The Woodlands celebrates state, national softball champions

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands hosted "America's Hometown Celebrates America's #1 Softball Team" in honor of The Woodlands High School Lady Highlander 2011 Varsity Softball Team's class 5A State Championship and #1 National Ranking by Powerade FAB 50 ESPN Rise. The celebration took place Monday at Market Street's Central Park.

Speakers included Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township; Dr. Don Stockton, Conroe ISD Superintendent; Gregg Colschen, Principal of The Woodlands High School; Susan Vreeland-Wendt, Director of Marketing for The Woodlands Development Company; and The Woodlands High School softball coach Richard Jorgensen along with seniors Brooke Riemann and Kelsey Jolly.

An autograph session followed with the players signing for the long line of fans.

The event was produced by Market Street – The Woodlands, The Woodlands Development Company and The Woodlands High School Fastpitch Softball Booster Club.

Riemann thanked the community for its support of the team throughout the season.

“We appreciate you all for coming to our games, especially the Rightfield Rebels, who traveled so much this year,” the senior third baseman said. “They went to all of our games. A lot of them went to state games.

“It’s just a great honor, especially in our senior year. We couldn’t have asked for better coaches, better teammates, everyone in our school. I see my teachers out here, thank you guys so much, we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.”

Jolly thanked the junior varsity for their help in practice throughout the season.

“We want to give a big shout-out to them because they helped us get better,” Jolly said.

She also thanked her parents for their support as well.

“I know my mom is tired of packing coolers of snacks and drinks, so thank you mom,” she said.

She, like Riemann, made it a point to thank the community.

“Thanks to The Woodlands for just being supportive and coming out here tonight and it makes us feel really good to know that we have everyone’s support.”

Jorgensen said that a 44-1 season, which included a state and national championship, still hasn’t quite sunken in yet.
“I came back and had camp this week,” Jorgensen said. “But yeah, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. It’s unbelievable what these girls have accomplished.

“ESPN came out (to the celebration) and said that this perhaps could be the best team in the history of the state.

“What they accomplished, the schedule they played, the stolen bases we had. We looked it up (that day) we had 142 stolen bases, shattered a record. Jorgensen said the old record was somewhere around 70.

“We batted right at .400. We had seven girls in the lineup hit over-.400. We outscored our opponents in district 135-3. On the season we outscored them 405-60. What they did was just unbelievable. I couldn’t be more proud.

“Softball aside, they’re wonderful kids. So I’m very fortunate.”

Also at the celebration, it was announced that junior pitcher Paige McDuffee had been named 2010-11 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

Nancy Laroche, manager of sports and event marketing for Gatorade, presented to trophy to McDuffee.

“I thrilled to celebrate with The Woodlands community and the Highlanders softball team on their state championship and the No. 1-ranking in the country,” Laroche said.

She explained the criteria by which players are chosen wasn’t solely from accomplishments on the playing field.

“By the very best, we look further than athletic achievement,” Laroche said. “We look for candidates that demonstrate academic achievement and exemplary character.”

Surprised by the announcement, McDuffee was practically speechless.

“I’m really excited,” McDuffee said.

She thanked the community for its support and of course her teammates for their support of her in the circle.

“You all have been amazing,” McDuffee said of her teammates. “I couldn’t have done it without you all.”

Gatorade will fly McDuffee and her parents to Hollywood, Calif., next month, to join the 11 other Gatorade National Players of the Year where at a dinner one male and one female will be chosen Gatorade Athlete of the Year.