49er Softball’s DeVos To Coach Against U.S. Olympic Team

Aimee DeVos

Charlotte 49ers head softball coach Aimee DeVos will serve as an assistant coach when the Carolina Cardinals, an ASA team based in Winston-Salem, takes on the U.S. Olympic team, next month in Charlotte. The game is part of USA Softball’s Aiming for Athens Tour and will be played at the Renaissance Complex, June 16.

DeVos will serve as an assistant to ASA Hall of Fame coach Ray Chandler. Their team will consist of both former and current Cardinals players, including some that are still in college.

“It was a tremendous honor when Coach Chandler called and asked me to join his coaching staff and help prepare his Cardinal team to play the 2004 Olympic team,” DeVos said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the selected players and coaching staff. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this experience.

“Ray was the first ASA recruiting contact I made when I became head coach in 1994. Over the years, he and I have been able to establish both a great professional relationship and a great friendship. I respect Ray’s honest evaluations of players and his committment to both high school and ASA softball.”

DeVos recently completed her 10th season as head coach of the 49ers. During her time with the program, Charlotte has won 207 games, making her the winningest coach in the program’s history. This past season, the Niners won 23 times, one shy of matching the most for the team since 1997.

The 2004 Women’s National Team roster consists of four two-time Olympic gold medalists and six of the 15-member 2000 Olympic Team. Also, 13 of the 17 members of the 2002 World Championship gold medal winning team remain intact.

The National Team recently began a 22-city sweep of the country. The tour started in San Antonio, Texas, and will end in Stratford, Conn., July 17, just days before the U.S. departs for the Olympic Games.

“The tour gives our team the opportunity to play together as a unit before Olympic softball competition begins, as well as giving fans around the nation an opportunity to see their team in action,” ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda said. “The player are excited about the opportunity to thank the thousands of loyal softball fans who helped make their Olympic dream a reality.”

After capturing the first Olympic gold medal in the sport’s history at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the USA Softball Women’s National Team defended its gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In Olympic competition, the women have tallied a 15-4 overall record since their title in 1996.

Tickets for the June 16 game are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Bob Caldwell ASA Charlotte at www.northcarolinaasa.com.