Sign up now for daily updates sent to your inbox, JMU softball team cancels remainder of season following Lauren Bernett's death, suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett. "Pretty remarkable," LaPorte, 35, said. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today. Those moments include Wednesday's ESPN shoot, when the Dukes will get to flex in front of the cameras for those teases that will run during the game telecasts. Lots of times, that has nothing to do with softball. Thats why Gasso wanted to do that webinar Wednesday evening. Softball Sign up to stay up to date with our daily headlines. Go to a night class or work on homework. After serving as a Roanoke assistant, LaPorte was hired by then-Radford coach Mickey Dean in 2009 to be an assistant with the Highlanders. person will not be tolerated. CNN values It also was the first time since 2012 that a non-seeded team played in Oklahoma City, as JMU and Georgia joined the 2012 LSU and South Florida squads. First was Stanford soccer goalie Katie Meyer on March 1. 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. Thats the sad part.. Crisis Text Linealso provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. The pitcher said she went through a low point last season but grew from the support of her teammate. Gajewski is proactive in interacting and communicating with players. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. Go to class. They need professional help. [4] They then went on to beat #8 Mizzou on the road in the best-of-three series in Columbia, Missouri.[5]. So they just turned another gear and we were able to get it done.". LaPorte said JMU also provides the Dukes with everything they need to make James Madison a dynastic powerhouse. Other resources include: The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. And we have to work in order to compete with the Power Fives.". 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. James Madison University Softball Player Lauren Bernett Dies A cause of death has not been revealed By NBC Sports Staff Published April 26, 2022 Updated Work out. With the exception of 2020, when COVID canceled most She served an assistant coach for five years and was Web43K Followers, 192 Following, 1,392 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from JMU Softball (@jmusoftball) She was serving as a panelist on mental health in athletics. HARRISONBURG, Va.Its not a stretch to say the JMU Softball program captured the hearts and attention of sports fansand non-sports fans alikeacross the nation during the past several days. The Dukes start a quartet of fourth-year juniors and a trio of fifth-year seniors. Their mental health is poor, and their outlook is bleak. That made Gasso think about the daily routine of her players. She believes the upperclassmen have a responsibility to instill core values in the younger players. The Dukes became the first team in the CAA to participate in the WCWS. James Madison University announced Monday it canceled the remainder of the softball season after the death of Lauren Bernett. She led the Sooners in an activity where they split into small groups and shared how they were feeling. STANFORD, CA - MARCH 3:A bouquet of flowers lies at the base of a flagpole outside Maloney Field at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium where at Stanford University soccer players practiced in Stanford, Calif., on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Because I can tell you, the atmosphere was intense," LaPorte said with a laugh. 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). 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. Santa Clara High School, Ventura College, SMU Football and Professional Baseball. 0:29. "Our team doesn't get to do that a whole lot," LaPorte said. 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. Were not alone, OSU outfielder Chyenne Factor said. The James Madison softball team is the first Virginia team to make the Women's College World Series in 13 years. He also helps cover other colleges, including Radford, VMI, Roanoke, Washington and Lee and Ferrum. It was fun to watch them have fun, not related to softball. Share with Us. JMU Softball coaching staff release statement on Lauren Bernett. She and her husband Josh also have a son, Holden, born in 2015. "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! We hope so, but sadly, evidence suggests she probably wont be. You have permission to edit this article. 11:56 PM EDT, Tue May 3, 2022. Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Clemson and West Virginia were also in the mix when it came to the youngster. Ive been shaken, the OU softball coach said. They also became the first-ever unseeded team to start 2-0 at the event and the first such squad to reach the WCWS semifinals. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Terry Lee Pendleton. I think its just finding joy in the small, little things, OSU ace Kelly Maxwell said. Even intrasquad scrimmages can be as intense as a championship game. Dubbed "Coaches + Mental Health: Creating Mentally Well Spaces in College Athletics," the webinar Wednesday evening was hosted by OU. Just trying to take in every moment.". She hit .778 and drove in seven runs during the three-game set. SEASON CANCELED:JMU softball team cancels remainder of 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. Sometimes, I feel like I cant breathe.. Having that family close by is very, very important for me and my husband and my two kids.. Thats on par with some Power Five conference programs, but softball salaries can vary drastically. I want to know, when things dont look right, what does that look like?. The Dukes then took care of No. JMU sophomore Lauren Bernett, a catcher with the softball team and part of the Women's College World Series last year, has died. But as Newton points out, thats an approach every player should take even in ordinary circumstances. LaPorte is a Roanoke College graduate. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Smack. Her huge heart showed grace and kindness to everyone she ever met. 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.. It was moderated by folks from the psychological resources office in the athletic department. But as she listened to her players talk during Christensens session with them, Gasso had a realization. You can cancel at any time. She had dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and was trusted by animals in the same way she was trusted by the people in her life. We will have those discussions, JMU athletic director Jeff Bourne said. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It's not just about getting here. LaPorte was known as Loren Messick when she played shortstop for Roanoke College. Eat lunch. Whiff. They have fun winning they love to win but it was fun to see them having fun in another space. 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. Softball Coaches - James Madison University Athletics JMU has won 26 straight games, including three consecutive wins over No. But (Mickey) taught me the strategy, what happens in this situation, a pitchers patterns, little stuff you dont think of as a player. The team participates in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and plays home games in Veterans Memorial Park. She worked primarily with the infielders until becoming head coach prior to the 2018 season, after Dean took over the Auburn program. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. Additionally, JMU is evaluating potential improvements to Veterans Memorial Park, including enhanced lighting and additional seating, which could make it easier for the Dukes to host Regional and Super Regional games in the future. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. As an institution, were going to publicly acknowledge and use the energy thats been created by our softball program to benefit and showcase the entire university, Bourne said. Herzig is in her 10th season with the JMU softball program. The suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett has staggered the sport. Students and faculty were shocked to hear of the death of Katie Meyer, a student and standout soccer player for the university on Wednesday. Spontaneous J-M-U chants broke out as the bus approached and players got off. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Purple ribbons were worn by not only teams, but also coaches and umpires in Tennessee softball s 7-2 win over Liberty on Wednesday. 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. But sometimes players get to the point where even that doesnt move the needle. Softball The James Madison softball team beat Missouri on Sunday to earn a berth in the Women's College World Series for the first time. Newbury Park High softball coach dies of COVID-19 complications Boseman went 2-4 with 13 strikeouts in 24.2 innings last season, while Bermudez finished 6-1 with a shutout. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. OPINION: Morgan will be 22 forever. 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. Some student-athletes came out to support their peers, including a handful of football Dukes. There was an error processing your request. Wake up. Google searches for James Madison University increased more than 1,000% from May 31 to June 6. Dubbed "Coaches + Mental Health: Creating Mentally Well Spaces in College Athletics," the webinar Wednesday evening was hosted by OU. Bourne said campus wide, the school is working to capitalize on the exposure that has come from national television coverage of this springs postseason runs by the softball, lacrosse and football teams. JMU was selected as the favorite to win the realigned South Division in the CAAs preseason poll, garnering seven first-place votes to total 25 points. 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. Then, Bernett. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. We are so proud of you., Last Updated: Wednesday, February 8, 2023, run to the Womens College World Series national semifinals. Oklahoma softball head coach Patty Gasso discusses suicides among student athletes across the country. The Cowgirls coach has a 24-7 open-door policy. They received votes in the NFCA Preseason Coachs Poll and ESPN.COM/USA Softball Preseason Poll. "She learned from sitting in the dugout," LaPorte said. It was something our team and us as a staff had never experienced, but we had to go with it, LaPorte recalled. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. The Dukes had gone to four-straight NCAA tournaments and, just a year prior, had hosted a Super Regional. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Were Accused of Wearing Blackface. Now They We dont have much time throughout the day but we can celebrate the joyful things and the small things.. Elkton native Mickey Dean, who preceded LaPorte at JMU, left the Dukes after the 2017 season for a $250,000 salary at Auburn. Our pitchers are going to be fresh, so were not going to need to use as many.. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Please subscribe to keep reading. Yes, this was a big week for her and her Sooners. It is the first time since 2012 that any unseeded teams have reached Oklahoma City. We absolutely love yall.. The forward averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 25.8 minutes as a senior this year. She allowed two runs in four-plus innings. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze on April 13, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. softball Then, Christensen asked if any of the players wanted to share with everyone. The James Madison Dukes softball team represents James Madison University in NCAA Division I college softball. Maybe. Offensively, were pretty strong one through nine, LaPorte said. How Oklahoma State softball has upped its competitiveness, What was it like facing OU softball star Jordy Bahl in high school? Look at video. 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. The team includes freshman Meredith Wells, a Lord Botetourt graduate who made three appearances in April. Really sad, OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said earlier this week as tears welled in his eyes. The mound time is going to be limited. Bernett is the third Division-I female athlete to commit suicide in less than two months. It will create a bigger fan baseboth locally and across the nation. 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. Get our top 10 stories from the past week delivered every Saturday morning. We cant overstate how appreciative we are as you have reached out to us and continued to honor Lauren and her memory. Smack. No subscription is required to sign up for News-Record newsletters. CNNs David Close contributed to this report. Thousand Oaks High School Softball Coach and Athletic Director. It was fun to watch them have fun, not related to softball. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. Jubas is one of 14 returning letterwinners this season, along with Gordon, outfielder Logan Newton, and pitcher/infielder Odicci Alexander. 9 overall Tennessee and 43-win Liberty to come out of the Knoxville regional unscathed. Go to a night class or work on homework. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The following statement has been issued from the James Madison Softball coaching staff regarding the untimely death of catcher and sophomore Lauren Bernett: Finding the words to describe what our team is going through right now feels nearly impossible. 'Close your eyes and swing', The story behind OU softball players inviting opponents into postgame prayer circle, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett has staggered the sport. 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. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. Fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander, who earned third-team All-America honors in 2018 and 2019, has gone 4-1 with one save in this year's NCAA tournament. Read "True Grit" here. 8/4/2022 12:00:00 PM. When Dean left Radford to become JMUs coach in the summer of 2012, he brought LaPorte with him. On July 31, 2012, LaPorte was announced as an assistant coach of the James Madison softball program. James Madison softball head coach Loren LaPorte and the senior members of the team thank fans in Harrisonburg Tuesday during a ceremony welcoming them "My family is three hours away, in the Northern Neck. "We are so excited to be adding them to the JMU Softball family," said LaPorte. While that decision was due to the ongoing concerns of the pandemic, it also affords LaPorte the luxury of staying close to her family and watching her infant daughter grow. So I'm not really concerned with the Power Five and all that.". Call (800) 950-NAMI (6264), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email info@nami.org. She wasnt talking strategy with assistants or watching film of opponents. JMU currently lists capacity at the softball stadium at 625. Discovery Company. But sometimes players get to the point where even that doesnt move the needle.