Nicholls students have a reason to be proud of record breaking, former softball pitcher Dione Meier, who recently received the honor of being named to the Canadian National Softball Team and will pitch in the upcoming Pan American Tournament, World University Games and the USA World Cup. Meier, originally from Saskatoon, Canada, transferred to Nicholls in 2003 from Galveston Community College after being recruited by previous head softball coach Phyllis Guedry.
In her first season at Nicholls, Meier finished with an outstanding 18-10 record, which included 230 strikeouts, two saves and nine shutout victories. Meier’s most notable game was her debut in which she threw a no hitter against Ole Miss. In 2003, she was given second team All-Southland Conference honors.
Meier’s final season at Nicholls was marked with continued success. She finished 2004 with a 1.16 ERA and held batters to a .160 average. Meier received the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year award and was also named to the SLC All-Academic Team and the All-South Region Second Team.
Perhaps Meier’s most notable accomplishment was that she pitched 341 total strikeouts in 2004 to break the school record for most strikeouts obtained in a single year. The original record was 310 set in 1997.
Meier said playing at Nicholls was an instrumental factor that helped her progress in her ability to play softball.
“When I played at Nicholls I had great coaches and teammates that really helped me develop as a better softball player,” Meier said.
After graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Meier decided to take her pitching skills to the next level and play softball for an international league. She played two seasons in Australia for the State of Western Australia Softball Club. After pitching for the Australian club, Meier moved to Europe to begin pitching for the Italian Macerata Softball Club. She led the team to win the European Softball Championship.
Meier said she was overwhelmed with excitement when she found out that she had been named as a pitcher for the Canadian National Team.
“I first heard the news on Jan. 19 and it was somewhat surreal. I am really excited about playing in the upcoming games,” Meier said.
Meier will be pitching this summer at the Pan American Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The contest will take place July 13-29 and will consist of 33 sports in 16 venues across “A Cidade Maravilhoso.” She will then compete in two other international tournaments, including the World University Games and the U.S World Cup.
Meier said she would like to play competitively in the upcoming games with the hopes of being picked for the Canadian Olympic team.
“I want to make an impact on the team so that next year when the Olympic Team is decided, I will hopefully be a potential candidate,” Meier said.
Whether she pitches in the 2008 Olympic Games or not, Meier has already secured her place as one of the best pitchers in Nicholls softball history.
