Jennifer Ostapowich inducted to Mayville State HOF

In honour of the 50th anniversary of Title 9, Mayville State University is celebrating some of their incredible female athletes, including Jennifer Ostapowich from Portage La Prairie. Jennifer had a very successful softball career prior to college with the Smitty's Terminators. She continued her success at Mayville State from 1995-1999.

Below are some of Jennifer's highlights via the Mayville State HOF Inductee Biography:

Jennifer Ostapowich, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba Canada, was starting pitcher and also played first base for the Mayville State softball team from 1995 to 1999. By 1997, the Comets had achieved the season-best record in nearly a decade. In 1998, the team was one game shy of making the regionals, and in 1999, the Comets made their first visit to the NDCAC tournament. Jen was named first team all-conference in all four years. She earned All-American Scholar Athlete honors in 1998 and 1999; was the Mayville State Most Valuable Player in 1997, 1998, and 1999; and was team captain for the Comets in 1999. She was named All-Region in 1999. Ostapowich also received the Outstanding Achievement Award for the NDCAC and was the conference most valuable graduating senior in 1999. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a coaching minor from Mayville State in 1999, while simultaneously earning a minor in French from the University of North Dakota. 

To read Jennifer's full inductee bio at Mayville CLICK HERE

In a Portage Online article, Jennifer humbly notes softball is a team sport and credits much of her success to her teammates, as well as positively regarding her coaches saying, "Not one coach, in my history when growing up, did I ever have any negative feelings toward. It was never anything other than 'That coach loves me, cares for me, and has taught me so much," Ostapowich continues. "I'm blessed to have had the best coaches. I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't led by a phenomenal group of adults who really respected me and demanded respect but also taught me many skills."

For the full Portage Online article, CLICK HERE

On behalf of the Softball Manitoba Board and Staff: Congratulations, Jennifer!