Mar. 4, 2004
By Scott MacDonald
Sports Information Assistant
Before it’s all said and done, Georgia Tech senior All-American shortstop Tara Knudsen could be the most decorated athlete to ever play softball for the Yellow Jackets. After three seasons, Knudsen has been named All-Atlantic Coast Conference for two consecutive seasons and has been the conference’s home run king in each of the last two seasons. She became only the second Tech player to garner All-America honors back in 2002. What’s in store next? More of the same.
“I’m really excited about this year and what this team is capable of,” said Knudsen. “We’re off to a really good start (16-4) and I cannot wait until next couple weeks when we play a number of Top 10 teams. I think we have a good shot at winning another ACC title and getting back to a NCAA Regional.”
Knudsen has already accomplished something that no other Yellow Jacket softball player has, becoming the first Georgia Tech player to be selected in a professional softball draft. The middle infielder was the 24th overall pick by San Antonio in the senior draft of the National Pro Fastpitch Draft this past December. She will join the franchise after the softball season.
“I’m really excited about having the opportunity to play after college,” said Knudsen. “It’s great that women are getting chances to play their respective sports professionally. Right now I’m concentrating on the current softball season.”
Knudsen has guided the No. 24/25 Yellow Jackets to a 16-4 start this season, including the program’s first ever win over a Top 10 opponent, downing No. 9 Louisiana-Lafayette, 4-1, on Feb. 8. Tech then defeated No. 14 Nebraska (1-0) and No. 16 Fresno State (9-1) the following week with Knudsen scoring the winning run over the Cornhuskers and driving in three runs against the Bulldogs. The Thornton, Colo., native has already smashed five home runs, tallied five doubles, a triple and walked 16 times. She currently is slugging .792 with 16 RBI.
“Tara has been a big part of the turn-around of this program starting 2 years ago,” said head coach Ehren Earleywine. “Numerically her offense speaks for itself but something that can’t be quantified is the belief that she instilled in the rest of the team during that time, that we can compete with anyone. Since then the attitude and goals of this team have changed immensely.
“I hope this year is a special year for her. Knowing Tara, that will mean the team reaching its goals for this season. She’s never been too attached to her personal accomplishments, and I respect that. She is what programs are built around. We wont be able to replace her and we know that. For now, we will just enjoy and be thankful for the time we do have her.”
The 6-0 senior currently ranks first at Tech in career slugging percentage (.602) and walks (96). She is currently tied for the Georgia Tech and ACC record for career homeruns (39) with former Tech star Anne Knobbe. She stands third in RBI (118) and doubles (35). The two-time All-ACC performer holds two single-season records for the Yellow Jackets; home runs (16) and walks (37).
In 2002, Knudsen led the Yellow Jackets to their first ever ACC Championship and a NCAA Regional final appearance with one of the best offensive seasons in program history. She ended the season with 80 hits, a .687 slugging percentage and a .374 batting average. For her efforts, Knudsen was selected to the NFCA All-American third team.
As a freshman, things did not come as easy for Knudsen as they do now. Knudsen struggled through some of her rookie campaign, but rallied towards the end, finishing the season first on the Tech squad in batting average and home runs. Knudsen started in 47 games at shortstop and was part of 27 double plays, which led the ACC. One of her highlights during the season came against No. 16 Florida State as she blasted a home run in the eighth inning to propel Tech over the Seminoles, 2-1.
During her playing days in high school at Westminster, Knudsen garnered all-conference honors in all four seasons and was named 1998 Player of the Year in the ASA 18 and under National B Division. A two-sport star in softball and basketball, Knudsen also lettered in volleyball for a season.
When Knudsen is finished wowing softball fans across the country with her offensive power, the shortstop would like to begin teaching the game that has given her, and Tech fans, so much enjoyment. With the effort and desire she has shown during her current playing days, there is no doubt that she will make a good coach.
“There is no doubt in my mind that she will be a great coach some day,” said Earleywine. “She has been successful at everything she has done here at Tech and there is nothing that tells me that she won’t be as successful at anything she chooses to do after she is finished playing.”
