FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State Athletics announced on Monday afternoon that it will retire the jersey of Bulldog Softball legend Amanda Scott, a 1998 national champion and four-time All-American, as well as honor the iconic coaching career of former head coach Donna Pickel.
March 23-24 will be a weekend of celebration of two Bulldog greats. Scott's jersey retirement ceremony will be held pregame on the 23rd at Margie Wright Diamond before the Bulldogs' game against Mountain West-foe San Diego State, followed by Pickel's career celebration on the 24th at 11 a.m. leading into the series finale against the Aztecs.
Pickel played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the program, while Scott, through her remarkable achievements as a student-athlete, added a new chapter of excellence to the storied history of Fresno State softball.
"Donna Pickel is a true pioneer of Fresno State Athletics," said Director of Athletics Terry Tumey. "Her unwavering commitment to women's sports, and specifically our softball program, paved the way for generations of female student-athletes to live out their dreams as Bulldogs. We are forever grateful for her servant leadership and lifelong commitment to Fresno State"
Pickel, the inaugural head coach in the program's history, owned a .688 winning percentage over her eight-season tenure. Her overall coaching record of 306-146-7, including a stellar 200-24 record in conference play, was highlighted by three NorCal Championships (1978, 1982, 1983), one NorPac Championship in 1985, and an impressive eight consecutive NCAA appearances. The program saw two Women's College World Series (WCWS) appearances, with a runner-up performance in 1982. Pickle earned five Conference Coach of the Year honors. Under her leadership, the program had two All-Americans, 14 Northwest Region All-District selections, and 28 All-Conference selections.
Pickel also served as the Fresno State women's basketball coach from 1971-77 and 1978-79. She led the Bulldogs to two conference championships and the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Championships in the 1973-74 season.
Scott, undeniably one of the most decorated players in program history, etched her legacy in the pitching circle with a record of 106-18 in four seasons at Fresno State (1997-2000). She played a pivotal role in leading Fresno State to the 1998 National Championship, being named the Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player. Scott was a four-time All-American, four-time NCAA All-Regional Team selection, four-time All-West Region selection, four-time WAC All-Conference selection and three-time WAC Pitcher of the Year.
"Amanda Scott is one of the most accomplished student-athletes we have ever had come through Fresno State," said Tumey. "She will forever be remembered as a leader, a dominant competitor, and a national champion. Her legendary contributions to our softball program will continue to serve as inspiration for our current and future student-athletes."
During her career at Fresno State, the Bulldogs were 226-49 (91-13 WAC) with four NCAA Tournament appearances and three WCWS appearances. Scott led the Bulldog to three WAC Championships (1998, 1999, 2000) and a 1999 WAC Tournament Championship.
Scott was the first overall pick in the Women's Pro Softball League in 2000 (Ohio Pride), where she went on to have success at both the professional and international levels.
Scott's excellence has stood the test of time as she currently holds the program's records for most single season shutouts, ERA, consecutive wins, consecutive no-hitters, consecutive games without an earned run, consecutive innings without an earned run and consecutive wins.
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*Please note that Donna Pickel recruited, scheduled games and planned practice during the 1978 season, but had to elect an interim head coach.