Created as a product of student research in association with the History Department to explore the history, impact, and legacy of the women's softball program and Title IX at Utah State University.
The USU Women’s Softball Program boasts the only back-to-back national championship titles in the school’s history, as of 2024. The 1980 team, led by first-year coach Kelly Phipps, came bursting onto the scene with a 35-16 record, qualifying them for the AIAW World Series with the 2nd seed overall. After suffering a loss in the tournament, the Aggies battled through the back draw to beat Indiana 1-0 for the title. Determined to prove their outstanding season was not a fluke, the 1981 team, which returned many of the players from the previous year, had another incredible record of 33-12. Lloydene Searle, who replaced Kelly Phipps as head coach, used her regimented coaching style to guide the team to victory once more. Following losses in the qualifier for nationals, USU originally did not receive a bid. However, USU appealed, and the decision was made that they would be given a spot. Once in the tournament, the Aggies stormed their way through each round, finally defeating Cal State-Fullerton 4-3 in a controversial game for the win. The Aggies were known for playing with strong emotion and passion for the sport. Led by the all-star pitching of Mary Lou Ramm and their exceptional defensive fielding skills, the Aggies of 1980 and 1981 left behind a legacy of talent and a fierce love of the game that will continue to inspire athletes for generations to come.
By Olivia Phillips
Bibliography
“Ags’ fortunes packed in Ramm’s right arm,” The Utah Statesman, April 08, 1981. "Double play gives Ags AIAW title,” Deseret News, May 26, 1981.
"Incredible! Ag gals are champs again,” Special to The Herald Journal, April,1981.
Michael Reberg, “Aggie emotion was the key,” The Herald Journal, May 26, 1981.
Michael Reberg, “Softball: They were expected to win,” The Herald Journal, May 14, 1981. Michael Reberg, “Utah St. women chasing second national crown,” The Herald Journal, May
07, 1981.
“1980 and 1981 Women’s Softball National Champions,” USU Department of Athletics Hall of Fame, September 15, 2011.
"Searle returns,” The Herald Journal, September 28, 1980.
“Softball squad faces rigid test,” The Utah Statesman, Vol. 78, No. 65, April 03, 1981. “USU Softballers at regionals,” The Herald Journal, May 08, 1980.
