September 13, 2005

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today presented the University of Michigan softball team with a tribute congratulating them on becoming the 2005 NCAA Women’s College World Series Champions.

“These young women are leaders on and off the field,” Granholm said. “The team truly embodies the principle of commitment and the spirit of teamwork, and their success is a wonderful reflection of both the University of Michigan and our state.”

The tribute honors the honors the 2004-2005 University of Michigan Women’s Softball Team and congratulates them on earning their championship title.

The team finished the season 65-7 and was the Big Ten Champion and Big Ten Tournament Champion before going on the beat UCLA to win its first national championship. The University of Michigan is the first team east of the Mississippi to win a Women’s College World Series championship. Among other honors and awards, four members of the team were named to the USA Elite Softball team over the summer, pitcher Jennie Ritter was named Big Ten Women Athlete of the Year, and Coach Carol Hutchins was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

September 13, 2005 Lansing, MI