Wednesday, 4/9/97
In a league of her own
Freshman Stacey Nuveman stands apart from the average player by
emphasizing ‘team’ over her own accomplishments
By Melissa Anderson
Daily Bruin Staff
There may not be a "me" in team, but there is definitely a
"team" in Stacey Nuveman.
"The ’90s is the ‘me’ generation," UCLA head softball coach Sue
Enquist said. "Stacey Nuveman is impressive because she is a
throwback. She really wants to win for the team."
It would be easy for the freshman catcher to get caught up in
her numbers, in the honors she has already received this season and
the records she is approaching. Leading the UCLA softball team in
hitting with a .463 average, Nuveman currently owns a 27-game
hitting streak and is just two home runs shy of the UCLA
single-season record.
In addition, she leads the Pacific-10 in RBI, is second in the
conference in home runs and slugging percentage and was named the
conference Player of the Week after belting six home runs at the
San Diego State Invitational earlier this season.
But you will never hear her bragging.
"I hear about the records from other people, but I don’t study
it," Nuveman said. "It is exciting, but it’s nothing that I aim
for, it’s just kind of happening."
Nuveman is a power hitter, the likes of which the Bruins have
not seen in several years. In addition to her hitting prowess, she
has played in every part of the field this season, filling in
wherever she is needed. Though she is most comfortable behind the
plate, don’t be surprised if you find her at third base, or even
out in right field.
"Stacey was one of the top recruits in the country. Every coach
in collegiate softball knew what she was capable of doing," Enquist
said. "Our coaching staff has a lot of confidence in her
versatility. Once we give Stacey the experience at doing anything,
if she works hard she can be the best because of her talent."
Though she has only played softball competitively since age 12,
Nuveman has a natural talent that allowed her to letter in three
sports at St. Lucy’s Priory High School in Glendora. Though she
plays only softball at UCLA, Nuveman also excelled at basketball,
earning the San Gabriel Valley Female Athlete of the Year award in
1994.
As part of one of the best recruiting classes in the country –
along with pitchers Christa Williams and Courtney Dale – Nuveman
knew coming in that there would be expectations, and along with
them, pressure to succeed.
And she has more than met those expectations – in large part
because of her ability to ignore the pressure and simply play the
game.
"There is no doubt that our recruiting class is highly touted.
But that is just expectations," Nuveman said. "There is pressure in
everything you do. If you let it get to you, that’s when you get
out of your game."
Nuveman has definitely been on her game of late, and with her
success has come success for the Bruins. After a slow start for
both Nuveman and UCLA, adjustments have been made, and slowly
everything is coming together – with only a few bumps and bruises
here and there.
"My expectation (coming into UCLA) was that I was going to do
what I needed to do to play. I didn’t expect to play outfield, but
it worked out that that was where they needed me to play, so I’ve
made the adjustment and tried to be ready to play out there."
As a self-proclaimed "entertainer by nature," Nuveman enjoys
giving people a bad time, especially herself. Her personality
enables her to make light of her shortcomings and keeps the team
mood light-hearted.
"I give everyone a hard time. I give myself a bad time about
being in the outfield," Nuveman said. "I never dreamed of being an
outfielder before I came here. That’s kind of a team joke, Stacey
in the outfield. It’s like ‘What’s this all about?’ Kind of ‘Just
park me out there in right field and hope nothing gets hit there.’
We have a lot of fun."
According to Enquist, Nuveman’s personality is part of what
makes her so successful.
"She has a great personality," the head coach said. "I truly
believe Stacey is out to win for the team. She has shown everybody
in this program that winning for the team is pertinent, above all
the personal accolades. That makes coaching a lot more
exciting."
Nuveman, of course, is much more modest about her contributions
to the team.
"I just wanted to be a part of the program and contribute as
much as I could. I’ve contributed more than I think I could’ve
expected, but just being a part of UCLA in general is amazing – so
I was just looking forward to doing what I could to make UCLA a
better team."
* * *
Nuveman will get a chance to show that UCLA is a better team as
the Bruins take on California at Easton Stadium at 1 p.m. The
Golden Bears handed UCLA a loss Feb. 15 in Berkeley while the
Bruins and Nuveman were still facing an early-season slump. But
today, according to Enquist, UCLA is a different team looking for
redemption.
"Coming in knowing what happened (in February) gives us a chance
to redeem ourselves," Enquist said. "The players have to be focused
and they know that."CHARLES KUO/Daily Bruin
Freshman sensation, catcher Stacey Nuveman, defined by her coach
as a real team player
celebrates after scoring a run against Stanford in March at
Easton Stadium.
UCLA Sports Info
Freshman Stacey Nuveman