Meet Lainie Ornstein, a dedicated athlete whose passion for softball has been ingrained in her identity since she first stepped onto the field. With most of her lifetime playing softball, she has honed in on her skills, embraced challenges, and cultivated a deep love for the game.
In a very active childhood, Ornstein was always outside playing either with her dad or younger brother. She started playing softball in the second grade at 7 years old and fell in love with the sport. Ornstein was born and raised in Westchester, NY and played softball at Yorktown High School. When choosing what college to go to, Ornstein knew she was going to pursue softball wherever she went.
“I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to play when I was a kid but I always knew I was going to play softball as long as I had the opportunity to do so.” said Ornstein.
From the moment she stepped onto the field as a freshman, Lainie made her presence known. As a catcher, she commands the game with confidence and poise, orchestrating plays, calling pitches, and directing her teammates with precision. Her ability to read the game and anticipate plays sets her apart, earning the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.
For Lainie, being a softball catcher isn’t just about the game—it’s about the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that make every moment on the field special. As she gears up for another practice session with her team, she can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that she’ll get to spend time with some of her closest friends.
“I have formed so many relationships through the game of softball and I wouldn’t trade them for the world!” said Ornstein.
Halle Wright, junior utility player at SUNY Cortland, is one of Lainie’s closest friends. After they play together on the field, they go home as roommates and best friends.
“Lainie is the type of teammate to always be there for you on and off the field. She’s extremely dedicated to our sport and you can see it by the way she plays.” said Wright, “That’s the type of teammate you want to be a part of a team. Her impact on our team is so effective in so many ways and I’m thankful that we got this opportunity to play together.”
As Ornstein sheds her gear and joins her teammates for a post-game huddle, Lainie’s heart is full, her spirit lifted by the bonds of friendship and the shared passion for softball that unite them. And as they walk off the field together, she knows that win or lose, they’ll always have each other’s backs.
“Off the field, Lainie is a great friend who is always willing to help and is always there for you.” said Julz Koch, junior catcher on the women’s softball team.
All Athletes face challenges throughout their years of playing the sport they love. Dedication and persistence is what Ornstein harbors to be the best player that she can. Lainie has dealt with injuries, drama, and loss throughout her time as a softball player, but it has helped her shape into the person she is today. Despite facing her own share of challenges and setbacks throughout her college career, she has never wavered in her determination to succeed. Lainie tackles each obstacle with determination and persistence.
Even as an excellent catcher, Lainie has faced her own share of struggles away from the field. She claimed that her biggest weakness off the field was confrontation, especially her close friends. She has worked on having difficult conversations with those around her, as she would with practicing a skill she was having problems with.
Off the field, Lainie is a dedicated student and leader in the classroom, balancing the demands of academics and athletics with grace and determination. As a student-athlete, she understands the importance of discipline and time management, excelling both on the diamond and in her studies.
Ornstein’s skill set has impacted the SUNY Cortland’s women’s softball team on their way to the championship. Her confidence on and off the field is inspiring. She has assumed a leadership role confidently.
Mckenna Barry, junior pitcher for the women’s softball team is also a close friend to Lainie.
“Lainie has stepped into the role as captain this year seamlessly. She has natural leadership skills and is a great teammate, always picking people up when they’re down and being consistent positivity in the dugout and she’s an even better friend.” said Barry, “Always there for you when you need her and goes out of her way to do anything for her friends.”
As the sun begins to set and the lights illuminate the field, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. For Lainie, the catcher for her softball team, this isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to showcase her skills, lead her team, and leave everything on the field. As she prepares for the upcoming game, Lainie’s focus is unwavering, her determination palpable. She prepares both mentally and physically. She stretches and hydrates before each game and makes sure to take a moment to visualize success and appreciate the opportunity she is given to be able to play the sport she has loved since a child.
Having strong relationships with teammates off the field is crucial to the performance on the field. Lainie has made that one of her top priorities. She loves playing the sport she loves with her best friends alongside her. They are her biggest motivators.
“My teammates are my best friends. They are more than just my teammates, they are my family.” said Ornstein, “My biggest motivation is my teammates. Their hard work and effort motivates me to be better. I want to be better for my team.”
Every athlete has someone they look up to and push forward for. Ornstein’s top role model is her mother. Lainie has looked up to her mother as not only a parent, but as a beacon of resilience and courage.
“She is the strongest, most hard working woman I know and she is my biggest supporter. She is always pushing me to be the best I can be while being my biggest fan.” said Ornstein, “I am so grateful to have her.”
Being on the women’s softball team at Cortland has taught Lainie relationship skills, leadership skills, and real world skills that she has had the opportunity to work on. She has learned how to be a good teammate and how to build relationships with those around her.
During each season, Lainie and her teammates dream of being able to make it to the SUNYAC Championship. This season, their dream may become reality, since Lainie and her teammates have been working harder than ever to make it to their goal.
As Lainie prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, her legacy as a college catcher softball player stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the human spirit. After college Lainie plans on continuing her career as a physical educator along with becoming a softball coach, maybe even here in Cortland.
“Softball will always be a huge part of my life. It has taught me so much about working with a team, being a leader, and also skills like weightlifting and cardiovascular fitness.” said Ornstein, “I will continue to use these skills in the future whether that be at my job or in my personal life.”