Looking back, I’ve learned the most from the bad coaches, really, how not to act, how not to coach, how not to treat people. So I always say no matter what situations you’re faced with, how bad it is, you can always walk away and learn. You can always rise above it.
When I was 12, I had a coach tell me I would never be a championship pitcher. That devastated me. I was crushed.
I had the vision of creating my own camp to make sure I was teaching the campers what I wanted. Plus I picked other players that were good on the field and off so we could be great role models for these girls to look up to. I hope to inspire others and encourage them to go after their dreams.
When you train six to seven hours a day to be the best in your sport, you don’t want that to be overlooked. I don’t train for my looks.
I may be wearing makeup, but I can throw a fastball by you at the same time.
You’re not going to get off the couch and be at some amazing fast pace or burn crazy amounts of calories, but you have to start somewhere Eventually, you’ll get there.
I still think there are some pitches in this pitching arm, so I will continue playing with USA Softball, but knowing that this could be the last time a softball player stands on the Olympic podium and has the opportunity of experiencing this – it was emotional.
College was the greatest four years of my life.
A miracle is really the only way to describe motherhood and giving birth. It’s unbelievable how God has made us women and babies to endure and be able to do so much. A miracle, indeed. Such an incredible blessing.
I didn’t really get into boys until my junior year of high school, when I had my first boyfriend. But for the most part I was always playing sports, so I was too busy for them!
I’m a role model for lots of young girls.
The best compliment I’ve gotten was being compared to Randy Johnson. We’re both hard-throwing.
I get has been great. It has opened so many doors for me.
I love to run. I was challenged to run the New York marathon four months after having my youngest son, and since running isn’t a big part of softball, the thought of a marathon was a stretch for me.
Dad was the pitching coach, while Mom was the emotional supporter. Her unconditional love was great, and she wanted what was best for me.
Got any pitches? I got five pitches-rise-ball, curveball, screwball, drop-ball and changeup.
A macho attitude is totally to my advantage. Guys try to hit it 400 feet out of the park, but in softball you have to use a short, quick swing. Big, huge swings equal big, huge strikeouts.
I could have never dreamed what an amazing ride this has been.
You don’t take a class; you’re thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.
From what I hear, it’s a normal thing to feel guilty as a mother, especially when trying to fill the needs of a newborn along with maintaining what you had with your first child.