DePaul University Athletics
Amber Patton: sports blog June 3
6/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
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| Hey all, This will be my last blog as a senior member of the DePaul Softball Team. It is hard to believe my playing days at DePaul are over. I am filled with mixed emotions. I am disappointed we did not advance to the Super Regional this year, and I am disappointed that my career is finished at DePaul. Yet, I am both excited and honored to be playing for the Chicago Bandits and participating in the selection camp for the USA National Team this summer. Like every season, this year was a roller coaster of wins and losses, untimely hitting, timely hitting, miscues in the field, and some great plays. Then again, that is the make-up of the game of softball. This year also included Eug winning his 1000th win, which I am proud to have witnessed. I am so thankful I selected DePaul for my collegiate career. The coaching staff and my teammates over the last four years have made me a better softball player and person. They have enriched my life to an extent that is difficult to accurately explain. I am thankful we made it to the Women’s College World Series in 2007 and that we were a powerhouse in the BIG EAST Conference during my career. I want to thank all of you that supported me for the 2009 Lowes Class Softball Player of the Year. I am honored to have been included in this process with all of the other outstanding senior athletes, but most of all, I am humbled by those that took time to support me. As a Division I student athlete, I do not have the ability to individually coordinate a very hectic schedule of practice, academics, and travel and game schedules. With that said, I would like to thank Jeanne Lenti Ponsetto and her staff that included direct support from Kathryn Statz, Kate O’Brien, Bryce Karasiak and Tim Lang (strength and conditioning coach for my freshman and sophomore years). Thanks to Mike Lenti and the Seal’s Crew for always having our field in excellent condition. Thanks to Alicia for the media exposure I have received during my career. She has done an astonishing job of getting my teammates and I the recognition on a national level. To my coaches, Eug, Cat Osterman, Sam Findlay and Lindsey Chouinard (coached at DePaul for my freshman and sophomore years). Thank you so very much for sharing your love of the game, which carried over to me and made me a better player and person. To Liz Jagielski, my slapping coach. Your experience as a student athlete and All-American at DePaul, and your willingness to share your knowledge of the game has been an invaluable asset for my career. Thank you so much. The athletes are always in the spotlight; however, the number of DePaul “family” members behind the scenes is incredible, and I’m very happy and honored to be apart of that “family”. I also would like to thank Corky for his untiring support of DePaul Softball. You truly are our number one fan! Thank you for everything! To my “Chicago parents”, Frank and Kim Lenti, you have always been there for me, and I really could not have gotten through this without the both of you. Last but not least, thanks to my biggest fans, my family who experienced the ups and downs with me, gave me advice to consider, and at the same time, never told me what to do. You are the greatest fans that anyone could ask for, and I love you all! I will remember these four years as the four years that I received an incredible education from one of the best universities in the country, for making life-long friends, and for becoming a member of the DePaul family forever. As I sign off, I want to request your continued support of DePaul Softball and be sure you come out to watch the Chicago Bandits! When you do come out to support the Bandits, make sure to say hi! My best always and thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart. Amber Patton |
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