When Tracy Rosiek first put on her new West Virginia University womens softball uniform, she couldnt help but admire the clean navy blue shorts, the white jersey stitched in blue with the words W-V-U on the front, and the name, Rosiek, sewn above the No. 21 jersey.
A sophomore biology major from Charleston, Rosiek doesnt mind getting her new uniform dirty now. In fact, shes thrilled to be on a softball teamone that she helped build from scratch earlier in the semester.
“I made fliers and tried to spread the word with lots of phone calls,”Rosiek said. She also contacted resident assistants in all the campus dorms to spark interest in the new club sport.
Forty-eight girls answered the call.
Now 18 girls strong, the WVU womens softball club is in the process of building a program to be proud of.
In their first season, the team finished with a record of 5-6, including victories over UNC Charlotte and East Carolina University, and recently competed in a national tournament at Miami of Ohio where Rosiek and two other team members were named to the all-tournament team.
“Its a great accomplishment,”Rosiek said.”Especially since its our first year.”
The women practice two hours each day at White Park in Morgantown, under the direction of Mark Wilson of Rivesville. Wilson is a USSSA certified fast pitch softball coach and umpire and has coached several teams in the Marion County area.
“We hope to be a Division I team eventually,”Rosiek said.”Thats our ultimate goal.”
It wouldnt be the first Division I womens softball team in WVU history. According to Veronica Hammersmith, former womens coach, WVU had a womens team between 1976-1981, but it was extinguished because of funding, along with mens gymnastics and golf. In order for the softball club to elevate to varsity status, it would have to be evaluated by the Department of Athletics.
Joining Rosiek on the squad are: Erika Bonnett from Rock Cave; Kimberly Cole from Alexandria, Va.; Stephanie Dismuke from Ellwood City, Pa., Lachelle Dunbar from Morgantown; Christie Dunn from Clinton, Pa.; Tara Goodman from LaPlata, Md; Brittany Jarvis from Fairmont; Rebeca Martinez from Hamilton, N.J.; Nicole McShane from Pequannock, N.J.; Paula Meadows from Shady Springs; Heather Neil from Gauley Bridge; Sarah Parker from Ripley; Barbara Radebaugh from Cincinatti; Shannon Sage from Greenport, N.Y.; Sarah Straface from Morgantown; Stephanie Troiano from Ventor, N.J.; and Amanda Wilson from Wellsburg.