University of Delaware Athletics
Christian, Mendoza to Serve as 2022 Softball Team Captains
2/5/2022 3:00:00 PM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. – When the University of Delaware softball team opens the 2022 season on Friday, they will do so behind a pair of veteran leaders. Seniors Brittney Mendoza and Kailey Christian will serve as the team's two captains this season. They were selected by the coaching staff for their personification of the program's core values – integrity, grit, courage and excellence.
"This is the first year we've had official captains," said Steele. "We finally felt our team culture was in a good enough place that we could entrust some veterans to lead the program in the right direction and Brittney and Kailey were clear choices. How they live our values every day put them in consideration, but it was their willingness to have tough conversations with teammates that set them apart. It is a skill that most young people haven't mastered yet, but Brittney and Kailey are uncommon. I am so proud of the work they've done thus far and excited to see how they positively impact our team this season."
In two seasons with the Blue & Gold, Christian has made 19 appearances in the circle mostly in relief. She has gone 5-3 overall with a pair of saves, including a 3-1 mark in 11 appearances last spring. She struck out 42 batters, to just eight walks, in 37.1 innings pitched. A threat at the bat as well, Christian has hit three home runs, including the go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning of an elimination game against Drexel in the 2021 CAA Tournament.
"It's an honor to be a captain of this year's team," said Christian. "I'm excited and thankful to go out and compete with my teammates who I consider family. It's going to be a great season to be a Blue Hen!"
Mendoza has started every game at second base in her career for the Blue & Gold. In 108 total games, she has a .322 batting average with 105 hits, including 48 extra-base knocks. She led the Blue Hens as a freshman with 13 doubles during the 2019 season and was second on the squad in 2021 with eight home runs when she earned All-CAA Second Team honors. Mendoza enters her senior campaign ranked fifth in program history with 18 career home runs and 88 RBIs, and she is currently 11th with 26 doubles.
"Being a captain and one of the leaders of this team has been such an honor for me," said Mendoza. "Throughout my years, I have had the opportunity to learn from our alumni and coaches what it means to be a good leader. They have given me the courage and confidence to motivate and lead our team now as we head into the new season. Despite the challenges we have faced, I couldn't have asked for a better group to go into battle with. I am so proud of all the girls for buying into what we set out to do. Go Hens!"
The Blue & Gold open the 2022 season on Friday, Feb. 11 when the squad travels to Florida for the Stetson Lead Off Tournament. Delaware will be playing Indiana State and Stetson twice over the opening weekend and will take on Georgia State as well.
For the latest on the Delaware softball program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @Delaware_SB and Instagram @Delawaresoftball and like "Delaware Softball" on Facebook.
