WEST POINT, N.Y. (October 14, 2015) -- A dream for almost any softball player is to win a championship in Oklahoma City at Hall of Fame Stadium. For 2nd Lt. April Ortenzo, a 2014 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, that dream became a reality.

Ortenzo donned the Army West Point jersey for four seasons and was voted the softball team captain her final two years in 2013 and 2014. After two years of being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, Ortenzo was chosen for a familiar line of duty; to serve on the All-Army Women's Softball Team.

"It was an honor to play for the All-Army Team," explained Ortenzo. "Playing for the West Point team set the foundation of the appreciation of wearing the name 'Army' on my chest. I understand how much of an honor it is to play to represent those who have come before me, are currently serving and who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I couldn't ask for a bigger honor or humbling experience."

Ironically, the All-Army team was something that head coach Michelle DePolo had discussed with Ortenzo during her recruiting process.

"Being part of the All-Army team is something that April and I talked about back when she was in high school and making the decision to come to West Point," said DePolo. "I was thrilled to hear she kept it in mind and we could see it come full circle."

The All-Army team went a perfect 9-0 in a tournament with wins over Air Force, who had a record of 4-5, Navy (4-5) and the Marines (1-8) at Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejune, N.C.

The Parkland, Fla., native, had an immediate impact on her new team and batted .636 (7-for-11) in the first four contests, but that was no surprise to coach DePolo.

"When this journey started, I couldn't even fathom her accomplishments on the All-Army team and then the All-Armed Forces team, but she has always been someone who is fueled by competitive situations and keeps meeting the new standard once the bar is raised," DePolo shared.

Ortenzo was named to the All-Tournament Team and was chosen to go on and play on the All-Armed Forces Team that would play in Oklahoma City, where the last 19 NCAA Division I softball champions have been crowned.

"It was always a dream of mine to play in the Hall of Fame Stadium as a kid," said Ortenzo. "I never thought it would be through slow pitch softball or the Army but I am so thankful for how everything works out. It was an honor to get to play in a stadium that so many legends have played in."

Ortenzo not only won her second gold medal of the season in Oklahoma City, but was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

"Overall, this experience was an honor and privilege," she added. "The All-Army and All-Armed Forces teams were so successful because of each individual that put themselves aside and played for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back. From the coaching staff to the players, it was truly something special to be a part of both of those teams of great ball players and outstanding soldiers. I look forward to getting some more West Point softball alumni involved in this program and playing alongside them again."

"West Point and the Army couldn't ask for a better representative for both a team member and one achieving these distinguished honors," commented DePolo. "April encompasses all the values on which both institutions are predicated. She lives and preaches those values in exemplary fashion and makes those around her better. We are proud to say she got her start with the Army West Point softball program."

Ortenzo is currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Related Links:

Army West Point Athletics website

U.S. Military Academy at West Point website

U.S. Army Garrison West Point website

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