University of North Carolina Athletics
Former Star Catcher Natalie Anter To Participate on Italian Olympic Softball Team
June 11, 2003 | Softball
June 11, 2003
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - 2002 softball graduate Natalie Anter was selected to the Italian Olympic Softball Team which will compete in late June for a spot in the 2004 Olympics. Anter graduated from Carolina holding four single-season records and six career records. She is the home run leader with 34 career bombs and holds the record with 15 homers in a season. Anter also holds the record for career games played (246), games started (243), runs batted in (164), total bases (389) and walks (84).
"I am so excited about the oppurtunity to go to Athens 2004 and playing for Italy has given me an amazing experience traveling the world and gaining the respect as a top international player as well as meeting and playing with and against some of the top players in the world," said Anter. "You always dream of taking your game to the Olympic level and I hope we will qualify and I will be able to achieve my dream of playing at the Olympics."
In addition to being the career leader in six different categories, Anter was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference 50th Anniversary Softball Team after leading the Tar Heels to their first ever ACC title in 2001. Carolina went 159-88-1 in her four years and made one NCAA Tournament appearance. She is the only UNC player to earn All-ACC and All-Southeast Region for all four years.
"I'm really excited for Natalie on making the Italian Olympic Team," said head coach Donna Papa. "Competing in the Olympics was always one of her dreams and I hope that they can qualify so that she can realize that dream.
"Natalie was a great player for us. She was a tremendous catcher and a better hitter. We're really proud of her and hope the best in the upcoming qualifying rounds."
The Olympic qualifier will run from June 23-29. The teams that qualify will participate in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
