Lehigh University Athletics
From Head Coach Fran Troyan
1/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Dear Softball Alumni,
As I write this letter, I'm thinking about the past, present, and future of Lehigh Softball. With respect to the past, I am reflecting on my fond memories. I am grateful for all of the Lehigh Softball alums who have made my experience, and my family's experience, at Lehigh incredibly rewarding. Right now, I am concentrating on the behind-the-scenes planning that will allow our players to meet their 2005 goals. As for the future, I am envisioning ways to solidify Lehigh's position as one of the top softball programs in the Northeast.
In 2004, we finished with a 40-17-2 record, winning our 11th Patriot League Regular Season Championship, our sixth Patriot League Tournament Championship, and competing at the University of Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament. After years of hard work, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has invited us to play in the 2005 NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Georgia. Florida State and Oklahoma (both in the College World Series) are in our pool, which says a lot about the level of competition.
As the field becomes more competitive, we find ways to increase our "edge" and look for help where we can. That's where you come in. I'm writing this letter, not only to give you team stats, but to tell you how to become even more connected to Lehigh Softball through the Lehigh Athletics Partnership. Last fiscal year, 10% of softball alumni gave gifts to the Partnership. Comparatively, this places us eighth out of 22 programs at Lehigh (second in women's sports). As a direct result of the generosity of those 10%, our program was able to fund a part-time assistant. Nevertheless, I know we can do better. We need to do better. You have never settled for anything less than the best. I want to inspire a minimum of 20% of all softball alumni to give something back to the program. A $25 contribution is just as important as a $250 contribution because it means you cared enough about your experience to give something back.
Also, if you fall into the 30 years and younger category, we need you! Most of you probably played for me. It has always been my goal to ensure that everyone associated with the program had a quality experience and that the memories you have today still remain vivid. As an alum, you are still a part of this program and can still be an agent of influence in the present and future of the softball team.
Another way to stay involved is by attending our alumni events. My goal is to see 40 alumni and friends back for our annual alumni game. Please mark April 23, 2005 on your calendars and plan on coming back for softball action that day. The alumni game will begin at 9 a.m. with a tailgate to follow. The current team has an important doubleheader against Army starting at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon.
As Lehigh University embarks on a very ambitious fund raising campaign, I am committed to inspiring the largest percentage of giving for the softball program. I would like the softball alumni to be the standard by which other alums are measured. I hope all of you will take a moment to reflect on the value of your experience while wearing the Brown and White. With the past in mind, please make your contribution today to make a difference tomorrow.
Thank you for supporting Lehigh Softball and wishing you and your family a healthy, happy, and successful 2005.
Kind regards,
Fran Troyan
