OSHKOSH - Brodhead alum Ronessa Stampfli capped a standout softball career at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, living a dream and pitching to the Dream Team that is the USA Olympic softball team.
The "Bound 4 Beijing Tour" stopped by Stevens Point on June 17 and Team USA slugged its way to a 20-1 win over the Midwest All-Stars, which included college softball players from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Stampfli, a first team All-American and a four-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, pitched two innings and gave up one earned run on five hits, while striking out one and walking one.
"I can't even believe I shared the field with those players," Stampfli said. "They are the best players in the world. That was definitely the highlight of my career. Nothing will top that. I will never have that opportunity again."
Stampfli, who ranks seventh in NCAA Division III history in strikeouts with 1,019, was the only Midwest All-Stars pitcher to record a strikeout against Team USA.
Stampfli posted a 19-4 record with a 1.28 ERA and had two saves for UW-Oshkosh. She tossed 20 complete games and pitched seven shutouts. She struck out 262 and walked just 21 in 164 1/3 innings.
"I was extremely nervous all day," she said about her pitching matchup with the Olympic softball team. "At dinner, I was just shaking. I took the mound and it felt like any other game."
Stampfli aims to go pro
Stampfli has three more semesters to complete her art education degree, but her college softball eligibility has expired.
"It's extremely sad," she said.
The Titans' regional championship loss to the Blugolds for the second straight year still stings.
"They (Eau Claire) have been a thorn in our side the last four years now," Stampfli said.
Stampfli is not ready to slam the door on her softball career. She plans to train and pitch in the spring to try out for the Rockford Thunder.
"I would like to give a shot at pro ball," Stampfli said.
The "Bound 4 Beijing Tour" stopped by Stevens Point on June 17 and Team USA slugged its way to a 20-1 win over the Midwest All-Stars, which included college softball players from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Stampfli, a first team All-American and a four-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, pitched two innings and gave up one earned run on five hits, while striking out one and walking one.
"I can't even believe I shared the field with those players," Stampfli said. "They are the best players in the world. That was definitely the highlight of my career. Nothing will top that. I will never have that opportunity again."
Stampfli, who ranks seventh in NCAA Division III history in strikeouts with 1,019, was the only Midwest All-Stars pitcher to record a strikeout against Team USA.
Stampfli posted a 19-4 record with a 1.28 ERA and had two saves for UW-Oshkosh. She tossed 20 complete games and pitched seven shutouts. She struck out 262 and walked just 21 in 164 1/3 innings.
"I was extremely nervous all day," she said about her pitching matchup with the Olympic softball team. "At dinner, I was just shaking. I took the mound and it felt like any other game."
Stampfli aims to go pro
Stampfli has three more semesters to complete her art education degree, but her college softball eligibility has expired.
"It's extremely sad," she said.
The Titans' regional championship loss to the Blugolds for the second straight year still stings.
"They (Eau Claire) have been a thorn in our side the last four years now," Stampfli said.
Stampfli is not ready to slam the door on her softball career. She plans to train and pitch in the spring to try out for the Rockford Thunder.
"I would like to give a shot at pro ball," Stampfli said.
