May 18, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State second baseman Kate Stake was recognized as a member of the Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Great Lakes Region Second Team Wednesday.
Stake, a senior from Buffalo Grove, Ill., paced the Redbirds in nearly every offensive category in 2005. This season, the four-year starter, who missed just one game in her career, became just the third Redbird to garner four all-league accolades under head coach Melinda Fischer's direction. Stake was named to the All-Valley First Team as a junior and senior, and received second team plaudits her first two seasons.
"Kate really fits the mold of some of the other successful softball players we've had here at Illinois State," Fischer said. "She shares a lot of the same characteristics as a Cathy Peverly, April Schermann or Heather Stella.
"She was consistent throughout the season, and her willingness and ability to hit in several spots in the order really helped us a lot this season," Fischer said. "Kate plays hard for the entire game, and gives it all she's got. She has shown tremendous dedication and commitment to ISU both on and off the field, and that's extremely commendable. She's a great example of the type of student-athlete you want to have in your program."
Stake just missed cracking the top three in the Illinois State career charts in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI and extra-base hits. Meanwhile, her 10 homers this year marked the fourth best single season effort by Redbird. She finished her senior year ranked in the top 10 in the Missouri Valley Conference in eight statistical categories, capping off her career as a member of the 2005 Valley All-Tournament Team.
On March 17, Stake had the best game of her career, claiming her place in the NCAA Records Book. She hit a home run in each of her first three at bats, tying for second all-time in the NCAA for home runs in a game, and establishing a new ISU standard. She also tied for No. 2 all-time in the NCAA for total bases in a game with 13.
The two-time team captain was as skilled off the field as she was on it during her Illinois State career. Stake, who carries a 3.70 GPA in English, received Valley scholar-athlete first team honors for the second straight season, in addition to ESPN The Magazine Academic District V First Team laurels.
Three players from Valley rival, Southern Illinois, were also recognized as member of the Great Lakes All-Region team. Pitcher Cassidy Scoggins and outfielder Krystal Stein were named to the first team, while pitcher Amy Harre joined Stake on the second team.
Designees were selected by NFCA member coaches from the Great Lakes region. The Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America teams will be announced around the beginning of June.
