Cinderella?....NOT

[Just1More]

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Good article Jay. I have to give Michael Lotief a free pass on the "Cinderella" portrayal for a few reasons. First, it garners favor in some circles of national media (as you mentioned) and what's the point of correcting these numbskulls. Second, it may make a team or two underestimate you (remember, these Florida, Arizona, California young ladies aren't hearing about the Ragin Cajuns in many other sports circles). Third, it may actually help the team, aside from Vanessa's comments, have an underdog, overlooked, unappreciated approach. Actually, I think they just go do their thing and have a blast doing it.

Most UL people know how good our softball team is. I think the underdogging in softball we may or may not do is a result of our status in most other sports and/or the lack of respect achieved and sustained in those sports. It's a carryover effect. I think our legacy has us saddled with "Cinderella" as a athletic program. If it's the historical "allowance" Cinderella has gotten as opposed to her ugly sister, then we certainly deserve the name. Oh, I forgot, the ugly sister inherited the gold mine and is now financially independent.

Regardless, you do make a point. I'm basking in the light of our current success, and think that our young ladies are also doing so... and don't really care whether they are called Cinderella, U L L, Louisiana (hyphenated with Lafayette) or anything else. In the end, no matter how this turns out... they are champions. I'm not sure I'm more proud that they are successful at what they do, or just the way they handle themselves (what a fun bunch of young ladies).

[Hammer58]

Outstanding. It should be sent to the DA as a guest column. Hell, send it to every media outlet in Louisiana.

[Louisiana84]

Whether it is the reason or not...

GIVE US OUR DAMN NAME. It was the University of Louisiana when I grabbed my diploma. It will be again, someday. Why not TODAY?

[Dad04]

Excellent piece. FWIW, the national media loves a Cinderella story, but fact or fiction is irrelevent to them. It wouldn't shock me if they were the last team standing in OKC. They probably don't need that chip on their shoulder to do it, though.

[DestinCajun]

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I agree with everyone else that read it. You got it right on point.

Not that I would mind folks calling the Cajun football team Cinderella next season when they play in a bowl. Not at all.

[Clutch0364]

This is what we expect out of our softball program but this is a great feeling we all have right now. Let's go finish this off and walk away with a title.

[zephyr]

Amen!!! I think Mike's opening statements were already scripted if you know what I mean. I think he was just reading what some goofy producer wanted him to. I know they aren't surprised and neither are the true fans who at least understand where this program has been the past 20 or so years. I went to about 10 games this season and none for baseball. I just found the softball season to be so much more interesting and I really like watching these ladies play.