RADFORD, Va. – Just prior to the 2009 Big South Softball Tournament, Radford outfielder Leigh Godfrey received great news when she was selected to the Australian National Team that will participate in a pair of international tours in North American and Japan this summer.
“I was so focused on the season and getting ready for the Big South tournament, I was caught a little off guard when I read the announcement on the website,” commented Godfrey, who received the news on Monday, May 4. “I was surprised and excited at the same time. This is an accomplishment to hard work and all the help and countless hours of teaching that different coaches put into me over the years.”
The 2009 Big South Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference selection had one of the most accomplished seasons in program history. Godfrey, a Mid-Atlantic Region First-Team Selection, led the Big South and ranked in the top-seven nationally in runs scored (4th) and batting average (7th).
“It is a great honor for a player to represent her country in athletic competition,” remarked head coach Mickey Dean. “I am so happy for Leigh. Leigh is great to coach because she is one of those players that comes to practice every day with a smile on her face. Her ability to play this game is remarkable, and she only wants to get better. I look forward to seeing her play this summer.”
The Perth native broke three school records, batting average (.469), slugging percentage (.749) and on-base percentage (.503) that had held up since 1996, while averaging the most hits (1.65) and runs (1.14) per game in school history.
“Leigh’s Aussie Spirit selection was the result of a strong 2008/09 Gilley’s Shield season for Western Australia where she won the Top Batter award,” stated AIS National Squad head coach Fabian Barlow. “Leigh has backed up her performances in Australia with a tremendous offensive season for Radford and hopefully she can continue this strong form as she takes her game to the International level.”
Along with those statistics, Godfrey, who reached base safely in 48 of 51 contests this season, led the Big South in hits (84), doubles (15), steals (24) and slugging, while recording the two longest hitting streaks in school history of 18 and 15 games (current), respectively.
“Leigh is a very patient hitter who consistently puts out quality at bats, she can bunt, slap and hit for power and also has the ability and speed to steal bases,” said Barlow. “Leigh also offers versatility on defense where she can play strongly in both the outfield and infield.”
Godfrey, the first national team selection in program history, will have a busy summer after returning home to Perth this Wednesday evening. After a month of training, the team will arrive in Vancouver, B.C. on June 30 to participate in the Canada Cup.
“It’s an exciting time for the Aussie Spirit team moving forward from the Beijing Olympics and we’re hopeful Leigh can be a real highlight package for us with all the offensive tools she brings,” commented Barlow. “The tour is a great opportunity for Leigh to showcase her talents on the International stage and I’m looking forward to watching the progress she makes as the tour goes along.”
Following Canada, the Aussie Spirit will head to Oklahoma City, Okla., home of the Women’s College World Series, for the U.S. World Cup and concludes its North American tour with exhibition games in California. Then it is off to Tokyo, Japan on July 28th for the Japan Cup and exhibition games.