Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Softball Hosts Annual Diamond Club Banquet
February 04, 2018 | Cowgirl Softball
STILLWATER - The Oklahoma State softball team held its annual Diamond Club banquet, where the Cowgirls celebrate the program's achievements with alumni and fans ahead of the upcoming season.
This year's event featured guest speaker Sandy Fischer, who was returning to the Cowgirl softball program for the first time since the end of her head coaching tenure in 2001. Fischer spent 23 years in charge at OSU, and during her time as coach she won 900 games, nine conference championships and coached some of college softball's biggest names.
Overall, she oversaw the growth of 16 All-Americans, 60 first-team all-conference players and 49 first-team academic all-conference student-athletes. Three of her players - Michele Smith, Melanie Roche and Lauren Bay - all went on to compete in the Olympic Games on multiple occasions, twice capturing the gold medal.
Here's some of what Fischer and the other speakers had to say:
Sandy Fischer (Head Coach, 1979-01)
On her start as the head coach at Oklahoma State:
"When I became the head coach here, I set my expectations for these ladies sitting here. I pushed them hard and we had some great times. We didn't have anything of what these young ladies do now. When I came for my interview, there was no softball field. It was a patch of grass and the field hockey team was playing on it. We had no home games. We just played out at the airport fields and so we started literally from nothing. But what we had was a really great group of young people. Great players and great people. They were dedicated because they loved the sport of softball. I was touched by their greatness and maybe the greatness I got from other people and my role models touched them."
Her message to the crowd and the current crop of Cowgirls:
"You have moments in your life, whether you know it or not, where people change you. Take those moments where people change you - it could be your dad, your mom, your pitching coach or your best friend. You'll take those moments later on and appreciate. You have to let those moments of greatness touch you, and I think that's what's happening now. Michele Smith was here and all the others were here, but they came here because we had built that foundation. I'm so proud that we're back on track and all we have to look forward to is success. When I was here, each team had a baton and they passed it to the next team and the next team and the next. You guys are just going to pass it along and when the baton is labeled as success, it's an awesome thing. Remember who touched you and just move forward and keep going. We're passing you the baton now."
Pam Harper (1982 All-American - First Base)
Addressing the 2018 OSU softball team:
"In this room, you have the most successful team in this program's history. In 1982, we played for the AIAW National Championship. You have the most successful team in OSU history and one of the most successful coaches in the United States here. But there's one hurdle that this program hasn't cleared yet - a national championship. We're here standing with you tot tell you that you have the talent and can do it. You can go get that first Big 12 Championship for the program in some time. We believe in you. We want you to be better than us. In 1982, we had five All-Americans on our team. We were good, but we want you to be better."
OSU head coach Kenny Gajewski
On his talks with Coach Fischer:
"Coach Fischer and I were talking about the history and embracing the people who really got this thing going. She told us a great story about the volleyball team and the softball team. One of those teams was getting cut, and they ended up keeping the softball team most likely because they were winning. That's an interesting story that goes untold, but I think it's important for you all to hear. These people made it happen so we thank you, Sandy. Your contributions to us. Your history and legacy will now be seen by everyone as they walk in, as it should be. I told this group that your name should've been the first name up there, and I'm embarassed that it wasn't, but I'm going to be part of that change. I know your teams are thrilled and our kids now are thrilled. The message you gave our team today was perfect. I told the team that you and I had talked about that. We talked about being successful every day and about how broad of a term successful is. Your message was perfect. Thank you for being here and we're so happy that you're back. Now I'm going to hold you to coming back more often."
This year's event featured guest speaker Sandy Fischer, who was returning to the Cowgirl softball program for the first time since the end of her head coaching tenure in 2001. Fischer spent 23 years in charge at OSU, and during her time as coach she won 900 games, nine conference championships and coached some of college softball's biggest names.
Overall, she oversaw the growth of 16 All-Americans, 60 first-team all-conference players and 49 first-team academic all-conference student-athletes. Three of her players - Michele Smith, Melanie Roche and Lauren Bay - all went on to compete in the Olympic Games on multiple occasions, twice capturing the gold medal.
Here's some of what Fischer and the other speakers had to say:
Sandy Fischer (Head Coach, 1979-01)
On her start as the head coach at Oklahoma State:
"When I became the head coach here, I set my expectations for these ladies sitting here. I pushed them hard and we had some great times. We didn't have anything of what these young ladies do now. When I came for my interview, there was no softball field. It was a patch of grass and the field hockey team was playing on it. We had no home games. We just played out at the airport fields and so we started literally from nothing. But what we had was a really great group of young people. Great players and great people. They were dedicated because they loved the sport of softball. I was touched by their greatness and maybe the greatness I got from other people and my role models touched them."
Her message to the crowd and the current crop of Cowgirls:
"You have moments in your life, whether you know it or not, where people change you. Take those moments where people change you - it could be your dad, your mom, your pitching coach or your best friend. You'll take those moments later on and appreciate. You have to let those moments of greatness touch you, and I think that's what's happening now. Michele Smith was here and all the others were here, but they came here because we had built that foundation. I'm so proud that we're back on track and all we have to look forward to is success. When I was here, each team had a baton and they passed it to the next team and the next team and the next. You guys are just going to pass it along and when the baton is labeled as success, it's an awesome thing. Remember who touched you and just move forward and keep going. We're passing you the baton now."
Pam Harper (1982 All-American - First Base)
Addressing the 2018 OSU softball team:
"In this room, you have the most successful team in this program's history. In 1982, we played for the AIAW National Championship. You have the most successful team in OSU history and one of the most successful coaches in the United States here. But there's one hurdle that this program hasn't cleared yet - a national championship. We're here standing with you tot tell you that you have the talent and can do it. You can go get that first Big 12 Championship for the program in some time. We believe in you. We want you to be better than us. In 1982, we had five All-Americans on our team. We were good, but we want you to be better."
OSU head coach Kenny Gajewski
On his talks with Coach Fischer:
"Coach Fischer and I were talking about the history and embracing the people who really got this thing going. She told us a great story about the volleyball team and the softball team. One of those teams was getting cut, and they ended up keeping the softball team most likely because they were winning. That's an interesting story that goes untold, but I think it's important for you all to hear. These people made it happen so we thank you, Sandy. Your contributions to us. Your history and legacy will now be seen by everyone as they walk in, as it should be. I told this group that your name should've been the first name up there, and I'm embarassed that it wasn't, but I'm going to be part of that change. I know your teams are thrilled and our kids now are thrilled. The message you gave our team today was perfect. I told the team that you and I had talked about that. We talked about being successful every day and about how broad of a term successful is. Your message was perfect. Thank you for being here and we're so happy that you're back. Now I'm going to hold you to coming back more often."
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