Last updated 10/26/2009
Welcome to Blackbeard’s Ballers, the Supporters of Pirate Softball.
The newsletters and IN THE NEWS will keep you updated on what's going on with ECU Softball.
THANK YOU 2009 SENIORS:
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LATEST NEWS:
July 23, 2009
For the second year in a row, the ECU softball team has taken the CUSA Sport Academic Award thanks to a 3.306 GPA. LINK
Jessica Johnson earned ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-District honors.
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July 1, 2009
Toni Paisley named C-USA Co-Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first Pirate to win this award. LINK
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June 17, 2009
Sumner Named C-USA Spirit Of Service Recipient. LINK
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June 3, 2009
Today the ECU Board of Trustees said yes to the final plans for the new ECU softball stadium which I will refer to as the KEE until someone puts up the money for naming rights. LINK
AWESOME!
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June 4, 2009
Jessica Johnson has been named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) University Division All-State Softball Team. LINK
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May 14, 2009
Jessica Johnson and Toni Paisley have been named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I All-Region Team. LINK
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May 10, 2009
The season comes to an end for the 2009 Pirates as the NCAA committee chooses the field of 64 leaving out the Pirates.
We can ponder, discuss, and grieve over this process forever and really not understand what goes on in the mind of these NCAA committee members. I understand the idea that "we" need to take care of our own destiny, that "we" need to schedule the teams, that "we" can't lose to the lesser teams. But the reality of it all is that even the best teams lose games, that if you schedule the games, there is no guarantee that the team will still be top 25 the next year, and CUSA does not have the respect of the committee. There is an unusual emphasis on RPI and the teams from the "power" conferences have inflated RPI's. Just look at the SEC with 9 teams, 3 of them barely breaking .500. I know that ECU deserved to be in the tournament as much if not more than these teams. Another example of inflated RPI's is the Big 10. And to think that Michigan ended up with 1-0 win over the Pirates, but close doesn't count!!!!!
From all of this there is a learning process, but that does not take away the sting. 2010 brings a rebirth of Pirate softball with a new home, some new Pirates, new schedules and a renewed mind set that every game does matter and one game can make a difference.
Finally just remember that there is much more to being a student athlete than playing the game. The ECU softball proudly reminds us of that every day.
Go Pirates!
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May 7, 2009
It takes 13 innings before UTEP, the host team, ends the season for the Softball Pirates who proudly finish the year 40-15. LINK
May 7, 2009
Congratulations to CUSA Award Winners (LINK):
Conference USA Coach of the Year---Tracey Kee
Conference USA Pitcher of the Year--Toni Paisley
Conference USA First Team--Jessica Johnson
Conference USA All-Academic Team: Cristen Aona, Kaui Tom, Jessica Johnson
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May 3, 2009
The Pirates complete the regular season (40-14) by defeating VaTech 4-0 on Senior Day. LINK
They begin tournament play at UTEP on May 7 as the #2 seed. They will play host UTEP @ 7:30. LINK
May 2, 2009
ECU Pirates win one against Campbell 5-2 with a walk-off homerun in the 8th, but lose to VaTech in the second game 6-0. LINK
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AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:
Congratulations to Jessica Johnson for receiving the MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE SCHOLAR- ATHLETE Award.
Congratulations to Sarah Bibee for receiving the PIRATE SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP Postgraduate Award.
Congratulations to Caitlin Wainright for receiving the KRISTI OVERTON Female Scholar Athlete Award.
Congratulations to Kaui Tom for being named to the ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM 2009.
*Annual Breakfast of Champions Link with Pictures:
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From CUSA, April 28, 2009:
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NOTABLE PERFORMANCES AT
THE PLATE (4/20 - 4/26)
ANGEL BARRELLA - East Carolina Barrella hit .368 (7-for-19) last week to lead the Pirates to three victories. She hit .455 in ECU’s league series with Marshall and went a perfect 4-for-4 in game two against the Herd. |
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NOTABLE PERFORMANCES IN
THE CIRCLE (4/20 - 4/26)
BROOKE SWANN - East Carolina Swann picked up two wins for the Pirates last week and added six strikeouts in 12 innings of work. Overall, Swann has not suffered a loss in her last 10 starts. |
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April 28, 2009
ECU Pirate Softball's record setting year is being noticed nationwide. Not only have they received votes in the USA Today/NFCA poll , but ECU also finds itself in many of the top 30 NCAA stats for teams and individuals. LINK
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April 26, 2009
ECU wins the series by defeating Marshall 3-1. The Pirates have won every series but one in CUSA, and are hanging on to first place They will need help from Southern Miss next weekend to win the regular season title. LINK
April 25, 2009
The Pirates break some records as they hold on to the conference lead with a split at Marshall. LINK
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Links to recent articles about Pirate Softball:
Honolulu Advertiser; The Bradsher Beat; NCAA Softball; Greenville's Daily Reflector
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April 22, 2009
Pirates defeated UNC-Greensboro today 4-3 and 9-0 (5 innings). LINK
Congratulations to ECU baseball for shutting out #1 UNC 4-0.
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April 21, 2009
Pirates lose to #13 Heels 1-0. LINK
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April 20, 2009
Congratulations to Cristen Aona for being named CUSA Hitter of the Week and Toni Paisley for once again being named Pitcher of the Week. LINK
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April 19, 2009
The Pirates complete their 4th CUSA sweep of the season as they defeated Memphis today 6-1 with 11 hits. LINK
April 18, 2009
The Pirates take 2 games (2-0 and 2-1) from Memphis with great pitching and a walk-off single. LINK
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April 17, 2009
Congratulations to the following softball team members for (GPA of 3.75 or better):
Cristen Aona, Charina Sumner, Kaui Tom, Priscilla Velasquez, and Caitlin Wainright.
Congratulations to all 40 ECU student athletes who
April 16, 2009
Congratulations to the following softball team members for making C-USA Honor Roll (GPA of 3.0 or better):
Cristen Aona, Angel Barrella, Sarah Bibee, Jillian Gallagher, Sissy Jimenez, Jessica Johnson, Toni Paisley, Charina Sumner, Kaui Tom, Priscilla Velasquez, and Caitlin Wainright.
Congratulations to all 190 ECU student athletes who were name to C-USA Honor Roll for the 2008-2009 academic year.
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April 15, 2009
The Pirates complete the season sweep of NC State with a 2 run walk off home run by Cristen Aona. LINK
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April 11, 2009
The Pirates now 29-11 take care of UTEP with an 8-0 win in 6 innings. LINK
April 10, 2009
Pirates win 2 games today at UTEP. The first one was a pitcher's game with a 2-0 score, but the second one was for the hitters (22 hits) with a score of 7-1. LINK
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April 7, 2009
Pirates strike first, but #14 UNC strikes last as Pirates lose 2-1. LINK
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April 6, 2009
This will be the last day of Blogs from Angel Barrella. She did a great job sharing her life as a student athlete. Next up is Pitt County girl, Tiffany Shaw. You don't want to miss these Blogs!
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April 4, 2009
ECU unable to put together the hits and lose to Tulsa 2-1. They fall to #2 behind Marshall as their win streak comes to an end. LINK
April 3, 2009
ECU takes 2 from Tulsa. The #1 team in CUSA now has an 11 game win streak. LINK
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April 2, 2009
The game at UNC cancelled due to weather. This game will not be made up, but ECU-UNC will play April 8 in Greenville as scheduled.
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March 30, 2009
The Dynamic Duo of Jessica Johnson and Toni Paisley were named CUSA Players of the Week. LINK
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March 29, 2009
Pirates SWEEP UCF to move into a tie for first place in CUSA. LINK
March 28, 2009
Pirate softballers take 2 from UCF with identical 3-0 scores. Paisley and Swann combined for 14 scoreless innings. Johnson and Barrella lead the attack with 3 hits each. LINK
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March 25, 2009
Pirates win 2 at UNC-W with the help of the long ball, 6-1, 4-0. Three Pirates hit homeruns. LINK
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March 22, 2009
Pirates SWEEP UAB as they win today 2-1. LINK
March 21, 2009
Pirates played 2 with UAB, winning the first game 3-1 in 8 and turning around to win the second game also 3-1. LINK
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March 18, 2009
ECU defeats NCSU 5-0 in 10 innings. LINK
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March 17, 2009
Toni Paisley Named CUSA Pitcher-of-the-Week for the third time: LINK
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March 15, 2009
ECU loses to USM by a score of 3-1. A 3 run homerun in the bottom of the 6th turned out to be the game winner. LINK
March 14, 2009
The Pirates split with Southern Miss. They won the first game 2-1, but despite 9 hits, lost the second game 6-3. LINK
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March 11, 2009
The Pirates split on the last day of the Pirate Clash defeating Toledo 9-0 and falling to the Hoyas 3-1. LINK
March 10, 2009
Thanks to a perfect game by Toni Paisley and a 1 hitter by Brooke Swann, the Pirates take 2 wins today in the Pirate Clash. Jessica Johnson helped spark the fire with her 5 runs batted in. LINK
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March 8, 2009
ECU takes the series from Houston for the first time since 2005 with a come from behind win. Final score 5-2!! LINK
March 7, 2009
The Pirates split today's double header with Houston winning the first game 6-2 and losing game two 3-1. LINK
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March 6, 2009
The BLOGS continue with Senior Angel Barrella. A huge thanks to Brooke Swann for allowing us to share her life for a few days. Nice job, Brooke.
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March 3, 2009
"Wednesday's East Carolina softball doubleheader against Elon has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 16, due to poor field conditions following inclement weather over the weekend. A single contest is now scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on the 16th." LINK
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February 27, 2009
The Pirates win two today at the only day of the Pirate Classic (Classic cancelled due to inclement weather) defeating Towson 9-2 and Fordham 2-1 in 10 innings. LINK
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February 25, 2009
Congratulations to the members of the Softball Team and all of the other student athletes who were recognized for their academic success tonight during the half time of the basketball game. Thanks for making us proud. LINK
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February 23, 2009
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Toni Paisley Named CUSA Pitcher-of-the-Week for the second time: LINK
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February 22, 2009
The Pirates close out the weekend with another win, this time defeating UC Riverside 3-0. Wainright and Swann combine for a 1 hitter while the offense added 8 more hits for the day. LINK
ECU wins their first game of the day thanks to 12 hits and 15 strikeouts. Pirates 8, Indiana 3. LINK
February 21, 2009
The Pirates defeated FSU 2-1. Toni Paisley won this with the help of a 2 run 5th inning and defense when it counted the most. LINK
ECU loses a close game to #4 Michigan 1-0 in a true pitchers duel. Caitlin Wainright gave up 3 hits including the game winning home run. Pirates were held to just one hit but had 0 errors. LINK
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February 18, 2009
"Equity, Finally" by Bethany Bradsher in East Magazine
A gender equity plan adopted in 2001 by ECU achieves it goal, producing better athletes and teams with winning records. Read
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February 16, 2009
Congratulations to ECU's Nancy Mize, Vice Chancellor and Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness. C-USA Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day by honoring individuals who make a difference. This year the award was presented to Nancy Mize, a true friend of softball and women's sports.
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February 15, 2009
Pirates complete the last day of the Bama Bash with a loss to #1 Alabama. LINK
Kaui Tom makes the all-tournament team. Way to step up, Kaui.
February 14, 2009
Cupid showed no love for the Pirates today as they lose to Notre Dame 2-1 and to Wisconsin 3-0. They face #1 Alabama on Sunday. LINK
February 13, 2009
On Friday the 13th, ECU softball found out just how lucky they are by defeating Wisconsin despite getting only 4 hits. LINK
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February 9, 2009
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Toni Paisley Named CUSA Pitcher-of-the-Week LINK
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February 8, 2009
ECU softball comes away with 3 wins and 1 loss as they complete their first weekend of the season taking 2 games over Middle Tenn. and splitting with UVA. LINK (Day 1) LINK (Day 2) Photo Gallery added to the recaps. Check them out!!!
From the Daily Reflector: "Pitching depth shines in ECU softball's opening day"
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February 6, 2009
2009 Season Previews:
Daily Reflector "Kee keen on starting softball campaign"
WITN-TV (just look for video for Friday, Feb. 6th) ECU opens season Saturday.
2009 East Carolina Softball Outlook Part I: LINK
2009 East Carolina Softball Outlook Part II: LINK
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February 5, 2009
Yes, the NEW SOFTBALL STADIUM is on its way! AARRGGHH!!
ECU Board of Trustees unveil plans for new facilities including SOFTBALL. Link to WNCT-TV Video
These are just conceptual drawings of new facilities subject to change.
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February 2, 2009
Today is the last blog from Teenie. They have been interesting to say the least. Thanks, Teenie, for keeping us informed and entertained. Senior Brooke Swann is next on the Blog Block!
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January 27, 2009
Another preseason poll gives ECU Softball some recognition (ESPN.COM/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25).
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January 20, 2009
Let it snow, let it snow. Greenville had 5 inches of snow. ECU had to cancel classes so some of the softball players did what was expected. They played in the snow. For some, it was their first snow. (Pictures courtesy of Brooke Swann.)
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January 20, 2009
ECU Softball continues to get national recognition as it receives votes in the preseason USA Today/NFCA Poll.
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January 16, 2009
If you have been following Teenie's Blogs, then you know today was the biggest day of the year practice wise, any way. Today was the Pirate Clash between the Skulls and the Sabers. The weather did not stop the Skulls from taking it to the house! Each team was challenged mentally, physically, and at times just for fun. At the end of the event only one team takes the title which means bragging rights for the year. And just to make sure you understand the importance of this event, I ask you to read Teenie's blog.
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January 14, 2009
ECU Softball picked second in CUSA preseason poll.
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January 13, 2009
Welcome to the newest ECU Pirate Softballers, Marina Gusman-Brown and Nicole Jordon. Marina, from Hawaii comes to ECU as a junior transfer from Eastern Arizona College. Nicole, an eastern North Carolina girl, is a junior transfer from Pitt Community College.
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January 9, 2009
Thanks to Sarah Bibee for doing her blog. It is always nice to hear from the seniors. As of today, Teenie Merrida will be blogging for awhile. You can catch her blogs by clicking her picture on the front page.
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January 8, 2009
Congratulations to Coach Tracey Kee for being inducted into her high school, St. Gertrude's High School, Sports Hall of Fame.
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December 17, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS to the ECU softball team for exceeding their team goal and earning a 3.41 GPA this semester. Your hard work is appreciated.
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December 13, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the student athletes of East Carolina University who graduated today. We are especially proud of our softball players.
December 7, 2008
East Carolina Softball players and Coach Koz ran in the fourth annual benefit run the Reindeer Dash for Cash. The event benefits the Cpt. Christopher Cash Memorial Foundation of NC which offers college scholarships.
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November 21, 2008
East Carolina Head Softball Coach Tracey Kee announced that catcher Kaiulani Clark of Kapolei, HA, and utility player Cicely Lopez of Anaheim, Ca, have signed national letters-of-intent to attend ECU and play softball with the Pirates beginning in the fall of 2009. LINK
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November 17, 2008
The East Carolina University softball staff will be conducting a 2-day coaches’ clinic January 24-25 for anyone interested in learning more about the game of softball.
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ECU Pitching Coach Keli Harrell, the record holder for strikeouts in CUSA along with several ECU records, is offering individual and group pitching lessons.
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November 12, 2008
The ECU Softball team has begun their annual food drive. All donations are welcome. Call the softball office if you would like someone to pick up your donation. The drive ends on Friday, November 21. Last year 2042 cans were donated to the local food bank.
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November 4, 2008
Blogging is back. Senior, Sarah Bibee has started us off this year. Read and enjoy.
Koaches' Korner is also back with Coach Keli Harrell sharing her adventurous 4 months in the Netherlands with all of us. I am sure you will love reading all about her time playing softball for the "TWINS".
FIND BOTH ON THE HOME PAGE.
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October 30, 2008
The 2009 softball schedule is released including 30 home games and games with 5 teams that ended the season ranked. 2009 SCHEDULE
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October 16, 2008
The ECU Softball team has been honored for it's academic work by The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) thus being named as an NFCA Academic All-America team. During the 2007-08 school year ECU compiled a 3.229 cumulative grade point average, good for 44th-place on a list of 101 NCAA Division I squads that earned the honor. LINK
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October 15, 2008
The NCAA graduation rates are in. The report was based on the number of athletes that enrolled between 1998 and 2001 and graduated within six years. ECU Softball graduation rate for this period was 79%. Eight ECU teams turned in above average graduation rates. For more information follow the link: 2008 NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Data or DAILY REFLECTOR story.
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September 26, 2008
The ECU Softball Pirates held their first Purple/Gold scrimmage of the fall season. Both freshman Caitlin Wainright and senior Brooke Swann pitched. We also got to see another new Pirate, Priscilla Velasquez in action. Next for the Pirates will be a DH Oct. 5 at Elon.
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September 20, 2008
If you were in Washington, NC, Saturday, September 20, you might have heard the sounds of softball. The ECU softball coaches with the help of their players held a clinic for 67 kids ranging from 6 to 17 years old. You can check out some more of the pictures of these future Pirates in the Photo Gallery.
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The East Carolina University softball team will hold open walk-on tryouts on Sept. 18 at the ECU softball field, starting at 5:00 p.m. LINK
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August 17, 2008
Check out A PIRATE'S TREASURE CHEST. This is a page created with fun in mind. It is all about Pirates, not just ECU Pirates. It includes games, pages for kids and teachers, pirate facts, pirate songs, and links for shopping for pirate stuff, not just ECU Pirates. So enjoy all of the links and don't forget Talk Like a Pirate Day is in September. ARRGGGHH.
2008 was the season for academic awards of all kinds:
Softball with a GPA of 3.257 is #1 Academically and is awarded C-USA Sport Academic Award for softball. (LINK)
Congratulations to Cristen Aona and Charina Sumner for being named to the Conference USA Softball All-Academic Team. (LINK)
Congratulations to
Cristen Aona, Britt Howell, Charina Sumner, and Kaui Tom for earning the
Conference USA Commissioner’s
Academic Medal during the 2007‐08 academic year. The medals are
given to those C‐USA student‐athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of
3.75 or better. The following is a complete list of the 36 medal
winners for ECU.
(LINK)
Congratulations to Jessica Johnson for being named to the PCS Phosphates All-Academic Team for 2008.
Congratulations to Erin St. Ledger for receiving the Walter and Marie Williams "Spirit of the East" Post-Eligibility Scholarship Award.
Congratulations to 12 members of the 2008 Softball team for earning the C-USA Honor Roll Award. Here is the complete list of all 192 ECU Student-Athletes who earned the award. (LINK)
July 11, 2008
ECU Softball does it again. Softball with a GPA of 3.257 is #1 Academically and is awarded C-USA Sport Academic Award for softball.
East Carolina produced four different teams with the highest GPA. Congratulations to all 4 Pirate teams. LINK:
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June 20, 2008
Pirate Softball welcomes Caitlin Wainright to the team. LINK:
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June 4, 2008
Stacey Andrews Named To NCCSIA All-State Softball Team. LINK:
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June , 2008
The Pirates' Chest feature writer Bethany Bradsher writes about the 2008 Pirate Softballers. LINK: