DETROIT (1/21/2020) -- From the time Eastpointe native Stefanie Hayes stepped on the University of Detroit Mercy campus in the fall of 1989, it had been long decided that anything less than greatness would not be tolerated.
With a prestigious reputation in the state of Michigan for graduating countless attorneys, government officials, healthcare providers, authors, award-winning actors and actresses and even a U.S. Senator, the bar would be set incredibly high.
That's just how Hayes likes it. High and inside.
"The recruitment process back then was much less intensive than it is now," Hayes said. "But it was still nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. I was so excited to meet the coaches, be able to watch a practice, and hang out with the team after. The coaches were persuasive, enthusiastic, and persistent to get me to sign at (Detroit Mercy). It was a great moment in my life when I signed my letter of intent to play Division I women's softball at (Detroit Mercy)!"
The Titan softball program was incepted in the late 1970s, but by the end of the first decade, the University of Detroit Mercy was starting to become a hegemonizing program, and one of those players leading the charge was standout third baseman, Stefanie Hayes.
She was a part of two regular season championships and two conference tournament title teams as the Titans won it all in her freshman year with wins over Notre Dame, and a pair of victories over Saint Louis and again in her senior season as the red, white and blue defeated Notre Dame in the semifinals, and once again in the championship.
As a freshman, she hit over .300 and in the championship game, she provided the go-ahead RBI against Saint Louis. The following season, she hit an astounding .361, while driving in 26 runs en route to being honored on the All-Region Second Team. It didn't stop there as she led the team in RBI's as a junior, knocking in 32 teammates as the Titans set a school record in wins.
In her time, the Titans posted four-straight winning seasons, a 135-72 overall record, three 30-win campaigns, and a school-record 39 wins in 1991. Playing alongside future Hall of Famers such as Teresa Emery, Hayes was able to make an immediate impact on all of those teams as she was selected First-Team All-League in all four seasons, with her last three coming at third base.
By the time of her graduation in 1992, she was the all-time leader with 95 RBIs and 161 total hits, which is still third in the record books, and posted a magnificent .972 fielding percentage at the hot corner.
"I have followed the softball program on and off," Hayes said. "It is always exciting to see our UDM teams back in the highlights again. Women's softball has increased in popularity and it is a testament to all the past, present, and future players!
"Playing at (Detroit Mercy) was a true dream come true. Playing Division I softball was the goal. My best memories were winning top league games, playing highly rated Big 10 teams, and traveling with our "team"! Team is the key. My teammates made each practice and game worth giving it my all. They supported me and we had so much fun! Whether traveling in vans to Florida for Spring training, playing at Royal Oak Memorial field, participating in U of M tournaments, or practicing for hours at Calihan Hall....it was all memorable and worth every second!
"Attending the University in Detroit Mercy helped me grow personally and professionally. The multicultural and global approach to life, learning and athletics helped me become a well-rounded person."
Great teams are led by great players and championship ball clubs always seem to have that third baseman that can do it all, and for the Titans, it was number 26.
Congratulations Stefanie Hayes on your induction into the Titan Hall of Fame.
