Stacey Nuveman

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Stacey Nuveman
Medal record
Competitor for  United States
Women's Softball
Olympic Games
Gold Sydney 2000 Softball
Gold Athens 2004 Softball
Silver Beijing 2008 Softball

Stacey "Nuvey" Nuveman-Deniz (born April 26, 1978) is a former collegiate NCAA Division I 4-time First Team All-American, National Champion winning, right-handed hitting softball player originally from La Verne, California. She played for the UCLA Bruins at the catcher position. She also won two Olympic gold medals and one silver medal for Team USA and holds the NCAA softball career records for home runs (90), slugging percentage (.945%) and intentional walks (81). She is also one of six players to possess a .400 batting average along with at least 200 RBIs and 50 home runs.

Pre-UCLA

Nuveman-Deniz, began playing the sport of softball at age 10. She played travel ball for several teams, including Gordon's Panthers, where she helped the team win the ASA 18-under Gold National Championship. At St. Lucy's Priory High School, Nuveman-Deniz propelled the Lady Regents to a CIF title. While at St. Lucy's, Nuveman-Deniz lettered in softball, basketball, volleyball and also served as student body president. Her excellence at St. Lucy's led to her receiving a softball scholarship at UCLA.

UCLA Bruins

1997 Stacey Nuveman-Deniz began her career in honors by earning National Fastpitch Coaches Association First Team All-American, Pac-10 First Team and "Newcomer of The Year" awards.[1] She also immediately impacted the school record book by notching new season records for home runs and RBIs, while placing third in both batting average and hits for her freshman campaign.

Beginning February 15 through April 9, Nuveman-Deniz went on a career and then school record 28 consecutive games hitting streak.[2]

The Bruins made it into the Women's College World Series where Nuveman-Deniz made the All-Tournament Team and in the finale had her 6th tournament hit vs. eventual champion Nancy Evans of the Arizona Wildcats.[3][4]

1999 After red-shirting the 1998 season, Nuveman-Deniz again garnered season honors that included Pac-10 "Player of The Year" and Diamond Sports "Catcher of The Year".[5][6][7] Nuveman-Deniz led the Bruins with new school records for home runs (31), RBIs (91), walks (61) and slugging percentage (1.016%). The home runs and RBIs were the NCAA year's best, are the all-time Sophomore Class records as well as ranking second for a season all-time. Her .446 batting average was a UCLA top-5 record.[8][8] She also was just the second player in conference history to garner the Triple Crown for best average, RBI and home run totals.

On February 19, Nuveman-Deniz hit a single game career high 5 hits and drove in 5 RBIs vs. the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine.[9] The very next day, she bettered her game RBIs by nabbing one more (6) vs. the Pacific Tigers for another career best.[10] In defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils on April 11, Nuveman-Deniz walked 4 times for her single game best.[11] Later that month, Nuveman-Deniz was named National Fastpitch Coaches Association "National Player of The Week" after hitting .833 and driving in 11 runs with 4 home runs.

In May, the sophomore's record season continued when the Bruin hit her 50th career home run off Michelle Harrison of the Minnesota Gophers in just two seasons of play.[12] At the WCWS, Nuveman-Deniz would hit a walk off double against the DePaul Blue Demons to send UCLA into the finals vs. the Washington Huskies. Nuveman-Deniz and team emerged national champions, defeating Jennifer Spediacci and Jamie Graves 3-2 on May 31.[13][14]

2001 Returning from a role with the 2000 Olympic team, Nuveman-Deniz earned her third First Team All-American, First Team Pac-10 and second Pac-10 "Player of The Year" and Diamond Sports "Catcher of The Year" honors.[15][16][17] She broke her own walks record with 69 and set the intentionals at 28, an NCAA record at the time. Her home runs and RBIs were second all-time at UCLA.[8]

Nuveman-Deniz made her third appearance in the WCWS championship on May 28 but suffered a shutout by MVP Jennie Finch.[18]

2002 For a final time, Nuveman-Deniz earned all-season honors and added a newly awarded USA Softball Collegiate Player of The Year to her collection.[19][20][21] Nuveman-Deniz would solidify the UCLA Bruins season batting average and walks records at .529 and 77 respectively, leading the NCAA and ranking top-10 all-time for a season with the average. Her hits, RBIs and home run totals for the senior were all top-10 records for UCLA. She also owned then school records for slugging and on-base percentage, both of which still rank second all-time. The slugging is also third all-time for an NCAA season.[8]

With a perfect day at the plate (3/3) in defeating the Long Beach State 49ers on February 23, Nuveman-Deniz drove in her 200th career RBI.[22]

On April 29, Nuveman-Deniz was named "Player of The Week" for a second time by the NFCA by hitting over .650 with 5 RBIs and three extra base hits for a slugging 1.018%. On May 4, the Bruin launched her 86th career home run vs. Kristen Hunter and the Oregon State Beavers. She topped former Arizona Wildcats Laura Espinoza and Leah Braatz for the crown.[23] Two days later, she earned a third "Player of the Week," this selection improving her slugging to 1.571%.[2]

Though eliminated earlier than was usual, Nuveman-Deniz was named a WCWS All-Tournament selectee for a second tournament.[24]

Nuveman-Deniz finished her college career in ownership of school records in batting average, RBIs, home runs, hits, doubles, walks (including intentional), slugging and on-base percentage. Only the hits and doubles have been surpassed. Career batting average ranks 5th all-time (second for a four-year career) and her home run, slugging and intentional walks remain the NCAA standard. Lastly, she owns at least 5 Pac-10 career records.[2]

Olympic career

Nuveman-Deniz's Olympic debut came at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney. After struggling at the plate, hitting a combined .171, Team USA faced the threat of elimination in a doubleheader on September 25. Nuveman-Deniz hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to defeat China in a crucial game to get a shot at medaling. In the next game vs. Australia, she would be on base to score the winning run and be able to play for gold. The Americans eventually went on to claim gold vs. previously undefeated Japan on September 26; Nuveman-Deniz mustered the only hit to bring the tying run across the plate. She then got on base in the extra 8th inning to score for a 2–1 win.[2][25] Nuveman-Deniz was tied leading the team in RBIs.[26]

In preparation for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Nuveman-Deniz played the later half of the tour and hit over .400.[27] For the 2004 Games, Team USA dominated the competition to establish themselves as the best team in the world, eventually seizing the gold medal. Nuveman-Deniz had two hits in the gold medal game, including a solo home run for a 5–1 victory on August 23.[28] In round robin, she also helped defeat their eventual opponent Australia with a three-run homer on August 15.[29] Overall Nuveman-Deniz hit .312 with two home runs and 5 RBIs to contribute to Team USA's record-breaking tournament.[30]

The American pitching staff gave up just one run during the entire Olympic Games, a run of dominance partially attributed to Nuveman's game-calling ability. This team was referred to afterward as the "Real Dream Team" on the cover of Sports Illustrated, taking a swipe at the disappointing American men's basketball team at the same Games.[31]

Nuveman-Deniz hit .342 on the Bound For Beijing Tour in 2008 but suffered at the Olympics, hitting .182 overall.[32][33] She was shut out in the gold medal game in which the Americans were defeated 3–1 by Japan and took silver.[28]

Other

As strong as her bat is, many in softball believe Nuveman-Deniz's strongest suit is her play behind the plate as the catcher. Nuveman-Deniz calls as good a game as any, scouting the opposing teams batters and working with her pitchers, a list which list includes Lisa Fernandez, Michele Smith, Lori Harrigan, Christa Williams, Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Amanda Freed, Monica Abbott, Keira Goerl and Courtney Dale.

As much as Nuveman-Deniz does on the field, it is her off-the-field endeavors which show her talents. Nuveman-Deniz is an aspiring broadcaster, doing telecasts for ESPN, FOX Sports, and CSTV. Stacey has also worked broadcasts at her alma mater, UCLA and the Women's College World Series.

Nuveman-Deniz also works with several organizations, including the Visalia Miracle League, the Women's Sports Foundation, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She also gives clinics to coaches and players across the country.

After being married in 2003 to Mark Deniz, in 2007 Nuveman-Deniz gave birth to son Chase, who is a cousin of Elita Loresca's child.

Nuveman-Deniz played one professional season with the Arizona Heat. She had the third best average and was named to the NPF All-Stars.[34][35] She would later go on to play on PFX Tour.

In 2007, Nuveman-Deniz began working at Sequois College as their Assistant Head Coach until 2008. That year she relocated to join the San Diego State Aztecs program, eventually moving to Assistant Heach Coach's position in 2011.[36] That same year, Nuveman-Deniz was selected as an Assistant Coach for Team USA, which saw them take the World Cup and Pan American Games titles.[37][38][39]

Athletic Accomplishments

  • NCAA career home run leader (90)
  • NCAA career slugging percentage leader (.945%)
  • 4-time First Team All-American
  • Three-time Pac-10 Player of The Year
  • Today's Top VIII Award (Class of 2003)

Nuveman was voted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.[40]

Statistics

UCLA Bruins

YEAR G AB R H BA RBI HR 3B 2B TB SLG BB SO SB SBA
1997 63 184 40 84 .456 71 20 2 9 157 .853% 33 11 3 4
1999 69 184 49 82 .445 91 31 0 12 187 1.016% 61 13 0 0
2001 68 166 42 73 .440 73 19 0 15 145 .873% 77 19 1 2
2002 64 157 42 83 .528 64 20 3 15 164 1.044% 69 10 3 3
TOTALS 264 691 173 322 .466 299 90 5 51 653 .945% 240 53 7 9

Team USA

YEAR AB R H BA RBI HR 3B 2B TB SLG BB SO SB SBA
2000 28 1 5 .178 4 1 0 0 8 .285% 3 13 0 0
2004 86 16 34 .395 32 8 0 9 67 .779% 16 11 0 0
2008 136 19 43 .316 40 8 1 9 74 .544% 21 15 2 2
TOTALS 250 36 82 .328 76 17 1 18 149 .596% 40 39 2 2

NPF Arizona Heat

YEAR AB R H BA RBI HR 3B 2B TB SLG BB SO SB SBA
2005 41 10 18 .439 17 3 0 1 28 .683% 12 2 0 0

Trivia

  • Nuveman's motto is "Dream Big."
  • Nuveman wears the number 33.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://nfca.org/awards_test/index.php?winner_page=906
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/092600aaa.html
  3. ↑ http://web1.ncaa.org/ncaa/eventlist.do?championship=400022&division=400022400012
  4. ↑ http://web1.ncaa.org/ncaa/event.do?championship=400022&division=400022400012&event=400740
  5. ↑ http://nfca.org/awards_test/index.php?winner_page=784
  6. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/052899aaa.html
  7. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/051599aaa.html
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/SB_Records/2011/DivI.pdf
  9. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/022399aac.html
  10. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/022399aaa.html
  11. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/041399aab.html
  12. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/recaps/052299aae.html
  13. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/053199aaa.html
  14. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/053199aab.html
  15. ↑ http://nfca.org/awards_test/index.php?winner_page=236
  16. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/052301aaa.html
  17. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/051401aab.html
  18. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/052801aaa.html
  19. ↑ http://nfca.org/awards_test/index.php?winner_page=180
  20. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/052202aaa.html
  21. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/060702aaa.html
  22. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/022302aaa.html
  23. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/recaps/050402aaa.html
  24. ↑ http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/052702aaa.html
  25. ↑ http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/2000/Masters/so/SOresults.pdf
  26. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/uploads/2008%20olympics/2000overallstats.pdf
  27. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/folders.asp?uid=1920
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 http://www.usasoftball.com/info.asp?uid=1687
  29. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/info.asp?uid=1686
  30. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/uploads/olympics/2004overallstats.pdf
  31. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/events.asp?uid=1611
  32. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/uploads/b4bphotos/july%2027.pdf
  33. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/uploads/2008%20olympics/final%20cumes.pdf
  34. ↑ http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/TEAM%20NPF%20ARCHIVES/05%20West%20ALL%20STAR%20Roster.pdf
  35. ↑ http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/Award%20Archives/2005%20Award%20Winners.pdf
  36. ↑ http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/nuvemandeniz_stacey00.html
  37. ↑ http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/013111aaa.html
  38. ↑ http://usasoftball.com/info.asp?uid=6423
  39. ↑ http://www.usasoftball.com/documents.asp?uid=6538
  40. ↑ UCLA Athletics Announces 2012 Hall of Fame Class, UCLABruins.com, May 4, 2012

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