Hall of Fame
Sharon Huffman Marquardt only played two seasons in a McKendree softball uniform. However, the impact she made on the Bearcats' program can still be measured today as she stands as one of the most productive performers ever to wear the Purple and White.
After transferring to the McKendree program in time for the 1998 season, Sharon quickly established herself as an everyday contributor in the Bearcats' lineup. As a junior she batted .338, adding 11 doubles, five home runs and 30 runs batted in on her way to All-Conference recognition from the American Midwest Conference. Sharon led the team in doubles and was tied for the team lead in RBI.
That set the stage for a memorable senior season in 1999. Sharon became one of just a handful of McKendree softball players to hit over .400 for a season, posting a batting average of .401. She led the squad in nearly every offensive category with 81 hits, 17 doubles, seven triples 13 home runs and 53 runs batted in. Sharon repeated as an All-AMC selection while earning All-America accolades from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
McKendree reached the NAIA Softball Championship in each of Sharon's two seasons with the Bearcats. McKendree made a deep run at the 1999 event, finishing fifth in the nation and ending the year with a then-record 38 victories. Sharon was named to the NAIA Softball Championship All-Tournament Team after leading the Bearcats to three victories during the week.
In her two years at McKendree, Sharon batted .376 with 28 doubles, eight triples, 18 home runs and 83 runs batted in. All of those career statistics rank in the Bearcats' top 10 at the time of her induction.
