Oklahoma State University Athletics
Michele Smith Enshrined into National Softball Hall of Fame
July 17, 2006 | Cowgirl Softball
Smith is the first person from Oklahoma State to be inducted tnto the ASA Hall of Fame.
“It is a great honor," Smith said. "There have been a lot of amazing athletes that have represented the United States in international competition. Just to be included among those names is a huge honor.
“There have been a lot of great athletes to go through Oklahoma State. I owe a lot to Sandy Fischer and Margaret Rebenar who were my coaches at the time. The training staff at OSU did a lot to help me grow as an athlete, and give me the opportunity to represent my country.”
Smith was part of the first two United States Olympic teams that captured the first two gold medals for the sport of softball in 1996 and 2000. Smith hit a combined . 125, but she was dominant on the mound with a 2-2 career record and a 0.50 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched during Olympic competition.
At Oklahoma State, Smith was a two-time All-American with a career earned run average of 0.75. She compiled a career record of 82-20 with 600 strikeouts. Her 82 career wins still ranks No. 1 in school history. Smith hit .343 in her career at OSU with 15 home runs and 87 RBIs.
Smith was part of the inaugural Women's Professional Fastpitch League that saw Smith go as the No. 2 overall pick in 1996. Smith retired from competition shortly after the 2000 Olympic Games.
She has been serving as a commentator for ESPN's coverage of the World Cup of Softball from July 13-17.
