UL senior-to-be Christi Orgeron has had one of those summers that college students can only dream about.

As a member of the United States national softball team, Orgeron has been racking up the frequent flyer miles and padding an already impressive resume in the process.

After Sunday night’s Team USA win over Japan in the finals of the World Cup of Softball VI, Orgeron can add one more important detail to her list — Gold Medalist.

"It feels amazing," Orgeron said on Tuesday, after taking the early flight home from Oklahoma City to spend time with family and friends. "I think it’s just been all very humbling."

Orgeron went 1-for-5 in the six-game tournament in Oklahoma with a double, run scored and three RBIs. In the championship game against Japan, Orgeron pinch-hit and flew out after barely missing a double down the line.

The win by the Americans avenged a 7-0 loss to Japan in the finals of the Canadian Open.

"I think it kind of felt a little better than I thought it would," Orgeron said of winning the Gold Medal in the World Cup. "We came back from Canada Cup having lost to Japan and there was a lot of speculation that the team was too young.

"Then we came to the World Cup and dropped a game to Canada and got off to a bad start. This team just circled the wagons and held together and stayed strong and persevered and would not be denied."

The Japanese team had experience on their side, with most of the members of that team being on the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal team.

On the flip side, the U.S. team featured a dozen players who had never played a game on the international level prior to the Canadian Open.

"I don’t feel like we were intimidated," Orgeron said. "I’m not going to make excuses, because we have the talent to be the best.

"But that’s really the first tournament we’ve ever played together as a team. There are 12 people out there that it’s their first time playing on a team against international level competition.

"We didn’t play as well as we should have (in the Canadian Open). We took what we learned there and applied it (in the World Cup)."

Orgeron developed quite a following this summer, including New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who reached out to Orgeron prior to Sunday’s championship game.

"It was very surprising to get that phone call," said Orgeron, a New Orleans native. "He was just like ‘Hey this is the mayor, I want to call and wish you good luck.’ I was a little speechless, it took me a while to be able to gather my words.

"I just think it’s very humbling. It’s really cool to see all the people who gather to support you. Not everyone gets a whole state or whole nation rooting for them.

"The coolest part is thinking about going all the way back to playing PAC (Plantation Athletic Club) ball in the summer to having my teammates at UL make me into the player that I am today. Without all of my teammates, my coaches, my fans, I don’t get here. Without them, I’m not the player I am today. I’m extremely grateful. I can’t say thank you enough for those who supported me."

And her teammates and coaches at UL have been there with her throughout the whole Team USA process, even if most of it is only in spirit.

"When her name comes on the TV screen and they say Christi Orgeron from Louisiana and she’s playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns, that gives you a sense of pride," UL co-head coach Michael Lotief said. "She’s the first Louisiana kid to represent our team and our university in this type of competition.

"We’re extremely proud of her and I think she’s making the most of a great opportunity."

Orgeron feels she is making the most of the experience, even if she’s not playing as much as she’s accustomed.

"As an athlete, you always want to be in the game and you always want to bat when the game is on the line," Orgeron said. "I want to play, but at the same time, I respect our coaches and respect what they’re doing.

"Whatever role I’m asked to do, I’m going to do it and give it all I have. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t leave anything questioned. This is a chance of a lifetime and I didn’t want to come back saying I wish I had done this. I’ve really had a great time and have no regrets."