It also features a team from Harrisonburg that has advanced to college softball's grandest stage for the first time. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Since last March, LaPorte has experienced a shutdown 19 games into the season, having a baby, a reduced schedule this season, and two games already canceled due to COVID-19. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. That battle mentality speaks to the theme of this years team, never back down. Eat breakfast. It was a party atmosphere; music was thumping and giveaways included posters, pom-poms, decals and streamers. 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. Dubbed "Coaches + Mental Health: Creating Mentally Well Spaces in College Athletics," the webinar Wednesday evening was hosted by OU. "Pretty remarkable," LaPorte, 35, said. HARRISONBURG, Va. The final games of the 2022 James Madison softball season have been canceled, following the recent passing of sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett on Monday, April 25. "It's kind of cool to see their faces right now when they get to experience this. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The James Madison softball team has canceled the rest of its season after sophomore catcher Lauren Bernetts death. However, the Jed Foundation, a national nonprofit working to prevent suicides and improve emotional health of young people, indicates the challenges of mental health have grown steadily among college students during the past five years. 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. So they just turned another gear and we were able to get it done.". JMU softball team wins again at Women's College World Series Were Accused of Wearing Blackface. Now They 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. AD Bourne Committed To Keeping LaPorte At JMU Outfielder Kate Gordon set a new school record for career home runs with 50 and was named to Softball Americas Shortened Season College Top 100. The team participates in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and plays home games in Veterans Memorial Park. Ive been able to spend that newborn time with her that I missed a little bit with my son.. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. JMU softball receives warm welcome home from Go to class. person will not be tolerated. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. Fly high Lauren, your JMU Softball family will forever love you.. Then, Bernett. For her part, LaPorte said this week shes not trying to use JMU as a stepping stone to a job at a high-major conference school, and that her Virginia roots run deep. The James Madison Dukes softball team represents James Madison University in NCAA Division I college softball. The remaining game cancellations included a contest against Virginia Tuesday and a three-game league series against Elon May 6 and 7. How pressure of college sports can harm athletes' mental health. Nothing is guaranteed for anyone, Newton said. James Madison University has announced the death of softball athlete Lauren Bernett -- one of the key players of the 2021 Women's College World Series. 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. Since last March, LaPorte has experienced a shutdown 19 games into the season, having a baby, a reduced schedule this season, and two games already canceled due to COVID-19. 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.. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. Building meaningful relationships with players has been a key element to LaPortes success as a coach. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time day or night at (800) 273-TALK (8255). 5 Oklahoma State vs. Georgia, 2:30 p.m. No. Tara Daniels, a diehard fan of the Oklahoma Sooners who lives in east Texas, showed up wearing purple, carrying a JMU sign and on a mission to get Alexanders autograph. She pitched 26.2 innings during the shortened season, going 3-1 with 31 strikeouts. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. No subscription is required to sign up for News-Record newsletters. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, I hope it inspires more people to come to the university., "It was so cool watching them inspire so many people. Thank you so much, JMU Nation., LaPorte, JMU President Jonathan R. Alger, Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne and a few softball stars all spoke at the event. Elkton native Mickey Dean, who preceded LaPorte at JMU, left the Dukes after the 2017 season for a $250,000 salary at Auburn. It throws us curveballs that we never know whats going to happen, but its how we stay together.. No. While that decision was due to the ongoing concerns of the pandemic, it also affords LaPorte the luxury of staying close to her family and watching her infant daughter grow. Thats on par with some Power Five conference programs, but softball salaries can vary drastically. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Students and faculty were shocked to hear of the death of Katie Meyer, a student and standout soccer player for the university on Wednesday. Tahj Bullock and Devin Farrell elected to enter the transfer portal with the intent of continuing their college careers elsewhere. Go to a night class or work on homework. that is degrading to another person. We are so proud of you., Last Updated: Wednesday, February 8, 2023, run to the Womens College World Series national semifinals. Maybe. Having that family close by is very, very important for me and my husband and my two kids.. After a dominant performance in the regular season, the Dukes entered the postseason with a 341 record. Alexander was named to this seasons USA Softball Top 50 Watch List and Softball Americas Top 100. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S.National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night. Text HOME to 741741. 'Close your eyes and swing'. 1:26. The team was in Jacksonville, Florida last March when LaPorte received word the weekend games were canceled. Thank you so much, JMU Nation. LaPorte, JMU President Jonathan R. Alger, Eat breakfast. Those moments include Wednesday's ESPN shoot, when the Dukes will get to flex in front of the cameras for those teases that will run during the game telecasts. Carlson:Racing for foul balls? She followed with an even better sophomore campaign, leading the team in batting average (.423), and smashed 14 homers, 62 RBI, and 17 doubles. She was serving as a panelist on mental health in athletics. Softball Data about campus suicides is difficult to come by. Be Truthful. Lauren had one of the most genuine, old and trusting souls. She served an assistant coach for five years and was 9 overall Tennessee and 43-win Liberty to come out of the Knoxville regional unscathed. 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. Among the singular legends publicly hopping on the bandwagon: Billie Jean King, Terrell Owens, Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Chipper Jones. Phone. Loren LaPorte - Softball Coach - James Madison There will be a permanent void in our hearts and our hope is to live out her legacy and make her proud each and every day. 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. Read "True Grit" here. Weve got to find better ways to do things., More:What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? CNNs David Close contributed to this report. The word I would use to describe what they did is monumental, said Christine Prior (14), whose favorite part of the tournament was all the JMU home runs. Do they need help? The pressures they face present distinct challenges, experts say. It's about showing everybody we belong.. Even intrasquad scrimmages can be as intense as a championship game. We have to hope everyone in athletics is. All rights reserved. Then, Christensen asked if any of the players wanted to share with everyone. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Thats the sad part.. How Oklahoma State softball has upped its competitiveness. They also became the first-ever unseeded team to start 2-0 at the event and the first such squad to reach the WCWS semifinals. I hope it inspires more people to come to the university.". Herzig is in her 10th season with the JMU softball program. But as she listened to her players talk during Christensens session with them, Gasso had a realization. JMU Softball coaching staff release statement on Lauren Bernett, Campus Crisis line after hours: 540-568-6552, Sentara RMH Emergency Department: 540-689-1414, Mays full moon highlights this week up in the sky, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week, Counseling Centers Additional 24/7 Emergency Information. Gajewski is proactive in interacting and communicating with players. Don't Threaten. 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. We'll send you email alerts as news happens. Shortstop Sara Jubas became the first JMU softball student-athlete named a CoSIDA Academic All-American. As a player, you dont really know the game in and out, LaPorte explained. It also was the first time since 2012 that a non-seeded team played in Oklahoma City, as JMU and Georgia joined the 2012 LSU and South Florida squads. Loren LaPorte - Wikipedia JMU fourth-year head coach Loren LaPorte (center), shown celebrating with her team after Sunday's win over Missouri, is a Roanoke College graduate and a former Roanoke, Radford and JMU assistant. Were gritty, said Newton, whose older sister Taylor played for the Dukes as an outfielder from 2014-17. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them back from the Womens College World Series. Mickey Perry. Some student-athletes came out to support their peers, including a handful of football Dukes. This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly, JMU head coach Loren LaPorte said in a Monday statement about canceling the rest of the season. Gajewski is proactive in Maybe. Go to practice. But a COVID-19 breakout forced them to withdraw from the Liberty Tournament the following weekend. Thats why Gasso wanted to do that webinar Wednesday evening. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. So I'm not really concerned with the Power Five and all that.". I think they get frustrated early, he said. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them It is extremely heartbreaking and alarming to see whats going on throughout the country, she said. "It's just that mental approach you take with your program and not allowing them to feel like just because they're not in the Power Five they can't get it done. After suffering a torn hamstring on March 12, Alexander did not play again until April 17. However, the Jed Foundation, a national nonprofit working to prevent suicides and improve emotional health of young people, indicates the challenges of mental health have grown steadily among college students during the past five years. Get on the field. 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. As difficult as the past year has been, Jubas is just relieved to be playing games again. James Madison University cancels remainder of softball season LaPorte was named the interim head coach for the 2018 season, then was rewarded with the permanent role. JMU is the first team from outside the power conferences to reach the Women's College World Series since Louisiana in 2014. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and resources. Last weekend, Gasso asked the players to write letters to their parents and guardians, expressing what those adults mean to them. "We walk in the hotel, there's Women's College World Series banners everywhere. We cant overstate how appreciative we are as you have reached out to us and continued to honor Lauren and her memory. As many have fixated on whats been happening inside the lines at Marita Hynes Field during the Bedlam series, many in the college softball world are focusing on whats happening in the hearts and minds of players across the country. James Madison University announced Monday it canceled the remainder of the softball season after the death of Lauren Bernett. That in itself makes you want to just be loose, play to the best of your ability, and have fun. To say she will be missed is an overwhelming understatement. Generally cloudy. High 56F. SUMMARY: After making history in the Womens College World Series, the Dukes returned to campus as heroes and JMU legends. Go to a night class or work on homework. 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.. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. Dean left JMU in the summer of 2017 to take the reins at Auburn. Bernett, 20, played a major role in the 2021 Womens College World Series. But sometimes players get to the point where even that doesnt move the needle. 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. Spontaneous J-M-U chants broke out as the bus approached and players got off. Its just screaming for help.. 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 University said it will cancel the remainder of its softball season as the death of student athlete Lauren Bernett was ruled a suicide. It was something our team and us as a staff had never experienced, but we had to go with it, LaPorte recalled. The Dukes then took care of No. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. Dubbed "Coaches + Mental Health: Creating Mentally Well Spaces in College Athletics," the webinar Wednesday evening was hosted by OU. We realize the value of having the JMU brand and what it means throughout the entire country.. The James Madison Dukes softball team represents James Madison University in NCAA Division I college softball. The team participates in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and plays home games in Veterans Memorial Park. JMU has won six CAA championships, including back-to-back Championships in 2016 and 2017. In doing so, they became the first-ever unseeded team to start 20 in the WCWS and reach the semifinal games. The past year has certainly had its fair share. There was a problem saving your notification. Oklahoma softball head coach Patty Gasso discusses suicides among student athletes across the country. The team includes freshman Meredith Wells, a Lord Botetourt graduate who made three appearances in April. Published Last weekend, Gasso asked the players to write letters to their parents and guardians, expressing what those adults mean to them. Ive been shaken, thinking, What if I was the coach on the other side? Josh, he's from Staunton. But he doesnt wait for players to reach out to him. 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. Please meet.Harper Lyle LaPorte9/10/207.2 pounds19.5 inchesBorn at 6:55pm pic.twitter.com/Rm4AYwKnS0. {{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. 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