UND holds softball clinic at Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sharida Jackson
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Tired eyes, bells ringing and reclusiveness are some things you might encounter at the start of a school day, but smiles, excitement and admiration are what filled Ramstein High School (RHS) gymnasium Oct. 21, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Armed Forces Entertainment sponsored a University of Notre Dame (UND) softball team visit to Ramstein during the team's 10-day European tour, which is part of the sports program's outreach and continued support to the U.S. Armed Forces.

At RHS, UND players conducted a meet-and-greet and answered questions from students and members of the RHS Royals varsity softball team.

"I really enjoyed the meet-and-greet," said Maleece Wallace, RHS senior and outfielder for the Royals varsity softball team. "They gave us pointers and were very encouraging."

Following the question and answer session, UND players held a softball clinic. The UND coaching staff and select UND players instructed during the clinic, which consisted of four instructional sessions; --two defensive and two offensive skills periods.

"I like that we had a top college softball team come to help us," said Jillian Holmes, RHS senior and outfielder for the Royals varsity softball team. "I think it's very nice of them to take time out of their schedule for us."

UND players posed for photos, handed out sports memorabilia and signed autographs prior to departing the high schools. 

Wrapping up the base visit, the UND players faced off against the Ramstein Air Base Lady Rams softball team in a scrimmage at the Southside Fitness Center. The Lady Rams defeated the UND softball team by a score of 11-7.

The Lady Rams and UND players shook hands and exchanged high-fives while thanking each other for the opportunity to engage in the softball competition.

As their tour comes to an end, the UND softball team heads home to wrap up their fall break and prepare for the upcoming softball season.