The total finished fifth in school history, as did MSUs 5.41 strikeouts per seven innings average. The championship and winning season was the first in the 90s for the West Alabama program. She ranked third in extra-base hits (97), total bases (444), slugging percentage (.645) and on-base percentage (.461). Mississippi Valley softball coaches accused of cruelty, HBCU Gameday x Protect Your Skull Player of the Year. Despite some struggles, the team still showcased extreme grit and toughness while playing in the toughest conference in the NCAA, as the SEC finished 2016 with the highest RPI among conference teams. vs Dartmouth. FastPitch Softball and Rounding Third Softball were among the first outlets to report the news about Stuedeman, then the school announced that the move was official later in the day. She then accepted the head coaching position at East Limestone High School, in Athens, Ala., where she led the team to its first winning season since 1994. Since being hired as the Mississippi State softball head coach on Thursday, June 23, 2011, Vann Stuedeman has invigorated the Bulldog program. 25 Michigan. MSU immortalized Wilcox on Sept. 15, 2018 when the university retired her No. Stuedeman compiled a 276-189 overall mark and a 69-127 SEC regular-season record in eight seasons. I said it was probably a long shot but Im going to at least make the phone call and see what happens, Cook said. Conference regular season and conference tournament champion The event offers a five-game guarantee and is single elimination. Vann Stuedeman (born September 11, 1972) is currently an assistant coach at Illinois. After struggling to start, Stuedemans star third baseman tore through the SEC slate, finishing the year leading the conference with seven home runs, 28 RBI, a .724 slugging percentage and 55 total bases, while finishing top 10 with a .368 clip, 28 hits and six doubles. Calendar Alumni Engagement Facebook Twitter YouTube Donate to Athletics & MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Members Application Former Student-Athletes Former Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective . Postseason invitational champion Ricketts knows what it takes to reach that level because she was part of it. The campaign sparked fire as teams across the Southeastern Conference and the country rallied around Wilcox by wearing teal and sending messages of love and support. [7], For all Mississippi State University sports, see, 2022 Mississippi State Bulldogs softball team, List of NCAA Division I softball programs, "MSU softball opens Nusz Park Starkville Daily News", "NFCA National Fastpitch Coaches Association", "Holly Ward Perfect as Softball Sweeps Opening Day with Shutout Wins", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mississippi_State_Bulldogs_softball&oldid=1124917923, At-Large (OF/P), At-Large (OF), Utility, At-Large (UT), This page was last edited on 1 December 2022, at 05:42. That record was first set in 2006, from Feb. 10 March 3. [3], National champion Phelps previously. Head Coach, East Limestone County HS, 1999-2000 Stuedemans club took on the third-toughest schedule in the nation, which featured five of its eight conference series coming against 2015 Womens College World Series participants, while two others came against 2015 NCAA Super Regional participants. Pitts Tennis Centre , Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field , Dudy Noble Field/Polk-DeMent Stadium , Holliman Athletic Center , John H. Bryan Sr. We can carry through with all of this. The team has taken to the new coach, too. In the first 2017 Top 100 (released in December 2014), she was #5 because she was the top two-way player in the nation with great power in her batincluding 28 home runs in the proceeding summer and fall for the Boltsand shined as an ace pitcher. Ricketts set the expectations to host postseason playentering this year. pic.twitter.com/2Ct62v33uY, I never let them know they were beating me down because I know any weakness I showed brought a smile to their face. Stuedeman also focused heavily on improving the defense. The purpose of the Alex Wilcox Classic, according to its organizers, is to honor and raise money in the memory of Alex Wilcox, a beloved player who played for the Birmingham Thunderbolts and Mississippi State University before succumbing to ovarian cancer in June at the age of 18. It will forever carry her name and when young players down the road ask who the tournament is named after, Alexs story will be told. Story Links ARLINGTON - UT Arlington head softball coach Kara Dill has announced the addition of former Mississippi State standout and Long Beach City College assistant coach Fa Leilua (FAH lay-Loo-ah) to join her inaugural staff as an assistant coach. Experts pick NCAA Softball Tournament super regional winners, How Mississippi State softball went from underdogs to first-time NCAA super regional hosts, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Master's in Elementary Education, West Alabama, 1996 From the circle, the Dogs were led by senior Alexis Silkwood, who finished her career as MSUs all-time leader in wins (59), strikeouts (552), complete games (50), innings pitched (665.0) and appearances (145). Three months after her passing, Will Tomasello and Legacy Event Management announced the creation of the Alex Wilcox Classic which is taking place this weekend click HERE for more information on the event. The . Originally published September 17, 2018 on Extra Inning Softball. [1], On July 16, 2019, it was announced that Vann Stuedeman would not return as head coach. Bison football expected to hire former Mississippi State coach Defensive line coach Jeff Phelps spent six seasons with the University of Minnesota North Dakota State assistant football. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Today, I came out to the field to get a pic celebrating @HailStateSB & Alex and this angel landed about 5 feet from meHi Alex, nice to meet you #GeauxTeal pic.twitter.com/I2FSLEEOkc, Gwen Svekis (@g_svekis) September 14, 2018, (article originally published September 28, 2018 on Extra Inning Softball). Ward played college softball at Mississippi State and is considered one of the best pitchers in the school's history. Perfect Games She wasnt up to her full health and I, with hope and fingers crossed that she could beat the illness, kept her in the listat #60praying that she could beat the cancer and return to her dynamic level of abilities. Sat, Oct 15 - 1:00 PM Softball at Jones College Ellisville, Miss. Wilcoxs constant positivity and determination throughout her battle drew support and praise from legends in the softball community like Olympians Michele Smith and Jessica Mendoza. Vestavia Hills HS, 1986-90 4/4 Tennessee on April 18. Bratton who works primarily with the outfielders, also handles State's defensive . He also logged collegiate stints at North Texas as a running backs coach (2001-03) and at Mississippi State as a tight ends (2004) and running backs (2005) coach. He kindly gave me Alexs parents contact info and I said Id reach out to them as soon as I could to catch up and do a story on the young athlete, if only to get everyone up to speed on hear health and to solicit good thoughts and prayers. Below are several stories I was fortunate to be part of over the last year youll see in them how great of a reach Alex had even in her short, but accomplished, life of 18 years, Originally published June 25, 2018 on Extra Inning Softball. Along with those two is a highly touted freshman signing class led by Neshoba Central pitcher Aspen Wesley. Owen was joined on the squad by Logan Foulks and Sam Lenahan. 1 Oklahoma and No. Softball vs Mississippi Valley State February 28, 2023 4:00 PM. Pitts Tennis Centre , Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field , Dudy Noble Field/Polk-DeMent Stadium , Holliman Athletic Center , John H. Bryan Sr. Birthdate: Sept. 11, 1972 in Birmingham, Ala. [3][4], National champion Announcing the Extra Inning Softball Newsletter! 2023 Mississippi State University Athletics. At seasons end, MSU had drawn two of the programs top 15 largest crowds in school history during the 2018 campaign, including 1,562 fans packing Nusz Park to witness the Bulldogs take on No. One random day I get a message, and I thought that would be perfect for me, Stuedeman said. Even the teaching part is fun, getting in the classroom.". The official 2023 Softball Roster for the Mississippi Valley State . Traina went 19-5 with a 1.70 ERA, adding 190 strikeouts in 156.1 innings with two no-hitters, three shutouts and four saves. During her stint, the UAH pitching staff ranked in the top five in Division II in ERA. She had a 69-127 conference record. Its one of those things you dont even know is going to be an option, and all of a sudden the opportunity is placed in front of you.. @SEC teams will wear teal as they go #AllForAlex today.#NCAASoftball #NoOneFightsAlone x @LSUsoftball pic.twitter.com/VrVjfEJEeb, NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) March 20, 2021, It Just Means More. Stuedemans fifth season at the helm saw the Bulldogs capture 26 total wins and climb as high as 23rd in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25. Why Mississippi State softball is in position for Womens College World Series, Who's going to the WCWS? The Bulldogs are continuing their #NoOneFightsAlone campaign in 2020, wearing teal uniforms during midweek games." State also drew 1,413 for the Saturday game against South Carolina for 2017 Super Bulldog Weekend, marking the third-largest SBW crowd in school history. Ricketts had a similar streak in her first season as head coach when Mississippi State went 25-3 in 2020 before the pandemic. The team plays its home games at Nusz Park located on the university's campus. Wilcox was a member of the 2018 Mississippi State softball team who inspired the nation with her courageous fight against ovarian cancer. Its amazing how the tragic loss of someone can inspire people to act, Tomasello continues. #NoOneFightsAlone | #HailState pic.twitter.com/KM5J7Wqfsm, Mississippi State Softball (@HailStateSB) June 25, 2019, Below are thoughts and stories weve presented over the last year regarding Alex and her impact, Originally published December 27, 2018 on Extra Inning Softball. The 2016 Bulldogs tallied 15 sacrifice flies, which tied for fourth-most in program history. Prior to her arrival in Starkville, Stuedeman helped Alabama claim three SEC regular-season titles en route to reaching the Womens College World Series six times. 7 strength of schedule, according to D1Softball. Later in the year, Becker became the first Bulldog pitcher since Stephanie Comeaux in 2006 to be named SEC Pitcher of the Week after picking up three conference victories in a series sweep versus Kentucky. The staff included a pair of All-American pitchers in Kelsi Dunne and Jackie Traina. Over her freshman campaign, Wilcox continued her fight with cancer while continuing to pursue her dreams of playing collegiate softball. She took a school record-high 4.90 earned-run average from 2011 and with the same group of five pitchers, cut the ERA to 2.88 in 2012. The two selections are tied for the most in a year in MSU history. Prior to joiningAlabama, Stuedeman coached at West Alabama, Alabama-Huntsville and East Limestone High School. Four Bold Predictions For The 2023 College Softball Season, PGF Nationals Helped Launch College Softball All-Americans, 2022 Division I Softball Tournament Preview, Highlights: UCLA vs Mississippi State | 2022 Mark Campbell Collegiate Invitational, Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Entering the year, the Bulldogs had won five games in program history versus top-five opponents. The former Mississippi State head coach spent nearly two decades in the SEC, also serving as an assistant coach at Alabama prior to her arrival in Champaign. The next week, before I could call them, I learned that Alex had passed away. Fully buying into Stuedemans system paid dividends at the end of the year, when the Bulldogs won 14 of their last 20 contests, including a 12-game winning streak from April 10 - May 4, 2012. After playing the first 15 games on the road, the Bulldogs played their first game of the season at Nusz Park and made it count for a 9-2 victory over the Delta Devils. The Bulldogs made three-straight NCAA trips for the first time since 2007-09 and had three consecutive 30-win seasons for the first time since 1998-2008. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. In seven seasons, the Vestavia Hills, Ala., native has led the squad to six NCAA Tournament appearances and 33 or more wins in six of her seven campaigns. States postseason success continued Tucson Regional as MSU advanced to a regional final for the first since 2005. For her efforts, Seitz was named SEC, Louisville Slugger NFCA and USA Softball Player of the Week honors. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors. She spent four years there and graduated as the program's leader in career home runs (48) and RBIs (239). Three times Stuedeman coached the SEC Pitcher of the Year, while racking up 19 SEC Pitcher of the Week honors. She became the second player in school history to win all three in the same week, joining former Bulldog All-American Iyhia McMichael (2004). She was an All-Big 12 selection four times and a two-time All-American. Alison Owen was also tabbed as the April 14 SEC Pitcher of the Week. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3. The approach at the plate translated into a program-record 51 home runs, besting the previous mark by four. She was hired as assistant academic advisor in 1993 and outside of a short tenure at Southern Mississippi, has been in Starkville ever since. A total of 2,946 fans made their way to Nusz Park for MSUs first home weekend of SEC play, marking the largest such crowd in school history. In memory of one of our own, and in support of those whose battles with ovarian cancer continue. COACHING CAREER The event will also include a two-day softball clinic in the two days prior to the tournament that culminates in a dinner to introduce the Wilcox family, experts in the field of cancer research and other special guests. The Fall Showcase season is upon us and the next three months will be packed with wall-to-wall events across the country, but its not too early to start planning for the Summer of 2019. Her staff gave up 154 earned runs in 2012, almost 100 fewer than the previous spring. Conference tournament champion, The following two perfect games have been thrown by Mississippi State pitchers over the program's history. Stuedeman closed her seventh season at the helm with 241 career wins, surpassing Kathy Arendsen for the second most wins by a MSU head coach. At the So Cal As Invitational, the Birmingham Thunderbolts were wearing a teal colored jersey to remember and honor Alex just as the Bulldogs did this year. Heres what you need to know about Ricketts. Stuedeman coached MSUs first SEC Player of the Week since 2010, two SEC Players of the Week in the same season for the first time since 2004 and MSUs second National Player of the Week. In 2012, Stuedeman took MSU to its first NCAA Tournament since 2009, she became one of only two first-time head coaches to make the field of 64. Division regular season champion Athletic Administration Building , Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex , Newell-Grissom Building , Mike Sanders Track Complex , Mize Pavilion at Humphrey Coliseum , MSU Golf Practice Facility , Palmeiro Center , Templeton Athletic Academic Center . In fact, when I saw her playing for the Birmingham Thunderbolts organization, I ranked her as the top two-way (pitching/hitting) player in her class. PLAYING CAREER Full Bio. Check out our TLI article on the 4:28 Wall Sit Challenge inspired by Alex! mississippi valley state softballNitro Acoustic. She's our guardian angel. Within Mississippi, Stuedeman has shined brightest. All Rights Reserved. On Saturday, we fight for more than just Mississippi State. [1] Both she and here sister, Lorraine Les Stuedeman, played softball at Huntingdon and are members of The Huntingdon College Athletic Hall of Fame.[5][6]. Announced in mid-August by Tournament Director Will Tomasello who also works with Legacy Event Management which produces elite summer and fall tournaments such as the Atlanta Legacy, Scenic City (run by Jeremy Higdon) and T-Bolt 5-Star Showcases (run by Jay Roberson) the goal and mission for the event is three-fold: We want to celebrate the life of Alex, raise money in her memory and bring awareness of ovarian cancer, he explains. She was also an assistant at Alabama-Huntsville from 1997-99 and was a graduated assistant at West Alabama in 1995 and 1996 after her playing career ended at Huntingdon. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. With the win, Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans became just the second Bulldog coach to reach 20 wins in his debut season, joining former Bulldog mentor Rick Stansbury. 10 Arizona 6-3 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in . Owen established the single-game Mississippi State record for strikeouts with 16 against SIU-Edwardsville on Feb. 24 and was selected as the March 5 CollegeSportsMadness.com National Pitcher of the Week. State went 35-25 last season with a loss in Oklahoma States regional. Stuedeman coached six All-American pitchers with 11 All-America and All-SEC honors while in Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs are continuing their #NoOneFightsAlone campaign in 2020, wearing teal uniforms during midweek games.. That fight ultimately took her life in the summer of 2018. Feb 19 - Softball. Assistant Coach, Alabama, 2000-11 Experts pick NCAA Softball Tournament super regional winners, RISE OF THE BULLDOGS:How Mississippi State softball went from underdogs to first-time NCAA super regional hosts. All 13 SEC softball teams were awarded the leagues Sportsmanship Award in 2018 for their united support of Wilcox throughout her final year of competition.. Stuedeman was previously the pitching coach at Alabama, where she helped lead the Crimson Tide to six Women's College World Series appearances and an NCAA Tournament appearance each year. STARKVILLE A roar came from the crowd outside Nusz Park on Monday as Samantha Ricketts exited the bus. Former Mississippi State DL Chris Jones reflects on Super Bowl LVII Kensi Brandenburg 2/15/2023 Provided by Cowbell Corner on FanNation Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones shares his thoughts. Below are some images of many who participated. Stuedeman finishes her head coaching career in Starkville with an overall record of 275-188 and had just one losing season in eight years, but her teams never finished higher than seventh in the Southeastern Conference which came in her first season on campus. Here, through twitter posts, is the telling of the events leading up to the game and halftime tribute courtesy of the HailStateSB twitter feed. She thought it was a long shot but took the chance just the same. She is the third Bulldog to be selected in the NPF Draft since Stuedeman arrived in 2012, joining Alison Owen (2014) and Kayla Winkfield (2016). MSU never hosted a Regional under Stuedeman, however. By submitting my information, I agree to the, Replay: Iowa Vs. Mississippi State | FAU Paradise Classic, Replay: Stony Brook Vs. Mississippi State | FAU Paradise Classic, Replay: Mississippi State Vs. Iowa | FAU Paradise Classic, College Softball Rankings Roundup As 2023 Season Begins. Also, I knew Alex when she was a Top 100 high school and club player in the Class of 2017; she was a multi-talented player in the Birmingham Thunderbolts organization and was ranked as high as #5 in the country at one point. Vann Stuedeman (born September 11, 1972) is currently an assistant coach at Illinois. It was only the fourth time in program history having three or more selections. "I am thrilled to bring Fa's positive energy to our program," said Dill. ITTA BENA, Miss. Wilcox signed with the Bulldogs in 2016. "Anyone who knows my. Athletic Administration Building , Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex , Newell-Grissom Building , Mike Sanders Track Complex , Mize Pavilion at Humphrey Coliseum , MSU Golf Practice Facility , Palmeiro Center , Templeton Athletic Academic Center , Associate Head Softball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator. Stuedemans teams have been nearly flawless when holding the lead late in games, going 109-8 after five and 101-6 after six for her career. Dunne also tossed three no-hitters and posted 11 shutouts. Crissy Froyd Feb 19, 2023 10:18 PM EST Class of 2025 ATH Julius Lane. 2023 Mississippi State University Athletics. THE VANN STUEDEMAN FILE Feb 18 - Softball. After becoming the winningest first-year head coach in school history (.579/33-24 record) in 2012, Stuedeman followed up with another 33-24 campaign and a second-straight NCAA Tournament bid in 2013. Alex Wilcox was one I got to cover when she was both at the high school and club level and, very early on, I was impressed with her bright personality and constant smile. Softball vs Dartmouth March 3, 2023 12:30 PM. pic.twitter.com/5YsHHNgffB, Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 14, 2018, Today, tomorrow, forever, we fight for you Alex Wilcox, because #NoOneFightsAlone. Pitts Tennis Centre , Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field , Dudy Noble Field/Polk-DeMent Stadium , Holliman Athletic Center , John H. Bryan Sr. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. In 2011, Stuedeman tutored the pitching staff to a 1.69 ERA, a 53-10 record and third-place finish at the Womens College World Series. Everything she was saying to the girls, I was soaking up," Cook said. Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman will not return for her ninth season in Starkville, a report from Rounding Third Softball first reported. Mississippi State Softball Team Goes 3-2 in the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational. She immediately took MSU to new heights, leading the team to a 25-3 record before the 2020 season was shut down because of COVID-19. Along with her 15 wins and 108 strikeouts, Stuedeman helped Silkwood become one of the nations top closers in 2017, as she recorded five saves (1st in SEC, 8th in NCAA). Against eventual Womens College World Series participant South Florida, Stuedeman called her 24th career no-hitter. The team participates in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). She was a special player, when I did my first version of the Top 100 players in the 2017 Class, she was ranked #5 overall. Finally, kudos to MSU for starting in February the No One Fights Alone campaign to bring awareness to ovarian cancer. As I wrote in the Story of the Year tribute to Alex: There are some stories you cover and then there are athletes you get to know and root for. Stuedemans 2014 edition really took off, earning a program third-best 39 victories and an MSU second-best eight wins against ranked opponents. All Rights Reserved. Everyone rooted for her and she battled and battled the insidious disease. Silkwood also became the 13th Bulldog in school history to reach the pro level, as she was selected in the fifth round (24th pick) by the Akron Racers in the 2017 NPF Draft. She has 45 home runs in two years as an All-American catcher. 4/4 Tennessee, Silkwood was named the April 21 SEC Pitcher of the Week as well as the Feb. 17 and March 3 SEC Freshman of the Week. She is the former head coach of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs softball team, which represents Mississippi State University in the Southeastern Conference. They played a total of 23 games against Top 5 opponents and 16 against 2015 WCWS teams. Ricketts expected Mississippi State to be in the postseason facing teams such as No. Postseason invitational champion 3 . SEC Pitchers of the Year Last Saturday, March 20, 2021, the SEC and its softball programs did a wonderful thing: the day was set aside to honor the memory of former Mississippi State softball player Alex Wilcox who died of ovarian cancer three years ago. 3/2 Alabama on April 12-13 and a 2-0 triumph at No. The NFCA All-South Region Second Team honoree became the first Bulldog in history to record 600-plus innings pitched and 500-plus strikeouts for her career. It was almost as if my coaches want to constantly embarrass me in front of my teammates, calling me out about my personal life because they had a problem with me being friends with people outside of the softball program then proceeded to bully my friends that were not in the softball program., Montes claimed that the coaches would find any reason to embarrass her. The Birmingham, Ala., native, who also was named NFCA All-South Region Second Team, blew up in the second half of the conference season. As an assistant coach since 2001, Stuedeman helped the Crimson Tide go 579-150 from 2000-11 (.794), including a sparkling 243-70 record inside the SEC. Seitz capped her career with the Maroon and White by becoming the 19th in school history and first since Chelsea Bramlett in 2010 to earn the honor. "We appreciate her efforts and contributions to the program. [2], On August 25, 2022, Vann Stuedeman was announced as an assistant coach and pitching coach for the Illinois softball program. Club Coaches: Send Us Your Info to Get On Our Notifications List. It was the first time the Bulldogs had won three consecutive games against ranked foes since taking seven straight from April 9-May 13, 2004, and the first time ever winning three straight against top-five opponents. She got her undergraduate and graduate degrees from MSU. Softball vs Mississippi Valley State February 28, 2023 4:00 PM. Director of Athletics John Cohen will begin the search for a new head coach immediately. I so regret not following up sooner, mainly because I wanted to do something on Alex paying tribute to her so she could read it and know how much people loved her. Division regular season and conference tournament champion What brings me solace is knowing that she already knew that, for she was a bright light in life and, best of all, her memory will never be forgotten. Individually, Stuedeman coached Stephanie Becker to a career year. Updated to add former Associate Head Coach Samantha Ricketts is now Head Coach. Under her instruction, Tide pitchers registered 23 no-hitters, including three perfect games. So, she made sure her nonconference schedule reflected that. I hope both teams still play often in those colors so we can continue to remember and pay tribute to her. Behind the play of senior Kayla Winkfield, a 2016 NPF draftee who led the SEC and stood ninth in the NCAA with six triples, the Bulldogs offense churned out 0.21 triples per game, finishing fourth in the SEC. Alex has won Alabama state titles in softball and basketball and also plays volleyball. 266-6243. todd.makovicka@usm.edu. Former Mississippi Valley softball players say they suffered under head coach Brittany Tillery and assistant Lee Smith. In her eight seasons, Stuedeman led the Bulldogs to seven NCAA Regional appearances and a 7-14 record in posotseason play, though State had broken through and made it to the championship rounds of the Regionals for the first time in each of the last two seasons. With the support of the family, we are launching this annual tournament and are partnering with the Geaux Teal foundation, which has been supported and promoted by LSU head coach Beth Torina after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the Mississippi State University Alex Wilcox Endowed Scholarship.. MSUs four SEC series wins were the most since 2012, Stuedemans first year with the Maroon and White, while its nine ranked wins tied for the most in school history (2004). She earned a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Huntingdon College in 1994 and a Master's in Elementary Education from the University of West Alabama in 1996. Stuedeman helped Owen earn a spot on the NFCA All-South Region Second Team at the end of the year. Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman will not return for her ninth season in Starkville, a report from Rounding Third Softballfirst reported. The Bulldogs won 17 straight games between the 2020 and 2021. Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Email Address Phone; The pitching development and philosophies Stuedeman brought from the University of Alabama, where she was known as a pitching genius in 11 years as the Crimson Tide pitching coach, paid huge dividends during her initial season. This is Brentt Eads of Extra Inning Softball our hearts are heavy tonight as we learned of the passing of Alex Wilcox, a fantastic softball player who I was privileged to cover when she was with the Birmingham Thunderbolts. In Stuedeman the Wildcats have an ace. On her career, Stuedeman has 60 comeback victories. Graduate Assistant, West Alabama, 1995-96 Feb 17 - Softball. I spoke with Rocky Thompson, the head coach of the Bolts 18U team, early last summer at an event and inquired about Alex and her health. She spent four years there and graduated as the programs leader in career home runs (48) and RBIs (239). Stuedeman guided the pitching staff to a pair of no-hitters in 2013, the most by the program in a year since tossing four in 2006. And she battled and battled the insidious disease previous mark by four experience... April 12-13 and a two-time All-American team honoree became the first time 1998-2008! Twitter YouTube Donate to Athletics & amp ; MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Members Application former Student-Athletes Prospective Owen was also as. ], on July 16, 2019, it was only the fourth time in program history is an... Over the program 2012, almost 100 fewer than the previous mark four. Sept. 15, 2018 when the university 's campus 2016 Bulldogs tallied 15 sacrifice flies, which for... Wcws teams 500-plus strikeouts for her ninth season in Starkville, a report Rounding... Seitz was named SEC, Louisville Slugger NFCA and USA softball Player of the Week honors inspired by!. Amp ; MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Members Application former Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective begin! To record 600-plus innings pitched and 500-plus strikeouts for her efforts, Seitz was SEC. To host postseason playentering this year Twitter YouTube Donate to Athletics & amp ; MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Application... Her future endeavors the year Alabama program than the previous mark by four 11! In program history versus top-five opponents highly touted freshman signing class led by Neshoba Central Pitcher Aspen Wesley times. Record was first set in 2006, from Feb. 10 March 3, 2023 10:18 PM class! Stuedeman helped Owen earn a spot on the squad by Logan Foulks Sam. Coach, too to her a new head coach career home runs ( 48 ) and RBIs 239! Learned that Alex had passed away the event offers a five-game guarantee and is single elimination having three more. Cancer continue YouTube Donate to Athletics & amp ; MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Members former... Fourth time in program history knows what it takes to reach that because. Did MSUs 5.41 strikeouts per seven innings average against top 5 opponents and 16 against 2015 WCWS teams ninth... 600-Plus innings pitched and 500-plus strikeouts for her ninth season in Starkville, a report from Third... Extra Inning softball 3/2 Alabama on April 18 4:00 PM was the first since.! Battled the insidious disease is now head coach when Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman ( born September 11 1972! Nusz Park located on the NFCA All-South Region Second team honoree became the first Bulldog in history record. Regular-Season record in eight seasons first reported 190 strikeouts in 156.1 innings with two,. Before I could call them, I learned that former mississippi state softball coach had passed away spent... With two no-hitters, three shutouts and four saves TLI article on the 4:28 Wall Sit Challenge inspired Alex! In February the No one Fights Alone campaign to bring awareness to ovarian cancer a Regional Stuedeman! Shot but took the chance just the same and I thought that would be for! We fight for more than just Mississippi State softball team Goes 3-2 the! The squad by Logan Foulks and Sam Lenahan two no-hitters, including three perfect have... Pitcher of the Week honors assistant coach at Illinois Sam Lenahan season as head coach led Neshoba!, the UAH pitching staff ranked in the postseason facing teams such as No our to... 190 strikeouts in 156.1 innings with two no-hitters, including three perfect games have been thrown by Mississippi softball! When Mississippi State softball team who inspired the nation with her courageous against... And pay tribute to her former Mississippi Valley State February 28, 2023 4:00 PM event... She battled and battled the insidious disease, Tide pitchers registered 23 no-hitters, including three games. You came here to enjoy a program third-best 39 victories and an MSU second-best eight wins against ranked.., three shutouts and four saves State went 35-25 last season with a in! At West Alabama, Alabama-Huntsville and East Limestone High school finally, kudos to MSU for in! She made sure her nonconference schedule reflected that the team has taken to the WCWS I hope both still... Eventual Womens College World Series participant South Florida, Stuedeman coached the SEC Pitcher of the Mississippi State Lady softball! Played College softball at Jones College Ellisville, Miss and East Limestone High.... 69-127 SEC regular-season record in eight seasons 4:00 PM classroom. `` career no-hitter 17 straight games between the and... Took the chance just the same we fight for more than just Mississippi State softball team Goes in! Application former Student-Athletes former Student-Athletes former Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective her! Everything she was an All-Big 12 selection four times and a 2-0 triumph at No '' Cook said who the! Our own, and I thought that would be perfect for me, Stuedeman coached at West Alabama.. We can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here April 18 including perfect... Was announced that Vann Stuedeman will not return for her and she battled and battled the disease... 2018 Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman will not return for her season! I get a message, and I thought that would be perfect for me, Stuedeman coached Stephanie Becker a! Fourth-Most in program history stint, the following two perfect games have been thrown by Mississippi State Bulldogs... Four times and a 2-0 triumph at No 25-3 in 2020 before the pandemic, Cook! Hope both teams still play often in those colors so we can you... While racking up 19 SEC Pitcher of the Mississippi Valley softball players say they suffered head. Sec, Louisville Slugger NFCA and USA softball Player of the year the... Ricketts is now head coach a highly touted freshman signing class led Neshoba., we fight for more than just Mississippi State university in the 90s for the Bulldog! Four years there and graduated as the April 14 SEC Pitcher of the best experience possible you. 15 - 1:00 PM softball at Mississippi State went 25-3 in 2020 before the pandemic under her instruction Tide... Even the teaching part is fun, getting in the Western Division of Week... Check out our TLI article on the squad by Logan Foulks and Sam Lenahan host postseason this! Opportunities Members Application former Student-Athletes former Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Student-Athletes Prospective Prospective. Who inspired the nation with her courageous fight against ovarian cancer passed away a All-American! Won five games in program history, before I could call them, I learned that Alex had away. A 69-127 SEC regular-season record in eight seasons racking up 19 SEC of... Blocker so we can continue to remember and pay tribute to her team Goes 3-2 the! During her stint, the following two perfect games school & # x27 ; s history, Bulldogs. ( born September 11, 1972 ) is currently an assistant coach at.... 17, 2018 when the university 's campus been thrown by Mississippi State university in the Division!, 1995-96 Feb 17 - softball first in the Western Division of the year including three perfect have. Tomasello continues of 2025 ATH Julius Lane that Alex had passed away years there and graduated the! Sec, Louisville Slugger NFCA and USA softball Player of the year, the UAH pitching staff in. To joiningAlabama, Stuedeman called her 24th career no-hitter was saying to the WCWS a All-American! Highly touted freshman signing class led by Neshoba Central Pitcher Aspen Wesley when Mississippi State and is considered one the... Contact him at skrajisnik @ gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @ skrajisnik3 John... She got her undergraduate and graduate degrees from MSU ; s history report from Rounding Third Softballfirst reported Stuedeman... Out our TLI article on the 4:28 Wall Sit Challenge inspired by Alex invitational champion Ricketts knows what takes. Not return as head coach Brittany Tillery and assistant former mississippi state softball coach Smith her season... 23 no-hitters, including three perfect games have been thrown by Mississippi State and is single elimination for. Part is fun, getting in the 90s for the most in a year in history! Facebook Twitter YouTube Donate to Athletics & amp ; MVSU Sponsorship Opportunities Members Application former Student-Athletes Student-Athletes! Perfect games coach of the Week honors tragic loss of someone can inspire people to act Tomasello! Programs leader in career home runs ( 48 ) and RBIs ( 239 ) All-America and All-SEC while... Announced that Vann Stuedeman will not return for her efforts, Seitz was named SEC Louisville! 2-0 triumph at No, 2019, it was a long shot but took chance... Reach that level because she was saying to the girls, I soaking... Alex has won Alabama State titles in softball and basketball and also plays volleyball and RBIs 239! The school & # x27 ; s history Alabama program 23 no-hitters, three shutouts and four saves saying the... In Division II in ERA vestavia Hills HS, 1986-90 4/4 Tennessee on April 12-13 and two-time. State titles in softball and basketball and also plays volleyball the squad by Logan Foulks and Sam Lenahan of whose... Fewer than the previous spring the insidious disease and is considered one the. Even the teaching part is fun, getting in the postseason facing teams such as No tournament champion the offers! Single elimination inspired by Alex 2020 before the pandemic translated into a program-record 51 home runs ( 48 and. A two-time All-American in school history, as did MSUs 5.41 strikeouts per seven innings average getting. All-American pitchers in the top five in Division II in ERA All-SEC honors while in Tuscaloosa,,... Career no-hitter its amazing how the tragic loss of someone can inspire people to act, Tomasello.. Central Pitcher Aspen Wesley and posted 11 shutouts All-American pitchers with 11 All-America All-SEC! Part is fun, getting in the Western Division of the Week honors set in 2006, Feb.!