North Carolina State University Athletics
Senior Captain Trio Looks to Lead Softball in '07
11/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By Brandon Yopp - Assistant Media Relations Director
Raleigh, N.C. - With three years of experience under each of their belts, seniors Jen Chamberlin, Shaina Ervin and Abbie Sims were tabbed as the captains of the 2007 NC State softball squad. Selected by a vote of their teammates, the three veterans were chosen in large part for their leadership characteristics and performance on the diamond. Each has served as a cornerstone in establishing the Wolfpack softball program as a contender.
Each will be vital to the team's success in their final season with the red and white.
"This team has never been about individuals, but these are three special players," said head coach Lisa Navas. "They are undeniably hard workers on an off the field. They push everyone on the team to want to be better."
All three leaders of the Pack played crucial roles in helping push the NC State program onto the national platform one season ago, as the Pack won 50 games, collected both the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament championships, and made the NCAA Tournament field in just its third year of existence.
"Jen, Shaina and Abbie all have different styles of leadership and play, but they are able to reach out to the entire team," said Navas. "They have a great ability to communicate well with myself and the coaching staff, as well as leading the team in crucial situations."
Currently positioned at third in ACC history for home runs with 36, Chamberlin was selected as a team co-offensive MVP last season. Her solo blast gave the Pack its first NCAA Tournament win over Princeton last year on her school record 13th bomb of the season. Chamberlin finished the year as a second-team All-ACC selection, leading the league with eight home runs against conference opponents. In 2005, Chamberlin grabbed first-team All ACC nods.
"Jen has always been a leader by example, especially on the field," said Navas. "She is someone that the other players can look up to. Off the field she communicates well with everyone."
A recipient of the team MVP award last season by a unanimous vote of her peers, Ervin's performance down the stretch was vital in the Pack's clinching a postseason bid and collecting championship hardware. Following jaw-dropping pitching performances in the ACC Tournament, Ervin grabbed all-tournament team and tournament MVP accolades. In 2006, she flat-out dominated the ACC, tossing a perfect 9-0 record against league foes. Her 1.45 ERA painted a 20-3 overall record.
"Shaina has been a quiet leader," said Navas. "She is a smart player and a student of the game. Her calm demeanor helps our other players relax and remain calm on the field, especially under tough circumstances."
An All-ACC first-team selection for the past two seasons, Sims has forever assured her position as a hallmark of the program, winning 23 games in the circle last year with a 1.78 ERA and fanning 289 batters. She led the team with a .290 batting average in the regular season and hit a career-high nine home runs, second on the team.
"Abbie contributes in all facets of the game," said Navas. "She is a born leader."
On the heels of such a successful season, Chamberlin, Ervin and Sims will look to march their team back into the hunt for championships and postseason glory. If their previous performances offer any indication of things to come, another great year could be just around the corner for the Wolfpack softball program.
The reigning ACC regular season and tournament champions will begin their quest for a repeat performance at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C., Friday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 11. The Pack will begin ACC play on Saturday, March 3, hosting Florida State in a doubleheader.
Raleigh, N.C. - With three years of experience under each of their belts, seniors Jen Chamberlin, Shaina Ervin and Abbie Sims were tabbed as the captains of the 2007 NC State softball squad. Selected by a vote of their teammates, the three veterans were chosen in large part for their leadership characteristics and performance on the diamond. Each has served as a cornerstone in establishing the Wolfpack softball program as a contender.
Each will be vital to the team's success in their final season with the red and white.
"This team has never been about individuals, but these are three special players," said head coach Lisa Navas. "They are undeniably hard workers on an off the field. They push everyone on the team to want to be better."
All three leaders of the Pack played crucial roles in helping push the NC State program onto the national platform one season ago, as the Pack won 50 games, collected both the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament championships, and made the NCAA Tournament field in just its third year of existence.
"Jen, Shaina and Abbie all have different styles of leadership and play, but they are able to reach out to the entire team," said Navas. "They have a great ability to communicate well with myself and the coaching staff, as well as leading the team in crucial situations."
Currently positioned at third in ACC history for home runs with 36, Chamberlin was selected as a team co-offensive MVP last season. Her solo blast gave the Pack its first NCAA Tournament win over Princeton last year on her school record 13th bomb of the season. Chamberlin finished the year as a second-team All-ACC selection, leading the league with eight home runs against conference opponents. In 2005, Chamberlin grabbed first-team All ACC nods.
"Jen has always been a leader by example, especially on the field," said Navas. "She is someone that the other players can look up to. Off the field she communicates well with everyone."
A recipient of the team MVP award last season by a unanimous vote of her peers, Ervin's performance down the stretch was vital in the Pack's clinching a postseason bid and collecting championship hardware. Following jaw-dropping pitching performances in the ACC Tournament, Ervin grabbed all-tournament team and tournament MVP accolades. In 2006, she flat-out dominated the ACC, tossing a perfect 9-0 record against league foes. Her 1.45 ERA painted a 20-3 overall record.
"Shaina has been a quiet leader," said Navas. "She is a smart player and a student of the game. Her calm demeanor helps our other players relax and remain calm on the field, especially under tough circumstances."
An All-ACC first-team selection for the past two seasons, Sims has forever assured her position as a hallmark of the program, winning 23 games in the circle last year with a 1.78 ERA and fanning 289 batters. She led the team with a .290 batting average in the regular season and hit a career-high nine home runs, second on the team.
"Abbie contributes in all facets of the game," said Navas. "She is a born leader."
On the heels of such a successful season, Chamberlin, Ervin and Sims will look to march their team back into the hunt for championships and postseason glory. If their previous performances offer any indication of things to come, another great year could be just around the corner for the Wolfpack softball program.
The reigning ACC regular season and tournament champions will begin their quest for a repeat performance at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C., Friday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 11. The Pack will begin ACC play on Saturday, March 3, hosting Florida State in a doubleheader.
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