Bulldog Softball: The Olympic Connection

Fresno State softball was well represented at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., as the United States of America captured the gold medal in softball's official Olympic debut in Columbus. Six Bulldogs represented Team USA (the most representatives on the USA National team by any college or university) and one Bulldog represented Team Puerto Rico.

Head coach Margie Wright, who served as the USA assistant coach responsible for the pitchers and catchers, was joined on the 1996 USA Olympic Softball Team with Bulldog greats Laura Berg, Kim Maher, Julie Smith, Shelly Stokes, and Martha Noffsinger-O'Kelley, while Lisa Mize pitched for the Puerto Rico National Team.

Team USA captured the gold medal after recording a 3-1 win over China and posting an overall Olympic record of 8-1.

Last Fall, the 2000 USA Olympic Softball Team was announced on Labor Day. Fresno State had two Bulldogs, who were Olympic gold medalists four years ago, make the USA National Team in Berg and Stokes. The 2000 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Sydney, Australia.

Fresno State Softball Olympians

1996 Summer Olympic Games - Atlanta, Ga.Player                       Country          MedalLaura Berg, CF               United States    GoldKim Maher, LF                United States    GoldLisa Mize, RHP               Puerto Rico       --Martha Noffsinger-O'Kelley*  United States    GoldJulie Smith, 2B              United States    GoldShelly Stokes, C             United States    GoldMargie Wright, Asst. Coach   United States    Gold

2000 Summer Olympic Games - Sydney, AustraliaPlayer                       CountryLaura Berg, CF               United StatesShelly Stokes, C*            United States
* denotes alternate

Fresno State Athletics

Bulldog Softball: The Olympic Connection

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