). SAAC is advised by Tom Caudill ’05G, Assistant Athletic Director and Director/Assistant Professor of Athletics Communication.
