Abby Sterling, a vibrant personality whose life was intricately woven with the sport of softball, joined the UT Dallas softball staff in September of 2022 and brought an unprecedented energy to the field. However, she left us abruptly, leaving a void not only in the courts and halls of UTD but also in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know her.
Built upon a robust playing career, Sterling entered her coaching chapter with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Louisiana College- a stepping stone where she honed her skills in Public Relations, a choice that would greatly enhance her coaching approach later on. Sterling's passing left shockwaves throughout the sporting community, and a mealtrain was created to help relatives, friends, and others associated with her to alleviate the immediate stress associated with her untimely death.
Abby Sterling's Commendable Coaching Career at UT Dallas
In her very first year, Abby Sterling, true to her name, brought a radiant shine to the Comets. She boldly led the team to an impressive record, finishing with a victory count of 24 wins to 18 losses. This achievement marked their ticket into the prestigious ASC Championship Tournament. But Sterling's success was not just about the win-count; it was about creating future leaders. Eight players from her coaching tenure were selected for all-conference, including the American Southwest Conference Tri-Pitcher of the Year. Now, if that isn't a testimony to the profound influence she had on her team, I don't know what is!
Remembering Abby Sterling – The Person Behind The Coach
Born and bred in Beaumont, Texas, Abby was a woman of substance who built her education across different institutions. An alumna of West Brook Senior High School, Sterling furthered her studies at Louisiana Christian University and University of Louisiana at Lafayette and made each place a part of her identity. Undeterred by challenges, she moved to Dallas and continued her journey while lending her wisdom and talent to UT Dallas Softball.
Abby Sterling’s Significant Contributions Before UT Dallas
Abby Sterling was not the one to dwell in comfort and familiarity. The year 2021-22 saw her venturing into Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, assuming the dual roles of an assistant coach and a residence life specialist. Her dedication and effort molded the Roadrunners into a formidable team, clocking in at a solid 38-16 record that season. She spent the preceding year at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena, known for its rich sporting culture, where she functioned as the assistant and strength and conditioning coach. Located deep in the heart of beautiful Arkansas, that university bears testimonies of Sterling's teachings and inspirations.
The Player in Abby Sterling - The Pride of Louisiana College
But to truly appreciate the triumphs of Abby Sterling, the coach, we must look at Abby Sterling, the player- a spark ignited at Louisiana College. Interestingly, it was their rival in the American Southwest Conference. Sterling played 75 games for the Wildcats, with a stat line that reflects more than just numbers: 71 hits, 25 runs, 16 doubles, 13 home runs, and 59 RBI, resulting in a skillful.606 slugging percentage. She maintained a batting average of.341 and repeated her feat of a.606 slugging percentage. Even though she found herself at first base or as the designated player most of the time, she was seen as much more than her positional responsibilities by her team.
Sterling also brought brains to the plate, earning recognition as an Academic All-ASC performer during her freshman year.
The journey of Abby Sterling is a tale of passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of one's ambitions. Her life, though short-lived, was filled with accomplishments, both native and novel, and people— tons of people who cherished, respected, and loved her. Abby Sterling's legacy will continue to ignite passion and inspire many more generations in the world of softball. A sad loss indeed, but we are ever so grateful to have had her footprints grace the softball fields, at UT Dallas and beyond.
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