Penn softball coach Leslie King was inducted into the Softball New Zealand Hall of Fame earlier this month. King captained the national team in the 2000 Olympics, among her other achievements.
Credit: Ananya ChandraWhile many Penn students were "dartying" over Labor Day weekend, one member of the Red and Blue family was accomplishing something far more memorable.
Penn softball coach Leslie King spent the weekend across the Pacific Ocean in Wellington, New Zealand, where she was inducted into the Softball New Zealand Hall of Fame on Sept. 2.
King, who has been the Quakers' head coach since 2004, starred for New Zealand's national team over a 14-year period. Her career highlights included an appearance at the 2000 Olympics as the team's captain, and a National Player of the Year selection.
"I feel truly humbled by this honor," King said in a statement. "The New Zealand softball community provided me the opportunity and the support to excel at a sport I love. I had the opportunity to compete at the highest level all over the world—what more could any athlete want? I am very proud to have played for New Zealand, and will always be grateful for my time there."
Even if she had never picked up a softball, King would still be a legend in New Zealand. In addition to her work on the diamond, she starred for the national team in soccer and captained the team in the 1991 World Cup.
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