The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Softball Hosts Biggest Alumnae Game To Date
September 25 | Softball
AKRON, Ohio– The University of Akron softball team hosted its 2018 Alumnae game this past weekend and welcomed back over 50 alums to Lee Jackson Field.
"Alumnae day was truly unforgettable. It was awesome sharing the field with past teammates again, as well as with Akron greats that we've all heard about, but never had the opportunity to play with," said senior captain Laura Lakins. "I loved seeing how happy everyone was when they saw former teammates, and I loved listening to their stories from when they played. It made me think about the importance of cherishing the limited time I have left wearing an Akron jersey, and reminded me how privileged I am to be a Zip."
The Zips invited all alums back to campus dating back to 1980, which was the first season of fast pitch played at Akron, to the most recent graduates from 2018. This year's alumnae game was the biggest turnout to date.
"It's great returning to the softball field to see old friends and the current team. Akron softball is a special place with good memories," said Akron Sports Hall of Famer, Dani 'Vance' Crookston, class of 1993. "Teammates for Life says it all--special bond for life"
On the day, all alumnae in attendance squared off on the field against the current 2019 Akron softball roster. Following the game, the current Zips had a chance to meet all the alums in attendance, ask questions, and learn about their times in an Akron uniform. Each student-athlete was tasked with finding an alumna who was their number and then find links of players who had a senior/freshman connection in the audience.
"I have made some of my best friends from being on the softball team and you don't realize the four years you have with them are the best years of your life until it's over. So, it was great getting to relive those moments and all the excitement of playing all over again," said former captain McKenzi Rhodes, class of 2016. "There is no better feeling being around those who are family and it's like we never skipped a beat. I told the current athletes to take it all in and enjoy the time they have with their teammates. Leave it all out on the field and enjoy every experience together, the good and the bad."
"Alumnae day was truly unforgettable. It was awesome sharing the field with past teammates again, as well as with Akron greats that we've all heard about, but never had the opportunity to play with," said senior captain Laura Lakins. "I loved seeing how happy everyone was when they saw former teammates, and I loved listening to their stories from when they played. It made me think about the importance of cherishing the limited time I have left wearing an Akron jersey, and reminded me how privileged I am to be a Zip."
The Zips invited all alums back to campus dating back to 1980, which was the first season of fast pitch played at Akron, to the most recent graduates from 2018. This year's alumnae game was the biggest turnout to date.
"It's great returning to the softball field to see old friends and the current team. Akron softball is a special place with good memories," said Akron Sports Hall of Famer, Dani 'Vance' Crookston, class of 1993. "Teammates for Life says it all--special bond for life"
On the day, all alumnae in attendance squared off on the field against the current 2019 Akron softball roster. Following the game, the current Zips had a chance to meet all the alums in attendance, ask questions, and learn about their times in an Akron uniform. Each student-athlete was tasked with finding an alumna who was their number and then find links of players who had a senior/freshman connection in the audience.
"I have made some of my best friends from being on the softball team and you don't realize the four years you have with them are the best years of your life until it's over. So, it was great getting to relive those moments and all the excitement of playing all over again," said former captain McKenzi Rhodes, class of 2016. "There is no better feeling being around those who are family and it's like we never skipped a beat. I told the current athletes to take it all in and enjoy the time they have with their teammates. Leave it all out on the field and enjoy every experience together, the good and the bad."
Players Mentioned
1B
/ Softball
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