Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Bessie Artino Guy ’12 helped Heidelberg Softball begin its upward climb -- and returned in time to see the program reach new heights.
As a player, Guy transferred to Heidelberg as a sophomore and was a key piece of a program gaining momentum. A two-time NFCA All-Region selection, she also earned All-OAC and Academic All-OAC honors twice during her career. Her senior season was particularly memorable, as she led NCAA Division III with 1.49 RBI per game and set a Heidelberg single-season record with 52 RBI.
By the time her playing career ended, Guy had established herself among the program’s career leaders in RBI, batting average, doubles and home runs, helping lay the groundwork for the success that would follow.
After graduating, Guy returned to Heidelberg as a graduate assistant coach and found herself on the other side of the lineup card. In 2015, she was part of the OAC Coaching Staff of the Year as the Student Princes put together one of the finest seasons in program history -- one that saw the team win the OAC Regular Season and Tournament and advance all the way to the NCAA Super Regionals.
For many college athletes, graduation means leaving before the full impact of their contributions can be realized. Guy was fortunate enough to return to see firsthand where her contributions at the beginning would lead.
Despite playing for Allegheny College as a freshman, Guy’s name still dots the program’s career record book. She remains fifth in batting average (.412), fifth in home runs (19), eighth in doubles (35) and ninth in RBI (101).
Today, Guy is a stay-at-home mother and lives with her husband, Mark, and their children, Bowen, Hattie Jo and Harlyn. A former teacher and softball coach, she remains close to the games she loves, spending her time coaching, watching her nephews compete and teaching her own children the finer points of basketball and softball. She also enjoys fishing and spending time with her family.
This profile appeared in the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet program.
