Like Mother, Like Daughter – A Softball Story
When Jenna Bunting, a freshman catcher from Metropolis, was looking for a place to continue her education and softball career, she didn’t have to look very far for assistance. She just had to walk in the next room. Her mother, Tonda (Lamb) Bunting, originally from Cave In Rock, played softball and basketball for Southeastern Illinois College from 1986 to 1989. (One year was a “red-shirt” year, as she was in a motorcycle accident.) Naturally, Tonda shared her experiences with her daughter, including her academic, athletic, and most importantly social experiences.
When reflecting on her time at SIC, Tonda relishes in memories of making friends through her participation in sports. That is also what she enjoys most about her daughter attending SIC.
“It means a lot to me to see my daughter playing softball here as well, making new friends and taking that next step on growing and choosing to make her own decisions toward her career goals,” said Tonda.
Academically, Tonda studied and pursued a career in healthcare, as she is now employed at a local OB/GYN facility. Like her mom, Jenna is also pursuing a career in healthcare, more specifically nursing.
“I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps and make her proud by coming to SIC for a healthcare-related field and playing softball, since she didn’t have the opportunity to further her softball career after being in a motorcycle accident,” said Jenna.
Although they played different positions, since Tonda was a shortstop and pitcher, they still have the love for the game and share the same experience.
Southeastern’s softball team is an NJCAA Division I team. For more information, contact Maggie Calcaterra at 618-252-5400 ext. 2212 or m.calcaterra@sic.edu. To be considered for the team, visit sic.edu/recruitme and fill out the baseball/softball form.
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