U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Visits, Inspires Tabor Athletes

Leah Amico ObrienHILLSBORO, Kan. – Leah Amico, U.S. Olympian and ESPN commentator, spoke to Tabor athletes on Tuesday evening as part of the Tabor Athletic Spring Celebration. Amico attributes her successes on and off the field to her relationship with Jesus Christ.

“He gave me this passion and He opened doors I wouldn’t have been able to knock down on my own,” said Amico as she addressed students.

Amico started her softball career at a young age turning a high school passion into a college scholarship. Playing first base and outfield at the University of Arizona, Amico was selected three times as a 1st team NCAA All American, three times as a NCAA Academic All-American and she holds the record for highest batting average in the NCAA Women’s College World Series at .750.

Building on her success at Arizona, Amico was selected to compete for the U.S. Olympic softball team and did so from 1995-2004. While on the team, the U.S. won three Olympic gold medals, two world championships, and two Pan-American championships.
Currently, Amico instructs at softball camps across the country and works for ESPN as a commentator for college softball. She also travels as a speaker inspiring athletes with her story of following God’s plan.

“It was amazing to be at Tabor. I enjoyed meeting the softball team and sharing some of my specific stories,” said Amico. “It is always great to have the opportunity to share openly the message of Jesus and I hope the students walk away encouraged.”

Tuesday night’s celebration was an opportunity to showcase team and individual successes achieved so far during the 2015-2016 school year. Tabor Women’s Soccer and Women’s Tennis were awarded for the highest cumulative team GPA from among all her inter-collegiate athletic programs earning a 3.59 and a 3.64, respectively. From Tabor’s fall sports teams, Tabor received 43 all-conference awards including nine First Team All-KCAC mentions. Tabor fall sport teams collected 11 NAIA awards including eight Academic All-Americans and four NAIA All-Americans. Additionally, Tabor fall and winter sport athletes have been featured 15 times as KCAC Player of the Week.

“Tabor College is blessed with many high achieving student-athletes,” said Vice-President of Enrollment and Athletics Rusty Allen. “Tabor athletes work every day to improve spiritually, academically, and athletically. Reviewing their accomplishments leads me to be humble and thankful. We are honored to have speakers like Leah Amico share and inspire continued growth in our student-athletes.”