LIU women’s softball counts its wins on and off the field
It’s been an interesting couple of years for the women of Long Island University’s softball team. The LIU Sharks are again having a winning season and are looking to repeat as Northeast Conference champions and earn a trip to the NCAA Division I Softball Tournament.
“I’ve learned so many life lessons that I believe will really prepare me for after I’m done here at LIU,” said sophomore Nyae’ Dick, who grew up playing multiple sports, focusing on softball in high school. The science high school she attended did not have a softball team, so she played travel ball. In addition to sports, she focused on her studies, doing dual enrollment—attending high school and a community college simultaneously. By the time she received her high school diploma, Dick had also earned an associate degree, so she was able to enter LIU as a junior academically.
“That has allowed me to graduate with my bachelor’s degree this May,” she said. “I’ll be starting my master’s in exercise science this fall.”
As they hone their skills on the field, the players have also exercised their voices off it. When the university sought to relocate the team to its LIU Post campus on Long Island, members of the team filed a Title IX lawsuit. LIU has agreed to keep the team based in Brooklyn, at least until the conclusion of the 2025 softball season.
Dick admitted the lawsuit was stressful, but edifying. “I learned what it means to have courage and be resilient in the fight for what you believe is right,” she said.
With their location settled for now, the team still has a slate of games to play. The Sharks are in the thick of conference action, with the NEC Tournament beginning on May 9.
“I love the competitiveness [of softball], the teamwork, and the feeling of winning games together and cheering my teammates on,” said junior Jazmine Cuffie, who grew up on Long Island and started playing softball at age 10. “Everyone on this team competes and works hard together.”
Cuffie is studying childhood education and plans to become a fourth-grade teacher. Her father is a role model: He has been a teacher for 20 years and was also a collegiate athlete.
“I’m hoping to make improvements as an individual and as a team,” said Cuffie, who is graduating in December, making this her final season. “My goal is to get to the championship of the NEC, win, and go to regionals.”
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