Keep it Clean. As much as theyre trying to do all the right things, as coaches, we think we are, too, by, This is how you win.. Go to class. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Thats something that over the last few years has seemed to be even more prominent. LaPorte and her staff can choose to use that money for, among other things, recruiting costs or to pay for JMU to play in high-profile regular-season events. Last season, she was part of the Dukes magical run to the Womens College World Series, catching for breakout star Odicci Alexander, but this season, Bernett was having her own breakout. that is degrading to another person. Maybe. The Dukes were the lead item in the New York Timesmorning newsletter on June 4. Eat breakfast. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Dubbed "Coaches + Mental Health: Creating Mentally Well Spaces in College Athletics," the webinar Wednesday evening was hosted by OU. 'Close your eyes and swing', The story behind OU softball players inviting opponents into postgame prayer circle, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. LaPorte said JMU also provides the Dukes with everything they need to make James Madison a dynastic powerhouse. How Oklahoma State softball has upped its competitiveness, What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? 11:56 PM EDT, Tue May 3, 2022. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. 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. Are they getting help?, Theres just a lot of questions that I have.. JMUs trip to the WCWS this season and her CAA Coach of the Year award also triggered several performance bonuses totaling $23,197.92. We all love an underdog story.. The pressures they face present distinct challenges, experts say. Softball First was Stanford soccer goalie Katie Meyer on March 1. Thats the sad part.. Among the handmade signs on display were Thank You Dukes, You Go Girls!, Proud & True: We Are the Dukes of JMU and We Love You JMU Softball.. WebJMU 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, 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. And its just over and over and over and over again, Gasso said. "Pretty remarkable," LaPorte, 35, said. James Madison University Softball Loren LaPorte, formerly Loren Messick, completed her 10th year with the softball team at James Madison University and sixth year as head coach in 2023. I want to know, when things dont look right, what does that look like?. OU second baseman Tiare Jennings goes for long drives with her windows down and her music up. 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. She hit .778 and drove in seven runs during the three-game set. After graduating, she spent the 2009 season as an assistant there before taking a similar position under Mickey Dean at Radford. Loren LaPorte - Wikipedia At the end of the day, you want to look back and have no regrets.. 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. The support that our administration and our president gives us, I mean, we couldnt ask for anything more. JMU softball … It just filled my heart, and I know that I have to do more things to make this more humanized than robotic.. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I think its just finding joy in the small, little things, OSU ace Kelly Maxwell said. JMU softball Thats what we try to do here.. Loren LaPorte, formerly Loren Messick, completed her 10thyear with the softball team at James Madison University and sixthyear as head coach in 2023. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. How pressure of college sports can harm athletes' mental health. It was something our team and us as a staff had never experienced, but we had to go with it, LaPorte recalled. Were gritty, said Newton, whose older sister Taylor played for the Dukes as an outfielder from 2014-17. Its been really nice being able to spend a little more time at home than I would usually, LaPorte said. You can cancel at any time. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. 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. Virginia Tech-turned-Oklahoma State ace Carrie Eberle took the loss Friday. Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. Mickey Perry. 8 overall seed Missouri in the Columbia Super Regional. Several hundred fans showed up to celebrate the teams historic achievement in Oklahoma City. The catcher had just been named Player of the Week by the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dukes are 39-2. We have a lot of great pitchers on this staff, and we have a ton of strong hitters in the lineup to keep us in the game.. Local high school softball teams have the talent to make deep She was mature beyond her years and always put others before herself, wanting everyone around her to be happy. 0:29. Look at video. The James Madison softball team is the first Virginia team to make the Women's College World Series in 13 years. appreciated. LaPorte was named the interim head coach for the 2018 season, then was rewarded with the permanent role. Lauren had one of the most genuine, old and trusting souls. If you are trying to host tournaments, then you have to look at the potential to add not just to your permanent facility, but then you have to think about what additional rental bleachers and things would need to look like.. When Dean took the head coaching job at JMU for the 2013 season, he convinced LaPorte to join him. WebSara Jubas gave JMU the lead with a three-run home run in the top of the 3rd inning, and the Sooners answered with a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning. The Dukes had gone to four-straight NCAA tournaments and, just a year prior, had hosted a Super Regional. Gasso hopes she is doing everything she can to respond. Eat breakfast. Don't Threaten. Everybody knows that my family is here. 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. The Dukes have been to the NCAA Division I softball tournament nine times, hosting Regionals and Super Regionals in 2016. Building meaningful relationships with players has been a key element to LaPortes success as a coach. Wake up. Maybe. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Thats why Gasso wanted to do that webinar Wednesday evening. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Their historic run came to a close just short of the finals, falling to eventual champions #1 Oklahoma twice. It's about showing everybody we belong.. We are so proud of you., Last Updated: Wednesday, February 8, 2023, run to the Womens College World Series national semifinals. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Anybody up at-bat can get the job done. I hope it inspires more people to come to the university., "It was so cool watching them inspire so many people. Elkton native Mickey Dean, who preceded LaPorte at JMU, left the Dukes after the 2017 season for a $250,000 salary at Auburn. "We are so excited to be adding them to the JMU Softball family," said LaPorte. Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Clemson and West Virginia were also in the mix when it came to the youngster. or anything. Sure, she couldve left such matters to some other coach or some other time. With the exception of 2020, when COVID canceled most The Dukes will face No. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Students and faculty were shocked to hear of the death of Katie Meyer, a student and standout soccer player for the university on Wednesday. JMU has won six CAA championships, including back-to-back Championships in 2016 and 2017. LaPorte is set to make more than $115,000 this year, including bonuses. Again. However, we want others to know the impact Lauren had on each of our lives, and each member of not only our softball family, but the entire JMU community. The softball facility being relatively new and pretty much totally redone a few years ago is in great shape, Bourne said. Ive been shaken, thinking, What if I was the coach on the other side? person will not be tolerated. Inductees Loren LaPorte - Softball Coach - James Madison Her smile and laugh were radiant - lighting up every room, bullpen or dugout she walked into and making everyone around her instantly smile. Connecting with his players is one of the things he loves most about coaching, so he is always picking at them, as he calls it. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - James Madison associate head coach Jennifer Herzig was named the Easton/ National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I Assistant Coach of the Year, the association announced Tuesday afternoon. That made Gasso think about the daily routine of her players. Practice for three hours. Make Yahoo Your Homepage. OU second baseman Tiare Jennings goes for long drives with her windows down and her music up. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Really sad, OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said earlier this week as tears welled in his eyes. We cant overstate how appreciative we are as you have reached out to us and continued to honor Lauren and her memory. I dont call them an underdog, but everyone else does. 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. JMU softball receives warm welcome home from 2023 James Madison University Athletics, LaPorte Postseason, Team and Player Awards as a Head Coach. You have permission to edit this article. For additional support please reach out to: Copyright 2022 WHSV. The coaching staff said Lauren had a huge heart and a trusting soul. 1 overall seed Oklahoma (50-2), which won its fourth NCAA title in 2017, at noon Thursday to kick off the eight-team, double-elimination event. You have permission to edit this article. Its just screaming for help.. Two of those wins came against Top-25 opponents Texas Tech and Missouri. JMU and Georgia are the only unseeded teams in this year's Women's College World Series field. Gajewski strives for that, too. When you look at hosting, at least at where things are at this day and time on a national scale, we have to at least consider the lighting component. Bernett is the third Division-I female athlete to commit suicide in less than two months. JMU softball Salem man charged with sexually assaulting teen girl, Northwestern's Robbie Beran transferring to Virginia Tech, Injury-plagued Virginia Tech baseball team hunting NCAA bid, Soccer icon Pel added to the Portuguese dictionary as an adjective, Brittney Griner says she'll 'never go overseas to play again', The five best Formula 1 drivers of all time. Savannah Reger | The Breeze Whiff. We'll send you email alerts as news happens. "We've had a lot of talented teams [at JMU], but I think overall it takes more than talent to get to this point," LaPorte said. I want to know, when things dont look right, what does that look like?. James Madison University cancels remainder of softball season Bernett, 20, played a major role in the 2021 Womens College World Series. 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. Please allow us to introduce everyone to our newest little Duke!!! Then, Christensen asked if any of the players wanted to share with everyone. Her huge heart showed grace and kindness to everyone she ever met. JMU (39-2) had fallen short in its first two appearances in the super regionals in 2016, when Megan Good and Bath County graduate Jailyn Ford were the team's stars, and in 2019. 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. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. Slight chance of a rain shower. Webmessiclr@jmu.edu. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 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). Carlson:Racing for foul balls? Discovery Company. The team includes freshman Meredith Wells, a Lord Botetourt graduate who made three appearances in April. But he doesnt wait for players to reach out to him. LaPorte did her best to keep the players in a positive frame of mind during the long weeks and months that followed. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. As much as theyre trying to do all the right things, as coaches, we think we are, too, by, This is how you win.. JMU has won six CAA championships, including back-to-back Championships in 2016 and 2017. Humphrey picked up wins in her first two appearances as a Duke this season, including one start. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. It was a party atmosphere; music was thumping and giveaways included posters, pom-poms, decals and streamers. James Madison's Odicci Alexander helps carry Dukes to Webhaleoc@jmu.edu: Pete Johnson Equipment Manager Memorial 1148 (395 South High St.) / MSC 6925 540-568-5507 540-568-5507: johnsopg@jmu.edu: Matthew Mitcheroney: Ive been shaken, thinking, What if I was the coach on the other side? It was during the bus ride home that the CAA officially ended the season. Despite being a varsity program for fewer than 20 years, JMU Softball left no doubt that its one of the best in the nation. Thats the sad part.. Yes, this was a big week for her and her Sooners. The Dukes start a quartet of fourth-year juniors and a trio of fifth-year seniors. Offensively, were pretty strong one through nine, LaPorte said. 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. Then came Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze on April 13. That was something Gasso knew prior to the events of recent weeks, but in the aftermath of Bernetts suicide, she asked OU psychologist Dolores Christensen to meet with the team. Fans from near and far descended on JMUs campus Tuesday to welcome the team home. Your weekly roundup of sports news from the Sun Belt Conference, delivered Monday morning. And of course the seating volume issue. Boseman went 2-4 with 13 strikeouts in 24.2 innings last season, while Bermudez finished 6-1 with a shutout. Were super blessed to be able to be part of this, star slugger Kate Gordon said. Low 41F. "Do we have to work harder than some of the Power Five schools? She served an assistant coach for five years and was elevated to head coach in September of 2017. "We get a lot of blue-collar kids that want to work. JMU finished its best-ever season with a 41-4 record. Tahj Bullock and Devin Farrell elected to enter the transfer portal with the intent of continuing their college careers elsewhere. Other resources include: The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Because I can tell you, the atmosphere was intense," LaPorte said with a laugh. This isnt how you win, she thought. James Madison standout pitcher Odicci Alexander returned on Saturday evening to the same circle where she tossed a 125-pitch one-hitter less than 24 hours before. Oklahomas Patty Gasso, who topped JMU last week to earn a spot in the Womens College World Series championship series, makes more than $1 million a year. "This is probably the closest the team has ever been.". Dean left JMU in the summer of 2017 to take the reins at Auburn. Then came Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze on April 13. James Madison Dukes softball - Wikipedia We will do whatever it takes to win. She wasnt talking strategy with assistants or watching film of opponents. Thats on par with some Power Five conference programs, but softball salaries can vary drastically. 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. Theyre playing games, and theyre laughing, and theyre laughing so loud securitys coming up to the room, Gasso said. Their mental health is poor, and their outlook is bleak. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). When I pick at you about your love life or your family or school or whatever it is, thats not me trying to be in your business more than you want me. The team's head coach is Loren LaPorte, leading the Dukes to a 14834 record in four seasons. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. "NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships", "JMU Softball beats Tennessee 3-1; Advances to Regional Final", "JMU Downs Liberty To Win Knoxville Regional", "OKC BOUND! She believes the upperclassmen have a responsibility to instill core values in the younger players. I think the girls are kind of in awe," JMU coach Loren LaPorte said Monday night in a phone interview. LaPorte and her husband, former Roanoke College basketball player Josh LaPorte, have a 5-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter. James Madison fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander is 16-1 this season, including 4-1 in the NCAA tournament. "It kind of grounded her and made her not take things for granted. The past few months havent been all negative. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. Many members of our team found comfort in knowing Lauren would always be there for them on a tough day. We're just going to tell them, Yes, this is a dream to get here, but good Lord, let's do some damage, LaPorte said. A redshirt junior, Jubas started all 19 of the Dukes games at shortstop in 2020, batting .439 with five home runs, 14 RBI, and seven doubles. 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. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. 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. 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. Success! So I'm not really concerned with the Power Five and all that.". The Dukes were 13-6 in 2020 before the shutdown. 1 overall seed Oklahoma on Thursday in Oklahoma City. 2023 Cable News Network. They require an intervention. Bernett was a sophomore who planned on majoring in biology with a minor in pre-vet, her JMU bio said. The Dukes advanced to the Super Regionals after beating #9 Tennessee[3] and #25 Liberty twice in the Knoxville Regional. She pitched 26.2 innings during the shortened season, going 3-1 with 31 strikeouts. It's a mixture of emotions that many in the JMU community and across the city of Harrisonburg, Virginia have experienced since the death of Lauren Bernett. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them Gajewski strives for that, too. JMU sophomore Lauren Bernett, a catcher with the softball team and part of the Women's College World Series last year, has died. WebCoaching career James Madison. After a dominant performance in the regular season, the Dukes entered the postseason with a 341 record. Wake up. 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. The team was in Jacksonville, Florida last March when LaPorte received word the weekend games were canceled. Our facilities are better than a lot of Power Five facilities, LaPorte said. Ventura High School Basketball Coach. Sure, she couldve left such matters to some other coach or some other time. Oklahoma's Patty Gasso discusses mental health among college athletes. After punching their ticket to the Women's College World Series (WCWS) for the first time, the James Madison Dukes advanced to the WCWS semifinals after beating #1 Oklahoma 43 in eight innings[6] and #5 Oklahoma State 21[7] in the first and second rounds of the tournament. A giant inflatable Duke Dog and a swarm of fans awaited the JMU softball team Tuesday as the players returned from their stint in the Womens College World Series (WCWS). JMU 'in awe' after advancing to Women's College World Series. Fly high Lauren, your JMU Softball family will forever love you.. She and her husband Josh also have a son, Holden, born in 2015. It was fun to watch them have fun, not related to softball. Trevor Richardson met with the Cowgirls earlier this week after they returned from a road trip at Florida State. Gasso hopes she is doing everything she can to respond. It is extremely heartbreaking and alarming to see whats going on throughout the country, she said. It will create a bigger fan baseboth locally and across the nation. SPORTS NEWSLETTER: Sign up now for daily updates sent to your inbox, SEASON CANCELED: JMU softball team cancels remainder of season following Lauren Bernett's death, Ive been shaken, the OU softball coach said. Former JMU softball pitcher Alexis Bermudez (2020-22) sails one down the middle against Rutgers last spring. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We have to hope everyone in athletics is. [4] They then went on to beat #8 Mizzou on the road in the best-of-three series in Columbia, Missouri.[5]. 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. JMU Dukes Softball Never Backs Down From 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. I think they get frustrated early, he said. How Oklahoma State softball has upped its competitiveness. Among the singular legends publicly hopping on the bandwagon: Billie Jean King, Terrell Owens, Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Chipper Jones. The CAA champion Dukes made the NCAAs for the eighth straight time. She was serving as a panelist on mental health in athletics. JMU Softball WebCamarillo High School Wrestling Coach. accounts, the history behind an article. We talk to the girls all the time about being able to handle change and adversity, explained LaPorte, now in her fourth season running the Dukes program. 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. softball The Dukes became the first team in the CAA to participate in the WCWS. 2 UCLA, 9:30 p.m. Mark Berman covers Virginia Tech mens basketball and many other teams at the university. 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.