University of North Carolina Athletics
Softball Seniors Say Thanks
May 21, 2001 | Softball
May 21, 2001
When the Tar Heels were eliminated from NCAA Tournament play last weekend, four seniors wrapped up successful UNC softball careers. The quartet -- Carrie Bates, Radara McHugh, Beth Olen and Michelle Semmes -- compiled a career record of 157-79-1 at Carolina and played on squads that set a total of 10 single-season team records and two single-game marks. Members of the class rank among UNC's career leaders in nearly every offensive and defensive category. And this year, they were part of several program milestones.
Before the team touched down back in Chapel Hill after the NCAA Tournament, the seniors took a moment to reflect on their four years as Tar Heels.
Dear teammates, coaches, parents and fans,
First of all, we want to thank EVERYONE ... from our supportive teammates to our dedicated parents to the fans who have followed us over our careers.
Throughout these four years, we've played on some of the most talented teams to come through Carolina. Each team was dynamic and unique in its own way. However, this year, in our final season, we've accomplished goals we have strived for since we were freshmen but had never been able to reach. This season, for the first time in the history of the program we won the ACC Championship and competed in the NCAA Tournament.
Those of you who were unable to attend the ACC Tournament missed the sheer intensity and excitement of watching us upset our longtime rival Florida State for the championship. It was so exciting to see the team come together and play for each other.
Still riding on Cloud Nine, we receive an NCAA Tournament bid and we were off to Norman, Okla. There, we went up against some of the best teams in the nation, including the defending NCAA Champion. Although the outcome wasn't quite what we'd hoped it would be, it was exciting for all of us just to be there, knowing we were making history.
The best way to describe the events over the past couple of weeks is "surreal". This season, most of us can agree, was not our most successful. Yet it is the one that has been the most memorable and fulfilling.
Thank you to everyone for making the past four years memories to treasure.
Sincerely,
The 2001 Seniors: Carrie Bates, Radara McHugh, Beth Olen and Michelle Semmes
