By Rick Schneider

February 21, 2010

Elmhurst College sophomore Stephanie Iori keeps her custom made Louisville Slugger glove close to her at all times.  Without it, she doesn’t know if she could play softball as competitively as she does now or, for that matter, if she would be playing at all. 

Former major league pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born with a right arm that ended halfway between the elbow and wrist, once said, “I’ve learned that it’s not the disability that defines you, it is how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. I [have] learned that you can learn to do things differently, and do them just as well.”

Like Jim Abbott, Elmhurst College sophomore Stephanie Iori has defied many odds to get to where she is now—a pitcher for the Bluejays softball team. 

Iori, the youngest of three, was born without a right hand.  However, this did not stop her as she watched her oldest sister play travel softball and quickly decided she wanted to play as well.

Growing up in Carol Stream, Iori played soccer but it was softball that came naturally.

“It was just fun,” said Iori.  “And I was good at it.”

The early years of softball, however, were not easy for Iori since her coaches were skeptical of her ability.

“When I was younger coaches didn’t really let me play that much because they were worried that I wouldn’t be able to play like the other girls,” Iori said.

But Iori’s determination and hard work helped grab her coaches’ attention all the way through high school at Glenbard North.

“As I got older and from practicing, [my coaches] realized that I could compete,” said Iori. “I was given more opportunities.”

The 10 years of hard work that Iori put in with her pitching coach has helped her overcome the rough patches.

But besides helping Iori improve her game, her pitching coach also  introduced Iori to a few MLB players including, Abbott.

“[My pitching coach] actually knows Herm Schneider, the trainer for the Chicago White Sox,” said Iori.  “He got me in contact with Jim Abbott.  Jim Abbott writes me letters and sends me inspirational stuff.”

With Abbott’s help, Iori became connected to Louisville Slugger.

“[Louisville Slugger] asked if I would like for them to make me a custom glove,” Iori said.  “They drew up three different designs and then sent me pictures of them.  I got to pick which one I wanted.”

After taking measures of her hand assure it would fit correctly, Louisville Slugger went to work to making her glove. 

The custom glove looks as if a batting glove has been sewn into the mitt and has a special pocket inside to fit her hand, a step up from her previous homemade gloves.

“Before I had this glove my dad took a regular glove and cut inside and sewed the fingers together to make a pocket in there,” said Iori.  “But this is fitted and professionally made.”

Louisville continues to send her new gloves as the material wears out. 

As a kid it was her dream to play Division I some day.

“I had a couple of opportunities to do that, but I wanted to stay close to home and I liked the smaller school atmosphere,” said Iori.

Iori first attended Benedictine University her first year of college before transferring to Elmhurst College for her sophomore year.

“I am a special education major,” Iori said.  “The education department here is really great. I had family members who went here that graduated from education and they just had nothing but great things to say.”

Coming from a family of avid hockey fans, Iori loves to watch hockey.  She’s a big Jonathan Toews fan and will be rooting for the heavily favored Canada team during the 2010 Olympics.

In her first year at Elmhurst, Iori has already earned her spot atop the pitchers.  She pitched the season opener against University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Feb. 13.

“It was an honor,” said Iori.  “I hope it is something that will continue all season.”

Although she took the loss, she only allowed two earned runs as the ‘Jays fell 3-4.

Whether it is her ritual of always wearing a bow in her hair, chewing bubblegum (absolutely no mint flavored) while on the mound or her distinct passion for softball, Iori has been able to overcome obstacles and gain some friends in the process.

Iori might have had to learn how to play softball differently than other girls, but she was able to do just as well as, if not better than, most.