DAYTON, Ohio - In just 5 short days the Dayton softball squad will begin their 2015 campaign and quest for an A-10 Championship.  But first Sunday they held their "Meet the Team Event" in Boesch Lounge at UD Arena.
 
Alumni, family and supporters of the softball program were in attendance at the luncheon where they were welcomed by Assistant Athletic Director and Softball program administrator Angie Russell.  The team was then introduced by head coach Cara LaPlaca, followed by player remarks from senior Lyndsey Diggs and junior captain Kennedy Haynes.
 
After meeting the 2015 team, guests listened to keynote speaker Gayle Blevins.   Blevins, a Dayton native and University of Dayton alum, had a successful 31-year collegiate coaching career.  She started her career at Indiana University from 1980-1987.  There she led the Hoosiers to the Women's College World Series three times and to three Big Ten Titles.  She is currently the fourth winningest coach in NCAA softball history with 1,245 wins.

Blevins, who had met the team and spent time with them on Friday, shared with those in attendance about her experience with the team. She talked about the concept of trust that was evident in the team. She encouraged them to stay the course in any speed bumps they might encounter throughout the season.  Finally she spoke to the seniors and gave them advice encouraging them to lead the 2015 team and to build their own legacy.

The Flyers have their season opener on February 6 when they will travel to Kennesaw, Ga. to compete in the Kennesaw State Kickoff Classic.  They play two games on February 6 against Kennesaw State and Tennessee, followed by a game on Saturday against Northern Kentucky and a game Sunday against Tennessee Tech.

Their home opener is March 13, 2015 against Detroit at UD Softball Stadium.