Fernandez to speak at dinner

Women's softball great Lisa Fernandez will be the keynote speaker at the 11th annual Salute to Champions Dinner.

The event will be presented by the University of Nevada athletics and Promoting and Advancing Women in Sports, also known as PAWS. The event will be held on Thursday, April 13 at the John Ascuaga Nugget Rose Ballroom.

The annual event is also presented by Dr. Nazir and Dr. Mary Ansari and is sponsored by McDonald Carano Wilson LLP. All proceeds will benefit Nevada women's athletics. Cocktails and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7.

One of the pioneers of women's softball, Fernandez helped pitch the United States to three gold medals in 1996 in Atlanta, in 2000 in Sydney and in 2004 in Athens. She also contributed to multiple gold medals at the Pan American Games and World Championships. During the 1994 Pan Am Games, Fernandez had a 4-0 record with a perfect game and a no-hitter.

At UCLA, Fernandez was a four-time All-American and led the Bruins to two national titles. She was a three-time winner of the Honda Award as the nation's top softball player. Fernandez won the 1993 Honda-Broderick Award, which is presented to the country's top female collegiate athlete.

Fernandez approaches her game with the motto "Never Be Satisfied." She admits she's her own toughest critic and strives to exceed the expectations she places on herself.

Fernandez has used her softball experience to motivate her in all aspects of life. She said that softball has taught her lessons she uses in her approach to everyday life.

Tickets for the dinner are $125 per person, $75 for ages 14 and under accompanied by an adult. Table sponsorships are available. For more information, call Heather Pennington, (775) 784-4870, extension 270.