Olympic Softball Pitcher, Jennie Finch, Speaks at CU
On Monday, March 16 world-renowned softball superstar Jennie Finch will be the featured speaker at Cornerstone University at the annual Champions of Character Preseason Kick-Off.
Finch was a national champion at the University of Arizona and a gold medal Olympian on the United States Softball Team. TIME Magazine described her as the most famous softball player in history.
The event, now in its 10th year, brings together high school athletes and families from 48 local schools to hear an internationally renowned athlete speak on the importance of character in sports.
Cornerstone partnered with the OK Conference to make the event happen. Michael Riemersma, assistant athletic director at Cornerstone, has organized the event each year.
“It’s great because a lot of teams just got out of tryouts for spring sports,” said Riemersma. “They are just beginning their journey and are still coming together as a team. Our goal is to have someone who has competed at the highest level, but has done so with their character in tact.”
Past guests have included volleyball Olympian Misty May-Traenor, University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr, Detroit Pistons Rick Mahone and James Edwards.
Riemersma said that each year they try to feature a different sport. This year’s speaker may be the most popular yet.
“One of the sports we hadn’t featured was softball, and who better to represent the world of softball than Jennie Finch?” Riemersma added.
Finch is a devout Christian and travels across the country speaking to young athletes about the importance of competing without compromising personal values.
“Every year athletes from every sport can take a lot away from the speakers. In this years case, I think young women especially will be affected by her story, learning that they don’t have to compromise their values to be successful in life,” Riemersma continued. “It’s a great opportunity to listen to a high profile athlete talk about competing the right way. She’s such a great role model.”
The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Bernice Hansen Athletic Center. It is open to the public.
“At the end of the day, Cornerstone cares about promoting positive character in kids. It’s what we want to be about,” Riemersma explained.
Finch will sign autographs after she speaks.
To learn more about Cornerstone University athletics, visit cugoldeneagles.com.
