NEW HAVEN, Conn. –
In unprecedented times, Yale University Athletics is rallying together as One Bulldog Nation. While the health and safety of everyone must be at the forefront of every decision, Yale Athletics celebrates the outstanding accomplishments that our winter postseason-qualifying teams and spring programs have made this season. Next up, softball.
It didn't take long for the Class of 2020 to make its mark on the Yale softball program. In 2017, as first years,
Mary Baumann, Lindsay Kuss, Annie Tarte, Olivia Vinyard and
Giovy Webb helped lead Yale to its most overall victories in nearly a decade. In addition, the Bulldogs were in contention for the Ivy League title until the final day of the regular season.
Their contributions, both on and off the field, have only grown since, and this spring, as seniors, they were poised to make another run at a league championship before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 public health threat.
"These five have been so special for this program. I believe that the legacy this class has left is greater than we can even feel right now. Their work ethic, their love for the game, their flat-out commitment to Yale Softball will be tough for any class to match in the future," said head coach
Jen Goodwin. "They were such a cohesive class from their very first time together. They wanted nothing but the best for this program, no matter what it took.
"When they arrived at Yale, their first season with us was the best the program had seen in almost 10 years. We were a win away from playing for the championship. Their senior year was going to be the best yet. Although it was cut short, they are doing what every class should reach to do, to 'leave the program better than they found it.' This team has been so fun to coach. I'm sad that we will miss making more memories with them all on the field. I know they will be active and engaged alums, and that we'll see them at future events."
The five combined to play in more than 400 games and helped lead the Bulldogs to nearly 50 victories.
Baumann of Orlando, Fla., has seen time in the circle in each of her four seasons, making a total of 29 appearances. This spring she started two games during non-conference play. As a junior, she earned NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete recognition. In her first year she was the recipient of the Andy Van Etten Coaches Award, bestowed upon the player or players who represent the ideals of Yale Softball that go beyond statistics. That year, she earned her first career victory by pitching four innings of relief vs. Florida A&M.
Kuss, who came to Yale from Murrieta, Calif., has appeared in 95 games in her career. This spring she had started 12 of 15 games after making a strong recovery from an injury that cut short her junior season. As a sophomore, she started 19 games and knocked in six runs, and in 2017, she appeared in 34 games, the most of any first year. Her first career hit was a two-run single vs. Florida A&M. She is a three-time NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete selection.
Tarte of Valrico, Fla., has started every game in each of the last three seasons. This year, she was leading the team in average (.367) and hits (18). Last year, she finished second on team in stolen bases (8), third in runs scored (20) and fourth in hits (39). In her sophomore season she was the recipient of the Andy Van Etten Coaches Award. In addition, she is a two-time NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete selection.
Vinyard of Valparaiso, Ind., had started all 15 games this spring and was third on the team with 12 hits. Last year she earned honorable mention All-Ivy recognition after tying for 10
th in the league with 44 hits. She also finished second on the team in home runs (3) and runs scored (24) and third in batting average (.336). In her career she has played in 95 games.
Webb of Clayton, Calif., has appeared in 90 games in her career at Yale but also has been a member of the Peruvian National Team. With Peru, she participated in the 2019 European International Tournament in Valencia, Spain, the 2019 USA Softball International Cup in Columbus, Ga., and the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. This spring at Yale she played in 13 games and was tied for team lead in doubles. She is a two-time NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete selection.
