Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame
A standout on the softball diamond and a great teammate and friend, Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Stephanie Rice was a key player on Linfield’s 2007 NCAA championship team.
During Rice’s career, she helped Linfield reach the NCAA Finals twice, as the Wildcats took fourth place in 2006 before winning it all the following season.
A two-time NFCA All-American, Rice’s many softball accomplishments include three consecutive selections to the Northwest Conference and West Region all-star teams.
Statistically, Rice ranks among the top 10 in several career and single-season categories. She holds the school record for career stolen bases with 109 and single season with 42. She shares the single-season record for at-bats (201) and ranks second in hits (86), and stolen bases (34).
Teammate Kendra (Strahm) Blosser remembers Rice as a great teammate, saying she was “always the first one to practice, even at god-forsaken 4:30 a.m. Jan Term practices,” she said.
“Stephanie is the hardest-working, fiercest competitor I have ever played with. She ignited an intensity that was so ferocious and contagious for our team. I’m certain our opponents could feel it as well. I’ve never seen a hitter cause so much havoc out of the box or on the bases.”
The best part about Rice?
Said Blosser: “As incredible of an athlete as she was, she was an even more reliable teammate and continues to be one of my very closest, most loyal friends.”
To no one’s surprise, Rice continues to participate in many athletic activities since graduating from Linfield. Her endeavors include competitive sailing, running half marathons, competing in Naturally Fit Super Show fitness competitions, and slow-pitch softball. She stays busy with her family of six siblings and nine nieces and nephews.
On top of everything else, Rice is involved in her community as a member of St. Rose Catholic Church. There, she guides students participating in the religious education program as well as serving on the advisory board for the church.
A 2008 Linfield graduate, Rice completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She currently works as an accountant and office manager for Costo Oro, a green coffee warehouse. She has traveled to Colombia for work and has become more knowledgeable about coffee, how it grows, what makes good coffee and what does not.
