Seniors look back at softball careers

By Ben Ward

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Kansas softball coach Tracy Bunge has seen her fair share of graduating seniors during her 13 years at the helm. She hasn’t seen too many like this year’s group, however.

“This group is definitely a special one,” Bunge said. “All five have made major contributions to this program in one way or another during their time here.” Third baseman Val Chapple, left fielder Stevie Crisosto, pitcher Valerie George, center fielder Dougie McCaulley, and catcher Elle Pottorf will likely play their last games in Jayhawk uniforms this weekend at the Big 12 tournament.

“They all have done so many things they can and should be proud of,” Bunge said. “During their time here they’ve been great representatives of this University.”

As their time in crimson and blue nears its end, all five took a moment to reflect on their experiences as a Jayhawk.

Val Chapple

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BIG 12 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

No. 9 Kansas vs. No. 8 Iowa State

5 p.m. Friday

ASA Hall of Fame Stadium

Oklahoma City

Perhaps the ultimate embodiment of a student athlete, Val Chapple excelled both on and off the field during her tenure at the University. Chapple, an Overland Park native, has been a rock for Kansas at third base — starting all but one game in her career. Chapple also fondly recalled winning the Big 12 Championship her freshman year.

For all her achievements on the field, Chapple has just as many in the classroom. Recognized as an academic All-American and All-Big 12 numerous times, Chapple boasts a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

“Being a student-athlete has really helped my time management,” she said. “The athletics department has a great support staff in place, and they’ve really helped me develop those skills.”

Chapple may be modest, but the University has taken notice of her dedication in the classroom. Chapple was selected by the School of Education to be a student banner carrier for this year’s commencement ceremony.

“I’m so honored to be nominated to carry the banner at graduation,” she said. “It’s a very flattering honor.”

Stevie Crisosto

After coming to Lawrence from northern California, Stevie Crisosto adjusted well to life in the Midwest.

“Having never been to Kansas before, it was different at first,” she said, “but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Still, it wasn’t all easy.

“Getting used to the weather was something else though,” she joked.

Crisosto, a Palo Cedro native, has had to make adjustments on the field as well, as she moved all over the field during her career — playing everywhere from first base to the outfield. Still, she has been productive, with her best season coming in 2007, when she started 60 games at shortstop while hitting .302.

Though she has experienced some struggles in her junior and senior seasons, Crisosto has always held her head high.

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Photo by Ryan McGeeney

Ryan McGeeney/KANSAN Senior softball players Val Chapple, 3rd baseman; Dougie McCaulley, outfielder; Valeria George, pitcher; Stevie Crisosto, shortstop; and Elle Pottorf, catcher, will play in their final Big 12 Tournament April 8 in Oklahoma City. The five seniors have had their shares of highs and lows as Jayhawks, but leave the field with positive memories.

“There were lots of highs and lows,” she said. “But it’s that experience that has prepared me for anything and everything. The struggles only make doing well more rewarding in the long run.”

Valerie George

Upon first glance, you might not place Valerie George as a big-time pitcher. But that’s just what George, a 5-foot-5 hurler, likes to hear.

“A lot of people have doubted me, being undersized as a pitcher,” she said. “I feel like I did a good job of proving them wrong.”

Over her career, George has gone from a complementary arm in the bullpen to the ace of the staff. Last season was her best in a Jayhawk uniform, as she racked up 18 victories from the circle behind a 1.96 ERA. Though this season has been somewhat of a disappointment for the team, it still contains a career highlight for George.

George’s eyes lit up when reminiscing about the team’s 5-1 upset victory against perennial softball powerhouse Arizona. George, a Tucson native, struck out eight and earned the victory in the early-season game.

“For me obviously, the hometown thing was big, but they’re always such a good team too,” she said. “It felt so good to beat them.”

Elle Pottorf

Bumps and bruises, scrapes and cuts — all in a day’s work for Elle Pottorf. As the backstop for Kansas for the past five seasons, Pottorf has endured much more than a few scratches.

After taking medical redshirt in 2006 because of shoulder surgery, Pottorf bounced back with her best offensive season, blasting nine home runs and 37 RBIs. Though a knee injury cut her 2008 season short, Pottorf found her way back to the field to catch the majority of Kansas’ games this year.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever coached a player who has fought back from so many injuries,” Bunge said.

Though she has overcome all her injuries, they seem to have made a lasting impact on Pottorf, who is currently working to become an athletic trainer. With a few years of school remaining, Pottorf is far from finished — but her athletic eligibility is.

“My five years have been a blast,” she said. “I grew up only having brothers, so it was nice to have the girls on the team to talk with and play pranks on. They are all like my sisters.”

Dougie McCaulley

Since transferring to Kansas from Odessa (Texas) Junior College before the 2007 season, Dougie McCaulley has been a fixture in the Jayhawk outfield.

“Being able to put on the KU uniform day-in and day-out has been special,” she said.

McCaulley has started every game she has appeared in and has become known for robbing opponents of a hit or two with diving catches. McCaulley, a Victorville, Calif., native, has also been a consistent hitter for Kansas, with her .375 average last year marking the sixth-best single season average in KU history.

When she isn’t roaming center field, McCaulley is an avid fan of hunting, fishing and target shooting. One day, she hopes to own her own ranch so she can continue to enjoy being outdoors.

Though McCaulley will miss being on the field, she spoke more about what being on the team has meant to her.

“The game has been such a big part of my life” she said. “But what I’ll miss most is just the relationships with my teammates. We have a little Jayhawk family with 17 sisters.”

— — Edited by Chris Horn

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