So they just turned another gear and we were able to get it done.". The Dukes start a quartet of fourth-year juniors and a trio of fifth-year seniors. On Monday, April 25, she was named Colonial Athletic Association player of the week. 8 overall seed Missouri in the Columbia Super Regional. To say she will be missed is an overwhelming understatement. Gasso hopes she is doing everything she can to respond. Many members of our team found comfort in knowing Lauren would always be there for them on a tough day. Eat breakfast. A Warner Bros. Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. JMUs trip to the WCWS this season and her CAA Coach of the Year award also triggered several performance bonuses totaling $23,197.92. No. Be Proactive. The coaching staff said Lauren had a huge heart and a trusting soul. Whats hard this year is that were only playing 34 games. Purple ribbons were worn by not only teams, but also coaches and umpires in Tennessee softball s 7-2 win over Liberty on Wednesday. "I think we're in a pretty good place," coach John Szefc said. It seems likely LaPorte, who has won more than 81 percent of her games and taken JMU to two Super Regionals, is due for a salary bump and contract extension. 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). But as the Sooners were on their final regular-season road trip, Gasso also wanted there to be some fun for the seniors and super seniors. James Madison University said it will cancel the remainder of its softball season as the death of student athlete Lauren Bernett was ruled a suicide. Absolutely," LaPorte said. Gajewski strives for that, too. Mike Dagan, who led the Newbury Park High softball team to the 2018 CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championship, died of COVID-19 complications on Friday. "My family is three hours away, in the Northern Neck. 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. 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). 2023 James Madison University Athletics, Dukes Shut Out App State in Game One Victory, Mathis Named to 2023 TUCCI/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year Top 25 List, JMU Softball Goes Gold to Spread Awareness for Pediatric Cancer. LaPorte is a Roanoke College graduate. She hit .778 and drove in seven runs during the three-game set. LaPorte and JMU have renegotiated and extended her contract twice since she took over for Dean in 2017 on a one-year deal. The suicide of James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett has staggered the sport. James Madison's Odicci Alexander helps carry Dukes to Virginias Joanna Hardin, who is 81-144 after five years with the Cavaliers, is paid a base salary of $96,542. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and resources. 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. He also helps cover other colleges, including Radford, VMI, Roanoke, Washington and Lee and Ferrum. Bernett is the third Division-I female athlete to commit suicide in less than two months. 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. All rights reserved. Because I can tell you, the atmosphere was intense," LaPorte said with a laugh. Although JMU freshman right-handed pitcher Kylah Berry gave up two runs in the top of the first, senior first baseman Hannah Shifflett put the Dukes on the board swinging on the first pitch, homering to center field. Despite being a varsity program for fewer than 20 years, JMU Softball left no doubt that its one of the best in the nation. As difficult as the past year has been, Jubas is just relieved to be playing games again. They need professional help. No subscription is required to sign up for News-Record newsletters. We hope so, but sadly, evidence suggests she probably wont be. She died April 25 and the Western District Medical Examiners Office in Virginia told CNN Tuesday she died by suicide. Our pitchers are going to be fresh, so were not going to need to use as many.. She believes the upperclassmen have a responsibility to instill core values in the younger players. JMU went 3-0 to win the Knoxville Regional, beating Liberty and No. 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. Santa Clara High School, Ventura College, SMU Football and Professional Baseball. Terry Lee Pendleton. Practice for three hours. It just filled my heart, and I know that I have to do more things to make this more humanized than robotic.. The pitcher said she went through a low point last season but grew from the support of her teammate. Get on the field. Thats what we try to do here.. Tahj Bullock and Devin Farrell elected to enter the transfer portal with the intent of continuing their college careers elsewhere. My phones never off, he said. Like Gasso, Gajewski asked one of the athletic departments psychologists to speak to his team recently. It's about showing everybody we belong.. Factor finds time to simply sit on her couch and decompress for a while every day during the season. There was an error processing your request. Were not alone, OSU outfielder Chyenne Factor said. The word I would use to describe what they did is monumental, said Christine Prior (14), whose favorite part of the tournament was all the JMU home runs. Mickey Perry. Eat lunch. 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 'in awe' after advancing to Women's College World Shes been following the Dukes for five years now. 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. Sure, she couldve left such matters to some other coach or some other time. James Madison University cancels remainder of softball season We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. Mostly cloudy skies. Reach out just to anybody., 'Caught a little fire':The story behind OU softball players inviting opponents into postgame prayer circle. 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, James Madison University head softball coach Loren LaPorte is becoming accustomed to change. But as the Sooners were on their final regular-season road trip, Gasso also wanted there to be some fun for the seniors and super seniors. "It's just that mental approach you take with your program and not allowing them to feel like just because they're not in the Power Five they can't get it done. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Bristol eighth-grader Hayden Reed commits to Va. Tech baseball, CASEY: Hardy grandmother out $316 after buying gift cards at Walmart, CASEY: Forger cashed phony checks worth tens of thousands in undertakers name, Hokies quarterbacks Bullock, Farrell enter transfer portal, EPA cites West Virginia plant linked to Roanoke Valley reservoir contamination for release of 'forever chemical', Landowners' lawsuit against Mountain Valley Pipeline revived by U.S. Supreme Court, CASEY: The Deep State connection to Roanoke's biggest breakfast, Wife of 7-Eleven fatal shooting victim calls for deeper background checks on gun buyers, Mattel introduces first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome, Radford to buy foundry site; mayor says move is part of city's resurgence, Judge hears appeal in trailer park water cutoff case, City, state and citizens group collide over Williamson Road makeover, funding. And its just over and over and over and over again, Gasso said. 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. JMU currently lists capacity at the softball stadium at 625. I think these student-athletes are pushed and pressed, Gasso said, and they have a lot of plates that are spinning and are trying to balance everything.. It also features a team from Harrisonburg that has advanced to college softball's grandest stage for the first time. Nothing is guaranteed for anyone, Newton said. 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. Trevor Richardson met with the Cowgirls earlier this week after they returned from a road trip at Florida State. How pressure of college sports can harm athletes' mental health. I know JMU is fully committed to doing everything we can to keep Loren here as our head coach.. We wouldnt be where we are without you, head coach Loren LaPorte told the fans. The remaining game cancellations included a contest against Virginia Tuesday and a three-game league series against Elon May 6 and 7. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Share with Us. Lauren had one of the most genuine, old and trusting souls. JMU Softball coaching staff release statement on Lauren Bernett, Campus Crisis line after hours: 540-568-6552, Sentara RMH Emergency Department: 540-689-1414, Mays full moon highlights this week up in the sky, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week, Counseling Centers Additional 24/7 Emergency Information. 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. All rights reserved. LaPorte grew up in Northumberland County and her husband, Josh, is a Shenandoah Valley native from Staunton. Steve Staniland. I want to know, when things dont look right, what does that look like?. Her huge heart showed grace and kindness to everyone she ever met. You have permission to edit this article. She served an assistant coach for five years and was elevated to head coach in September of 2017. JMU finished its best-ever season with a 41-4 record. Crisis Text Linealso provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. Other resources include: The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. It was fun to watch them have fun, not related to softball. Everybody knows that my family is here. Please allow us to introduce everyone to our newest little Duke!!! It is extremely heartbreaking and alarming to see whats going on throughout the country, she said. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. In the circle, LaPorte is counting on Alexander, along with transfers Alexis Bermudez (Bethune-Cookman), Kayla Boseman (Mississippi State), and Alissa Humphrey (Jacksonville). Shortstop Sara Jubas became the first JMU softball student-athlete named a CoSIDA Academic All-American. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). It was a party atmosphere; music was thumping and giveaways included posters, pom-poms, decals and streamers. Frankly, their mental health challenges can be exacerbated because they are athletes. 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. Go to class. A fundraising campaign run during the Womens College World Series added $50,000 to the softball programs discretionary fund. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Gajewski is proactive in interacting and communicating with players. James Madison fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander is 16-1 this season, including 4-1 in the NCAA tournament. softball If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Carlson:Racing for foul balls? Bernett is the third Division-I female athlete to commit suicide in less than two months. Not only did the Dukes make it to their first Womens College World Series in program history, they advanced all the way to the semifinals. The pressures they face present distinct challenges, experts say. JMU and Georgia are the only unseeded teams in this year's Women's College World Series field.