Olympic Career
Nuveman-Deniz's Olympic debut came at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney. After struggling at the plate, hitting a combined .171, Team USA faced the threat of elimination in a doubleheader on September 25. Nuveman-Deniz hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to defeat China in a crucial game to get a shot at medaling. In the next game vs. Australia, she would be on base to score the winning run and be able to play for gold. The Americans eventually went on to claim gold vs. previously undefeated Japan on September 26; Nuveman-Deniz mustered the only hit to bring the tying run across the plate. She then got on base in the extra 8th inning to score for a 2–1 win. Nuveman-Deniz was tied leading the team in RBIs.
In preparation for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Nuveman-Deniz played the later half of the tour and hit over .400. For the 2004 Games, Team USA dominated the competition to establish themselves as the best team in the world, eventually seizing the gold medal. Nuveman-Deniz had two hits in the gold medal game, including a solo home run for a 5–1 victory on August 23. In round robin, she also helped defeat their eventual opponent Australia with a three-run homer on August 15. Overall Nuveman-Deniz hit .312 with two home runs and 5 RBIs to contribute to Team USA's record-breaking tournament.
The American pitching staff gave up just one run during the entire Olympic Games, a run of dominance partially attributed to Nuveman's game-calling ability. This team was referred to afterward as the "Real Dream Team" on the cover of Sports Illustrated, taking a swipe at the disappointing American men's basketball team at the same Games.
Nuveman-Deniz hit .342 on the Bound For Beijing Tour in 2008 but suffered at the Olympics, hitting .182 overall. She was shut out in the gold medal game in which the Americans were defeated 3–1 by Japan and took silver.
Read more about this topic: Stacey Nuveman
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