Sunshine State Conference

In 2014, two Florida Southern College softball players learned sometimes lifting up your competition can be more rewarding than defeating them. Little did FSC and Eckerd College know a game between conference foes would end with an act of sportsmanship recognized by major news outlets across the country, including USA Today, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

FSC's starting pitcher, senior Chelsea Oglevie, fought her way to the seventh inning during the first game of a doubleheader. She battled the Eckerd hitters, protecting a 2-1 lead. Oglevie walked the first batter of that inning. A fielder's choice ensued, followed by a flyout and another walk leaving two runners on base with two outs. With the game on the line, Eckerd decided to re-enter starting shortstop and No. 3 hitter Kara Oberer, who left the game in the first inning due to a leg injury.

Oglevie, pitching in the final game of her collegiate career, had Oberer at two balls and two strikes. On delivery of the 2-2 pitch, Oberer connected and launched a three-run home run over the leftfield fence. The shot gave Eckerd a 4-2 lead.

As Oberer started her victory lap, she collapsed halfway down the first-base line. She picked herself up but was only able to hop on one leg to the base. After rounding first base, she fell once more, but this time was unable to go any further.

Leah Pemberton, from her second base position, ran to assist a struggling Oberer. Despite giving up the home run and lead, Oglevie also supported the runner after noticing Pemberton could not carry Oberer on her own. Together, the two Moccasins carried the Triton around the infield, helping her touch each base before handing Oberer off to her team at home plate.

"I feel like it's a life-changing experience to realize that people are willing to go out of their way for you," Oberer said to Graham Hays of espnW.com. "I think it shows people all over that there is still greatness in humanity. People just want to help you out either way."

With Florida Southern unable to capitalize on a couple of base runners in the bottom of the seventh, the game ended 4-2 in favor of Eckerd. The victory gave Eckerd its first winning season in the program's 29-year history.

"Even though it was my last pitch, I knew what we were doing was remarkable," Oglevie stated to Ray Beasock of The Ledger. "We did the right thing. Even though it looks like I didn't do a good job as a pitcher, I showed what kind of person I am and what I believe in."

Oglevie and Pemberton went on to garner SSC Sportsmanship awards and national acclaim for their actions. The pair was featured on various shows and websites, including SportsCenter's Top-10. They were even honored by the Tampa Bay Rays during a pre-game on-the-field ceremony. Their incredible show of sportsmanship will be remembered by people around the sunshine state and country for years to come.

More information on the Florida Southern / Eckerd sportsmanship moment:
Graham Hay's espnW Story
ABC Action News Story
My FOX Tampa Bay Story
WFLA TV (NBC) Story
USA TODAY Story
Bleacher Report
NCAA.com
Huff Post
Minnesota Public Radio
NESN
State College of Florida
New York Daily News
FOX Sports
People Magazine
Little League Website
MLB.com
ESPN SportsNation
Lakeland Ledger
Tampa Bay Times

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About the 40 Great Moments Campaign

The "40 Great Moments" campaign was created to bring attention to the athletic excellence, academic excellence, community engagement, and sportsmanship that has made up the Sunshine State Conference over the last 40 years. Moments were nominated by current and former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni, and fans. The final 40 moments were decided upon by a vote of conference Sports Information Directors. The "40 Great Moments" campaign concluded during the Summer of 2016.

View all 40 of the SSC's Great Moments, here.