Letters of Recommendation

Stacey Vallee Head Softball Coach at FMU

This is a reference letter for Michaela Wolf. I am the head softball coach at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. Michaela was a member of the FMU softball team for four years. She was someone who I knew I wanted here from the start. She brought a type of intensity to the field that I loved. She’s the type of student-athlete every coach would want on their team from an athletic standpoint and an academic standpoint. She was an All-America Scholar Athlete as well as receiving several athletic awards including being named an NFCA All-American as a Pitcher/Utility player. She was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society her junior year. All in all, she is one of the best student-athletes I have ever had. I say student-athlete because that is exactly what she is, she is someone who is doing much more than “just being a student.” She has dedicated herself to this softball program. She is a leader on and off the field. Our program is very rigorous and demanding. She has stepped up to the plate with all of it and then some. She was our number one pitcher since her freshman year, as well as our number four hitter in the lineup. Pitching is a position that demands extra work, dedication and leadership qualities. She has all of those. She helped lead us to four very successful seasons, including two trips to the NCAA post-season and in 2008 she helped lead us all the way to the Women’s DII College World Series. So not only is she competitive in the classroom she was part of a very competitive softball program. She was also named caption of the team for her sophomore and junior years; as well as being a member of our leadership council her senior year. She is someone the girls always looked up to and respected. All of this speaks volumes to her dedication, leadership and work ethic. She is someone who will be missed next year, athletically and academically. No matter where she lands she will be a very positive reflection of that department. I think that she is very deserving of any employment she receives; she works hard and should be rewarded for all her efforts. I think it would be a mistake not to look at her beyond what she looks like on paper, although she does look pretty good on paper.

Joe F. Cauble, Former FMU Athletic Trainer

I have had the pleasure of knowing Michaela for the past four years. As the assistant athletic trainer for Francis Marion University, I have assisted Michaela with her healthcare needs throughout her athletic career. It takes a tremendous person to compete not only on the playing field but in the classroom and Michaela has been able to do that at the highest level. Michaela has amassed numerous awards on and off the field including, but not limited to: 2008 1st team NFCA All-American, 2x PBC All-Conference, 2x NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete, 4x PBC Presidential Honor Roll, 4x FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll, Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, and team captain. Michaela has not only had success on and off the field, but has also been tremendous in dealing with adversity by overcoming injuries throughout her career. I mention this aspect specifically because she has shown incredible resolve to battle her way through that adversity with a “never give up” attitude. For the many accolades that Michaela has accumulated throughout her career at FMU none come close to matching the tremendous person that Michaela is.

Jen ‘Turtle’ Mickelson Former Coach and Longtime Friend and Mentor

This letter is to familiarize you with Michaela Wolf. I have known her for over 10 years. I began coaching her in 12U competitive softball and I still have yet to meet a person with a work ethic such as hers. I have watched her grow into a responsible and exceptional athlete, student and person. Whether she is in an academic or athletic setting, she gives to others without measure or consideration for herself. She takes on challenges with an open mind and rises to exceed the expectations set in front of her. She takes her life and love for the game of softball very seriously. In addition to holding a 3.58 GPA, and earning a mass communications degree, she also played a full time collegiate softball schedule setting many pitching records at Francis Marion University. In addition to coaching her, I have had the pleasure of working along side her as a professional softball instructor. She has a thirst for education and uses that tool to further her own knowledge as well as those around her. Her athletes look up to her and strive to reach her expectations. She sets the bar high for her athletes, knowing that the road may not be easy, but in the end, it will be worth it. Female athletes need positive role models in their lives and Michaela does not let them down. She leads by example, using her own personal trials to relate to her athletes, reminding them, we are all human and it’s not whether or not we fail, but what we learn from failing that allows us to succeed. Her potential is limitless, as her desire for education is never ending in all areas of her life. I would not be the person, nor the instructor I am, if that part that is Michaela was not in my life. I know that I have taught her many things over the last 10 years, but she has taught me more than she’ll ever know. I highly recommend Michaela Wolf for the position at hand, as her drive, determination, work ethic and heart will only add to your company and its overall goals.