SCF Softball alumna, Chelsea Oglevie, makes headlines with sportsmanship heard around the nation
LAKELAND, Fla. Former State College of Florida softball standout, Chelsea Oglevie made headlines for a rare act of sportsmanship in her last collegiate appearance in the pitcher's circle. Read more here
LAKELAND, Fla. Former State College of Florida softball standout, Chelsea Oglevie made headlines with a rare act of sportsmanship in her last collegiate appearance in the pitcher's circle.
In her final appearance as a college pitcher, Oglevie had a 2-1 lead with 2-outs in the 7th inning. She was one out away from sealing her career with a win for Florida Southern College. FSC was playing against Eckerd College in the last game of the season, and for seniors on both teams it was the last game of their careers.
Eckerd re-entered an injured player as a last chance effort to win the game. Kara Oberer had left the game in the first inning with a knee injury. She was stepping up to bat with hopes of hitting it far enough to win the game and not have to sprint around the bases. Oglevie delivered the pitch and Oberer did her job, and she sent a walk-off 3-run bomb over the fence for the win. The only issue was Oberer could not make it around first base due to her injury. NCAA rules state that no one on her team, including umpires and athletic trainers may touch her (aid her for help) or she would be called out. Chelsea Oglevie and the second baseman from Florida Southern did not hesitate to rush to her aid. This meant the opposing pitcher and second baseman carried the game-winning home run hitter around the bases to end their season and for Oglevie, her career.
Eckerd Tritons won 4-2. Florida Southern College won in a different way. The seniors, teammates, families, friends, and witnesses will never forget this selfless act of sportsmanship.
The story has been picked up by ESPN.com, MLB Fan Cave, Tampa Bay Times, National Fastpitch Coaches Association and newstations all over.
Oglevie was a two-year starter for the SCF Softball team in 2011 and 2012. She was a starting pitcher, two-time Suncoast 1st Team selection, and was voted unanimously as one of the 2012 team captains. Under the leadership of Oglevie and Angie Dascoli (Kennessaw State University), the 2012 team won the Region 8 Gulf District Championship and finished in 6th place at the NJCAA National Tournament. This was only the second time SCF had qualified for the National Tournament.
"This story made me tear up instantly. The moment I heard all I kept thinking was, "This is typical Chelsea O. She is special, always has been, always will be. In the age of entitlement and selfishness we see every day, "O" always had an old soul, and a maturity about her that you just don't see every day. She is what we try to recruit and try to produce at SCF. I am beyond proud of her".
Chelsea Oglevie had a 4.0 GPA at State College of Florida where she graduated with her Associate of Arts degree before transferring to Florida Southern College. She is now graduating from FSC with her baccalaureate degree and has been accepted to University of South Florida for her graduate program.
Tampa Bay Times (front page): http://www.tampabay.com/sports/colleges/for-home-run-trot-two-teams-become-one/2177206