KU Softball Retires Jersey of Program’s First All-American
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Over the years, Kansas softball history has been written by many student-athletes. Jill Larson-Bradney (1978-81) is one of those Jayhawks who contributed to KU’s history in a multitude of ways throughout her time in the Crimson and Blue uniform. On Saturday, prior to first pitch, Kansas softball honored Larson-Bradney’s career with the retirement of her jersey.
The Wichita, Kansas native was the first Kansas softball player to receive All-American honors and earned the prestigious award from the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women concluding her record-breaking senior campaign. In the same year, Larson-Bradney was a first-team all-region selection, as well as named to the Big Eight Championships All-Tournament Team. The three-time All-Big Eight performer was inducted to the Kansas Hall of Fame following her senior season in 1981.
As a senior, Larson-Bradney led the team in six different offensive categories: hits (43), runs (17), doubles (4), RBIs (17), home runs (1), and batting average (.341). In her career as a Jayhawk (1978-81), Larson-Bradney registered a batting average of .341, listing her sixth in Kansas’ all-time career records.
Larson-Bradney was coached under Bob Stanclift, who led the Jayhawks to a winning season during each of her years at KU. The four-time letterwinner holds Kansas sophomore records in hits (60), doubles (8) and batting average (.400).
While Larson-Bradney dominated on the softball field, she also sported a Crimson and Blue uniform on the volleyball and basketball courts. After a decorated career, Larson-Bradney continued to stay involved with softball by taking up coaching at the high school level.
Larson-Bradney is just the third Jayhawk to have her softball jersey retired. The other two honorees are Camille Spitaleri and Sheila Connolly.
The retiring of Larson-Bradney’s jersey was one of several events surrounding Kansas softball’s alumni weekend. Over 30 alumnae of the softball program were in attendance and recognized prior to the start of Saturday’s game against Texas.
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