K's and thank yous                                  FEBRUARY 27, 2006

                                                                                                                                    

  
 

NCAA  STRIKEOUT RECORD   

  
     
  5:52 p.m.: Well, I just wanted to write a quick entry about the strikeout record. First and foremost, I am glad it's over with. Now the focus can solely go back to being on the season and our run to Oklahoma City.     I am very proud of the record, though. It's something I really wanted to accomplish once I realized it was within my reach. Records are made to be broken, though, so I am sure it won't stand forever. But for this moment, it's mine.   I do want to thank many people who have helped me reach this point, because the reason I was able to accomplish this feat does not rest just with me.     

First, I have to thank my dad who has sat on a bucket and caught me for so many years. He never forced me to go out and pitch, but when I was out there, he did expect 100% from me, and his perfectionist personality has given me the work ethic I have. So dad, thank you because I would not be the pitcher I am today had you not coached me the way you did!

Secondly, I have to thank all my coaches -- Coach Clark, Coach Looper, Coach Eriksen, and Bobby Smith -- who has helped me from the age of 14 to become a better pitcher.

Bobby is my pitching coach back home in Houston who taught me when I was growing up, and he helped me perfect the spin and movement of my pitches.

Coach Eriksen is in the USA program, but I was fortunate enough to work with him at a camp when I was younger. From that day forth, he has been a big part in my development, and still continues to be a big part in my growth.                                   Coach Clark and Coach Looper work with me here at Texas, and I have to thank them for allowing me to come in and continue to throw with my style, and not change a whole lot. Together we collaborated on philosophies, and we have had four very successful years! They get me through my bumps in the road. We all learned from each other and have been able to fix any problems I have had along the way!

Also, I have to thank all my catchers here at Texas for their contributions, especially Marlo Hanks, Melissa Martin and Megan Willis. I wouldn't get as many Ks if they weren't doing an amazing job back there. In the last two years Megan has done a wonderful job calling the pitches, which I feel has helped! Lastly, thank you to USA Softball and all the players and people involved. Being given the opportunity to play in that program at a young age definitely helped me mature andgrow a lot faster then I might have. I know I wouldn't have been where I am today without that little push.

.So inall..thank you!!    This is a record we all share and for which I am very grateful! Posted  by  Cat Osterman

   

 

Quick notes and questions galore!

May 20, 2006
8:19 p.m.

NCAA Regionals are going well, but we aren't done yet. We are ready to go out tomorrow and finish off what we have started. I'll report more about the NCAA tournament after we are done.

I wanted to get a good number of questions answered, because I feel like I have 150+ in my mailbox. It's quite overwhelming, so here they come...

Ronnie M. from Cypress, Texas, says, "What single person has had the greatest impact on your pitching success? Keep making us proud with the hard work and a smile."

I don't know if I can pinpoint just one person. My pitching coach Bobby Smith was very instrumental in helping me learn the spins and the ways to perfect them. I was his "guinea pig" so to speak, and we worked well together. I have to mention that (former Olympian and All-American) Michele Smith also played a critical role in my development. I worked with her a few times growing up, and she is a big reason my curve ball and drop ball are so good. I think those two, plus my dad sitting on a bucket and being an amazing supporter and motivator, are the reasons I have been successful

Hook 'em!

Posted  By  CAT   OSTERMAN