A Team of the Pitch: Pacific Softball
With 34 games on the year, Pacific Softball is sure to find success!
At the University of the Pacific, the softball team has long been known for being fiercely competitive, ready for any challenge, and a threat never to be overlooked. This year is no different. If anything, the team has higher expectations than ever, returning many veteran players and with a roster hungry for success. The team chemistry is pipping, which was a focus in the prior off-season and has been a strong foundation for the team thus far. Beyond this, the team has put in the work; conditioning hard, and coming together on and off of the field. Now mid-season, the softball team has seen highs and lows but refuses to lose sight of their prowess and goals.
With a slate of 34 games, the Tigers knew the season was going to be nothing short of riveting, while also having its challenges. One of these such challenges is their long season, as softball began play in early February and does not conclude until the first week of May, with national tournaments spanning the rest of the month. Thus far into the year, the team has been a pack of road warriors, traveling to California State Fullerton to open the season, a tournament at California State University, Northridge, the Libby Matson Tournament, and at the beginning of March, the Grand Canyon Tournament. Among some tight losses, the team has also found key wins, defeating opponents such as, but not limited to: Toledo, California State, Bakersfield, and Portland State. Looking to build on their early success and learn from their losses, the Tigers begin West Coast Conference (WCC) play on April 12th, in Moraga, California, versus Saint Mary’s.
Compounding the efforts and work ethic of the team in the off-season is the presence of multiple senior veterans. Their experience and perspectives will no doubt lead the team to continued success, as they look to build on their already successful careers. One such veteran is Rian Dirmeyer, from Phoenix, Arizona. Dirmeyer started all 40 games last season, her junior year, and is a pinnacle of the Pacific softball team. Turning the page to this year, Dirmeyer says that her personal goal for the team is “to foster a positive and supportive team environment,” adding that “fostering strong bonds among teammates not only enhances our performance on the field but also contributes to our overall enjoyment of the game.”
Reflecting on her time at Pacific, Dirmeyer said she most enjoys “the moments of unity and celebration after a great play or tough win, these moments reaffirm the bonds we forged and make all the hard work and dedication worthwhile.” She also added “This team has also given some valuable lessons in leadership, accountability, communication, and above all resilience. I will forever be grateful for my time spent and memories made in this program.” On this note of thanks, Dirmeyer cited all three members of the Softball coaching staff and also shouted out the team’s athletic trainer, Stephanie Nguyen, and lifting coach, Joe Sarcos.
Speaking of the phenomenal coaching staff at Pacific, Head Coach Brian Kolze has been at the helm for 31 years. He boasts an all-time record of 807-761-2, which places him at 28th among active National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I coaches. Kolze says that the team’s “goal of success is always a conference championship or advancing to the postseason,” also including the requirement “of a positive experience for the student-athlete as we cannot win every day.” Answering the question of what makes Pacific softball unique, Kolze cites the academic component as crucial to consider. He says, “When we recruit individuals to play softball at Pacific, they are told they can study what they want and WE as a program will work around it. There are less than a handful of softball programs in the country that can state this fact.”
Further cementing what the program and Pacific Athletics hold to be true, he added that “softball contributes to the athletic culture in many ways,” saying “our athletes are involved in the entire athletic community in that we attend and support other programs, we are involved in the campus community, and we are visible with our outreach in the local and Stockton community.” If one needs any more of a reason to come out to a Softball game, Coach Kolze also said that his favorite part of the gameday atmosphere is “the energy.” He says, “You can feel the energy on game day from when they start to show up for pregame warm-up to the first pitch.”
You too can experience this renowned game day atmosphere. With many more games to come, make sure to catch one of Pacific’s teams on the pitch at home, specifically their matchups against conference foes San Diego and Santa Clara on the weekends of April 20th and May 3rd, respectively. The Pacific Softball team will be sure to have you rocking in your seat!