Cornell University Softball: A Tradition of Excellence

Introduction

Cornell University softball is a highly successful NCAA Division I program that has consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. The Big Red have won 12 Ivy League championships and made 23 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including three trips to the Women’s College World Series.

History

Cornell University softball was founded in 1973 and has been a varsity sport since 1981. The team’s first head coach was Lois Janson, who led the Big Red to their first Ivy League championship in 1986.

Under the leadership of current head coach Lisa Smith, the Big Red have enjoyed a sustained period of success. Smith has led the team to eight Ivy League championships and 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Facilities

Cornell University softball plays its home games at Niemand*Robison Field, which is located on campus. The stadium has a seating capacity of 1,000 and features a state-of-the-art scoreboard and video board.

Players

The Cornell University softball team has produced a number of talented players over the years. Some of the most notable players in program history include:

• Lisa Fernandez: A two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time NCAA Player of the Year.
• Jaime Wohlbach: A two-time All-American and the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2005.
• Kotoko Kurachi: A two-time All-American and the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year in 2019.

Rivalries

The Cornell University softball team has a number of rivalries with other top teams in the Northeast. Some of the Big Red’s most notable rivals include:

• Princeton University: The Tigers are Cornell’s biggest rival and the two teams have played each other more than 100 times.
• Harvard University: The Crimson are another long-time rival of Cornell and the two teams have met in the Ivy League championship game on several occasions.
• Yale University: The Bulldogs are a rising power in the Ivy League and have been a frequent opponent of Cornell in recent years.

Tradition

The Cornell University softball team has a number of traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Some of the team’s most notable traditions include:

• The “Cornell Softball Song”: The team’s traditional fight song is “The Big Red Song.”
• The “Cornell Softball Pledge”: The team’s players recite the “Cornell Softball Pledge” before every game.
• The “Cornell Softball Wall”: The team’s locker room features a wall with the names of every player who has ever played for the Big Red.

Future

The future of Cornell University softball is bright. The Big Red have a talented team and a strong coaching staff. The team is poised to make another run at the Ivy League championship and the NCAA Tournament.

Appendix

Table 1: Cornell University Softball Ivy League Championships

Table 2: Cornell University Softball NCAA Tournament Appearances

Table 3: Cornell University Softball All-Americans

Table 4: Cornell University Softball Ivy League Players of the Year