When Melissa Sadler collected her 100th career hit on Wednesday against Mercy College, she added another milestone to one of the greatest athletic careers in St. Thomas Aquinas College history.

 

The fifth-year senior became just the 28th player in the 41-year history of STAC’s softball program to reach the prestigious three-digit plateau. She is in the final year of a brilliant two-sport career that has seen her reach significant heights of success as an individual while playing leading roles on several terrific teams. 

 

“I think Missy is one of the finest female athletes in school history,” said STAC Softball Head Coach Kristen Sullivan. “She’s been an anchor in center field for us and has been one of the conference’s most dynamic offensive players for a long time. She hits for power, high average and has excellent speed on the base paths.”

 

Sadler played a pivotal role in the historic success of the 2019 softball team. Playing in center field and hitting at or near the top of the order, she batted .316 and helped the Lady Spartans log the best season in program history. STAC’s 25 wins was the team’s most ever and Sadler’s memorable, game-tying home run in the seventh inning paved the way for an ECC playoff win over NYIT in the team’s first post-season appearance since 2006. 

 

Sadler’s determination and athleticism helped her develop into one of the area’s best basketball players by the time her four-year career was over. In her senior year, she was named to the All-ECC and All-Met teams and she closed her career with 844 points. Her teams compiled an outstanding record of 93-28 that included an ECC title, two appearances in the East Regionals and post-season bids in all four seasons. 

 

“Missy is a gifted athlete who was able to play two sports on the collegiate level, which is an amazing feat,” said Sullivan. “She’s the special type of athlete who is blessed with natural ability and works incredibly hard to achieve her potential. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to coach her.”

 

Karen Thorne is the program’s all-time leader in career hits with 188.