An announcement made Friday by the Amateur Softball Association and USA Softball flipped Christi Orgeron’s summer calendar upside down, but she’s fine with making some changes.

UL’s star outfielder had to adjust her schedule so she can travel the world this summer and represent her country on the diamond.

Orgeron became the first player in program history to earn a spot on the USA Softball Women’s National Team on Friday after competing with the nation’s top talent earlier this week in California. She was one of 18 players, plus one alternate, to make the cut.

"It’s such a big honor to be able to represent my university and the entire UL community," Orgeron said Friday from Houston before boarding a flight back to New Orleans. "I think it just shows how great the softball program is. I’m so thankful for the players that came before me that set the standard and the coaches that helped me develop. This is as much about my coaches and teammates as it is about me."

Orgeron, who earned a slew of individual honors as a junior this past season, will be plenty busy for the next few months.

Team USA will play three exhibition doubleheaders against the USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team starting June 25 in Plant City, Fla. The two teams meet again June 29 in Salem, Va., and July 1 in Bowie, Md.

Orgeron is one of 12 players on the team that will compete in their first international tournament at the Canadian Open Fast Pitch International Championship from July 9-17 in Surrey, B.C. After going to Canada, Team USA will participate in the World Cup of Softball from July 21-25 in Oklahoma City.

Team USA follows that with the Pan American Games from Oct. 17-23 in Guadalajara, Mexico. They’ve won nine Pan American Games championships — including the past six — and Orgeron wants to bring back another title.

"Christi continues to impress the softball world with what we in Cajun country already know," Ragin’ Cajuns co-head coach Michael Lotief said. "She is one of the best softball players in the country and now she gets to showcase her talents against the world. We are so proud of her."

Orgeron is the lone player on Team USA from a school outside the Pac-10, Big 12, SEC and Big Ten.

"She continues to answer every challenge and push to new heights," Lotief said. "Our program and fans know we will be represented proudly as a Louisiana girl gets the honor of wearing USA across her chest."

This past season, Orgeron hit a career-high .414 and led the nation with 101 RBIs, the third-best total in NCAA history. She also finished second nationally in home runs (23) and runs scored (75) as the Cajuns won the Sun Belt regular-season and league tournament championships and advanced to regional play for the 13th straight year.

In addition to putting up those big numbers Orgeron was a top 10 finalist for USA Softball’s Player of the Year award and made the Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America third team. She was also first-team all-region, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, SBC tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Louisiana Hitter of the Year.

Another Ragin’ Cajun, pitcher Ashley Brignac, participated in the Team USA tryouts but did not make the final roster.

"All around, it was just a great experience to be able to go there with one of my teammates," Orgeron said. "To share that experience with Brig was a very big honor. We were able to meet players and coaches from all over the country. I’m so grateful that the coaching staff gave up their time and allowed me to be a part of it."

Orgeron was set to do an internship this summer with a ministry organization based out of California before Friday’s news came out.

She hopes there is a way to play for Team USA and still get the chance to intern later this summer.

"It’s a huge privilege to be a part of this team and put on that USA jersey," Orgeron said. "Anyone would be completely honored. I’m looking forward to the quality competition, performing at my best and learning from my teammates and coaches. I’m definitely ready to enjoy the whole experience."