Tasha Rotramel

University of Houston-Victoria student Tasha Rotramel accomplished a lot during her first season as a pitcher on the Jaguars softball team, but she’s already looking toward the 2009-2010 school year with anticipation.

“I could not have asked for a better year, team or coaches,” Rotramel said. “I will miss the seniors more than anything this coming year. They have set a high bar for the future, and I intend on doing everything I can to follow in their footsteps.”

Rotramel made her mark this spring as the first Jaguars pitcher to throw back-to-back no hitters. She was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Player of the Week, the Association of Independent Institutions’ Pitcher of the Year and a 2009 All-Star Pitcher. She received the Most Valuable Player award at the first conference tournament of the A.I.I. and a 2009 NAIA All-American Honorable Mention at the NAIA Softball National Championships.

Softball also has provided Rotramel with other opportunities, like mentoring young students.

“The new softball and baseball programs are a huge part of the Victoria community,” she said. “Being major influences to young athletes in the town, we feel that mentoring kids is a great way to reach out to them.”

Rotramel said mentoring is just another aspect of being an athlete.

“It is very important when kids look up to you to make sure you’re setting good examples and being a leader, which is exactly what mentoring is,” she said.

The biology major also excels off the field. She has a 3.96 grade-point average, made the Dean’s List, and was nominated into Gamma Beta Phi national honors society.

“I could not have gotten where I am today if it was not for my dad and the rest of my family,” Rotramel said. “They are my biggest fans.”

Rotramel anticipates graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She then will pursue an education in physical therapy.

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler  or call 361-570-4350.