Stuedeman Inducted into Dixie Softball Hall of Fame
1/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 30, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama assistant softball coach Vann Stuedeman was inducted into the Dixie Softball Inc. Hall of Fame Thursday night as a member of their 2008 class.
"I am humbled and honored to be chosen as a member of the 2008 class of the Dixie Softball, Inc. Hall of Fame," Stuedeman said.
Stuedeman joins her sister Les as well as Beanie Ketchum as 2008 inductees. Les is the head coach at the University of Alabama-Hunstville while Ketchum is the head coach at Samford. All three were graduates of Vestavia Hills High School.
"Dixie Softball provided me a wonderful beginning to what has become a lifelong passion for the game of softball. It provided many of my most cherished childhood memories," Vann said. "Many of my family's Saturdays were spent at the ball park."
Growing up with softball, the entire Stuedeman family was involved in the softball experience.
"I can remember waking up on game day Saturday to the sound of my dad's cheers `GET FIRED UP! GET FIRED UP!'" Vann recalls. "He would chant until I was up and ready to play ball! Following a significant win my mom would honor it with one of her famous kart wheels to celebrate!"
Stuedeman is very grateful to Dixie Softball Inc. and also President Obie Evans for the time she spent in the program and the award she received.
"Thanks to Dixie Softball, Obie Evans, all associated with Dixie Softball, the many coaches and parents for their commitment to providing opportunities for girls in the sport of softball," Vann commented. "You introduced me to the sport that ultimately led me to my career of coaching."
Vann's love for softball hasn't faded over time. Her job with the Tide carries over her love for the sport she played growing up and transforms it into an experience that she wouldn't trade for the world.
"If you find a job you love, you never work a day," Vann said. "I have been blessed with a job that is demanding but none the less, never feels like work because I love what I do and the people I do it with."
