May 3, 2006
With the Tiger softball season coming to a close, senior first baseman Joanne Loethen's poster will hang above University Field for only one more home game. Entering the stadium, one can't help but understand the unity that runs throughout this team. Even before these girls take the field, their team's posters line the stadium in unison, and Joanne's adorns the walk up to the stands. Aligned perfectly for the walk up the bleachers and toward the field, Loethen's poster hangs at just the right angle to take in both sights. Even before the crowd can hear her powerful roar lead the team's, they see number 19's form light up the field.
Finishing what will be her fourth season with the Tigers, Loethen has welcomed a new role into her career. Known throughout the Tiger sports community as the inspiration of her team, Loethen leads the girls in motivation and cheers throughout practices and game days.
"I'm sort of the mother of the team," Loethen jokes. "It's rewarding to see the team succeed and everyone embrace leadership in their own way. I just hope that I've made a positive influence on the rest of the team."
Positive only begins to describe the legacy that Loethen's established for Tiger softball. Last season Loethen became a team record-holder taking 10th place for career putouts with a startling 682. The season prior, Loethen helped the team establish second place in fielding percentage in the Big 12 Conference with her personal contribution of .989.
"It's a great accomplishment playing Division I softball, and I wouldn't trade my experience here for anything," Loethen said. "It is definitely great to see the team succeed and to be a part of that success."
Despite limited playing time this season Loethen has remained the rock of her team, welcoming every chance on the field with a positive attitude and taking pride in the abilities of her teammates.
"Our team has great players and great competitors," Loethen said. "It's a feeling of awe knowing that I have played against and with the greatest players of the game. I just know to take every opportunity that I have to play and give it my best."
As Joanne begins to prepare for the remaining home games, she reflects on her career at Mizzou.
"It's just starting to hit me. I am really going to miss it. The coaches, the team, they have really had a big impact on me. Some of my best friends are on the field with me and I've learned so much (through softball). It really is a positive program."
The Tigers have only four games remaining in the 2006 season hosting Texas Tech for a doubleheader on their home field and then traveling to Nebraska to conclude the season.
Currently tied with Iowa State for seventh in the Big 12 Conference, the Tigers will head to Oklahoma City on May 10th to begin the Big 12 Championships. "The tournament is where we need to focus. We've had our ups and downs this season. Our performance hasn't been reflecting what we are capable of but we can't focus on that. We need to focus on the rest of the season and the tournament. The Big 12 puts you in a whole new season," Loethen said.
When looking back at Missouri's 2005 Big 12 appearance, Loethen marks the team's loss to Texas as her most memorable moment.
"We rallied to play in the championship game, and even though we lost, we really fought our way through. We really performed as a unit, and that's one of the things that I love most about this team."
Loethen regards this year's team as one of particular importance to her. Despite their rough season, they still come together to give their best and enjoy the game that they have devoted so much of themselves to.
"The team unity is something that I am going to miss. This year's team is the closest team that we've had since I've been here. We have really performed as a unit and that's a rewarding thing to be able to see," Loethen said.
Although Joanne will miss being a part of the unity of her team, she will not be missing it from too far away. Recently accepted into graduate school here at Missouri, Joanne will be furthering her soon-to-be Bachelors in nutritional sciences with a Master's in exercise physiology.
As for her future plans concerning softball, Loethen is still undecided. "I am considering coaching. I would like to stay involved and it is something that I am giving a lot of thought to," Loethen said.
During her career at Missouri, Loethen has always maintained both a stellar performance on the field and in the classroom. Making the Dean's List several semesters throughout her four years, Joanne has comprised a host of academic honors in conjunction with those of athleticism. Last year Joanne was named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll. In 2004, she was also named to the Academic Big 12 second team and became a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Academic All-American. Her freshman year, Joanne received All-Big 12 second team honors.
Coming in to Missouri, Joanne had already proven to be a valuable asset to the community, graduating from Helias High School as a member of the National Honors Society and Honor Roll. All the while, Joanne helped her high school softball team make all-conference and all-district three years in a row (2000, 2001, 2002). Loethen was also named all-state her senior year of high school.
As the season comes to end, it is no doubt that Joanne's presence and contributions will be missed. She has clearly proven herself to be a vital asset. Whether it be through her numbers or through her inspirational guidance that leads the team, Loethen's career be remembered and valued at Missouri long after her poster leaves the stadium. -Written by Andrea Rivers