AAS interview with Kaitlyn Washington (lengthy, excerpts below). Losing Miranda and the Covid dilemma will test the team's spirit and mentality, especially early. Hopefully, the pitching staff will inspire confidence and team leaders like Kaitlyn will excel and motivate.
As @perfectchaos007 mentions weather above, 70%a chance of rain Thurs, high in the 40's all weekend, 10-13mph North wind.
What was your reaction to Miranda's decision to opt out of this season?
I definitely felt a lot of emotions given that me and Miranda have definitely gotten closer with her being here. I didn't have any doubts in the team when she was leaving. I was going to support her through her decision and everything.
But as the team goes, I still have faith in this team. I don't think we'll be hurt too much by it. I think we have people that are going to be able to step up and (take advantage of the) opportunities. We have a lot of veterans on the team as well that have been here. I was a little shocked and hurt, but I always want to support her.
What is your confidence level in the pitchers that this team still does have?
I'm very confident in our pitching staff for sure. We've been scrimmaging over the past couple weeks and they've been looking really strong. Shea (O'Leary) brings a lot to the table, she did awesome from previous years. Ryleigh (White's) going to be a really good new face for us, she has some good stuff. So does Molly (Jacobsen) as well, we've played against her in the past and now we have her. But yeah, I think they're gonna be fine. We're gonna use them as a staff and they're going to do good this year.
What are some of the team's strengths?
Some strengths are definitely on the offensive side. We had a really good start of the season last year. I feel like we built upon that a lot just this fall and this spring so far. Definitely our offense is a strength. Our team chemistry, we're trying to build that up as well and I think it's come along pretty well so far. Still building on that, it's just hard with all this COVID, we can't really hang out outside of softball and trying to know everybody. We've definitely come a long way with the team chemistry as well.
Who is a younger player who's going to take that next step this season?
Alyssa Popelka. She has really come out of her shell. Her slapping, her hitting has been looking really good. Her outfield work has been great. She's the fastest girl on the team. She's been working really hard just this fall season and this spring season. So definitely Pop is someone to be on the lookout for.
https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/softball/2021/02/09/texas-softball-kaitlyn-washington-returns-ut-season/4445626001/