Detroit's Kaleigh Rafter to compete for Team Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Oct. 23, 2007

DETROIT, Mich. - Titan softball player Kaleigh Rafter (Guelph, ON) is headed to China. Rafter has been named, by Softball Canada, as one of 15 players to compete for Team Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics to be held in Beijing, China.

The reigning Horizon League Player of The Year, Rafter set Detroit career and single-season records for home runs last season with 26 and 14 respectively. Rafter finished tops in the Horizon League with an OBP of .538, and a SLG % of .810. Additionally, she finished third in the league with a batting average of .413.

"I am thrilled for Kaleigh! She is the most deserving player that I can think of," commented Titan head coach Bob Wilkerson. "Her work ethic is second to none, and she will represent UDM and Canada with dignity and class."

"I am honored to have this opportunity and I look forward to making everyone proud," Rafter commented via e-mail.

Primarily a catcher and third baseman, it has been her ability to play multiple positions that has helped Rafter get to where she is. Rafter spent the summer training with Team Canada, currently ranked fifth in the world, and as a result of making the Olympic Team she will miss the Titans' 2008 season in order to compete for her country. While she will be missed by UDM this upcoming season, everybody at Detroit will be wishing her the best as she competes for her country.

--Story provided by the Detroit office of sports information