The Rise of the Dukes: A History of James Madison University Softball
The James Madison University (JMU) Dukes softball team has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in NCAA Division I college softball. Representing James Madison University, the team competes in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) and proudly calls Veterans Memorial Park its home field. While the program may have been a varsity sport for fewer than 20 years, JMU Softball has undeniably solidified its position among the nation's elite.
Early Success and CAA Dominance
JMU has a history of success in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The Dukes have clinched six CAA championships, achieving back-to-back victories in 2016 and 2017. The Dukes have showcased their talent and determination by securing nine appearances in the NCAA Division I softball tournament. In 2016, the university had the honor of hosting both Regionals and Super Regionals, marking a significant milestone for the program.
2021: A Historic Season
The 2021 season was a landmark year for the JMU Dukes softball team. After a dominant performance in the regular season, the Dukes entered the postseason with an impressive 34-1 record. The team's journey culminated in their first-ever appearance at the Women's College World Series (WCWS).
Road to the World Series
JMU opened postseason as the Knoxville Regional’s three seed and swept its way to Super Regionals, knocking off nationally-ranked Liberty twice and No. 9 national seed Tennessee. Continuing on the road, the Dukes defeated No.
Upsetting the Odds at the WCWS
The Dukes made a splash at the WCWS, defying expectations and making history. They advanced to the WCWS semifinals after defeating #1 Oklahoma 4-3 in eight innings and #5 Oklahoma State 2-1 in the first and second rounds of the tournament. This remarkable feat made them the first-ever unseeded team to start 2-0 in the WCWS and reach the semifinal games. The Dukes also became the first team in the CAA to participate in the WCWS. The Dukes also became the first school not from a Power Five conference to reach the Women’s College World Series since Louisiana achieved the feat in 2014.
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National Recognition
The JMU Dukes' historic run in the 2021 season earned them national recognition. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) named James Madison University the 2021 NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year. Voted by their peers, head coach Loren LaPorte and her staff take home their first national honor from the Association. LaPorte, along with associate head coach Jennifer Herzig and assistant coach Libby Morris, steered JMU to the program’s first Women’s College World Series appearance where it made history. Earning honors as the NFCA’s Northeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year, LaPorte, Herzig and Morris guided JMU to Colonial Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles. The Dukes, who lost only one regular season game, finished 41-4 and 17-1 in the CAA.
The team's success resonated far beyond the softball field. Odicci Alexander’s diving play at the plate was the No. 1 play on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Top 10. The Dukes were the lead item in the New York Times’ morning newsletter on June 4.
The Impact of the Dukes
The Dukes' remarkable journey captivated fans nationwide. Several hundred fans showed up to celebrate the team’s historic achievement in Oklahoma City. Purple-and-gold-clad fans-some of whom waited nearly two hours on an 88-degree afternoon-lined up to greet the student-athletes and coaches. “We’re super blessed to be able to be part of this,” star slugger Kate Gordon said. “It’s great to come home to this. Among the sports figures and entities tweeting about the team: the Washington Football Team, Ron Rivera, the Seattle Mariners, the Washington Nationals, Major League Baseball and Elliott Sadler. Among the singular legends publicly hopping on the bandwagon: Billie Jean King, Terrell Owens, Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Chipper Jones.
The team's success inspired a new generation of softball players and fans. "It was so cool watching them inspire so many people," said Christine Prior (’14), whose favorite part of the tournament was all the JMU home runs. "It will create a bigger fan base-both locally and across the nation." Tara Daniels, a diehard fan of the Oklahoma Sooners who lives in east Texas, showed up wearing purple, carrying a JMU sign and on a mission to get Alexander’s autograph. “They made history,” Daniels said. “I don’t call them an underdog, but everyone else does.
“They left everything on the field; Odicci, I’m in awe,” said Alger, calling the team a class act. “You have represented us so, so well. LaPorte, JMU President Jonathan R. Alger, Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne and a few softball stars all spoke at the event. It was a party atmosphere; music was thumping and giveaways included posters, pom-poms, decals and streamers.
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