Patrick Chalvire/Asst. Sport Director
The “Holy Coley” craze came and went and Panther fans may be wondering what’s next? Take a walk down the street and keep a look out for the new ladies on the rise.
Women’s sports at FIU has undeniably been dominated by former standout Jerica Coley but no matter how hard diehard fans pray, Coley ain’t walking through those doors.
But for those looking for salvation, your prayers may have been answered. I give you the softball team, led by a freshman and a sophomore. Excuse me, the Conference USA’s freshman of the year Stephanie Texeira and All-Academic ace Corinne Jenkins.
Believe it or not, this dynamic duo may be able to do what Coley could only wish of achieving in a conference championship.
Coley reached accolades no other Panther has ever reached, and deservedly so, but athletes are always judged on championships and unfortunately for Coley, she never knocked through that barrier. She was also passed over in this years WNBA Draft, a shock for many Panther fans. She was then signed by the New York Liberty but was waived just a few days later.
In her four years at FIU, Coley never made it out of the conference tournament on top. Only twice did she make it as far as the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, falling to the University of South Florida in 2011-12 and the University of Florida the next year.
Yes, Coley is now the 5th leading scorer in NCAA women’s history but with time that could be passed, just as she passed her predecessors. A ring can not be taken away.
The softball team has the potential to be the best group of ladies to come out of FIU since they were once led by former star Ashley McClain, the Panthers career leader in doubles and batting average.
Granted, they did come up short this season but it’s only going to add fuel to the fire and an experience this team never had. As the No. 3 seed in the C-USA tournament, their first-ever appearance, they were upset by the 6 seeded East Carolina Panthers, 5-1.
In their final appearances of the season, Jenkins struck out three and only allowed two runs on five hits. She finished with a 17-10 record as a sophomore. Texeira finished the season with a .408 batting average, just one point behind McClain’s single season record set back in 2009.
The Panthers will also have a chance to finish at the top of the conference next season and in only their second year in the conference, will host the conference championship in May.
Coley needed support in the second season, or as many people call it, the conference tournament, but inconsistency was always the name of the game. Rarely did the rest of the women’s team step up in the tournament until Coley’s senior year when they lifted the team past expectations before having the wheels fall off against Middle Tennessee, a team Coley was 2-8 against in her career.
The softball team is full of unknown talent. Aside from Texeira and Jenkins, the Panthers also have Krystal Garcia, Gabby Spallone and Rebekah Sanchez all returning next season. Each of the three starting 52 of the 53 games. Garcia and Spallone both hitting over .315 for the season.
Now softball isn’t the outgoing and enthusiastic sport that’ll bring in fans that can fill up a stadium. Neither was the basketball team but if history has anything to say for it, it’s a sport people would rather stay and watch for three hours, especially during the Spring and Summer time in Miami. Who wouldn’t say no to an A/C arena over a sun-blazed stadium.
The world, or rather Miami based fans, are all about the now. The success of the Miami Heat’s has caused people to become impatient and in search for a quick fix. The Coley era never brought back a trophy for all to see but the softball team can be the next team to hoist next years conference trophy, barring any setbacks.
-patrick.chalvire@fiusm.com