Leader. Coach. Strategist. Therapist.
All synonymous with catcher. You not only have to be physically tough to be a catcher, but you also have to be mentally tough. It is like no other position on the field.
Call me crazy, but it was every single one of those things that made me love the position a little more each day. In fact, it is the only position I ever played in competitive fastpitch softball.
I started playing sports "late." It wasn't until the summer after 5th grade that my dad put together a rec team in the City of Redding. My cousins and I made up three-fourths of the team that year. What we lacked in experience we made up for in sheer size and enthusiasm.
With no other volunteers that very first practice, I quickly ended up in the catcher's gear. From that moment on, it never came off. I was hooked.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall that summer in gear meant for someone half my size, I learned to navigate life #behindthedish. Despite the pitfalls of poorly fitting gear in an under-funded rec league, nothing could dampen the joy catching brought to my life. There truly is #noplacelikehome. As a catcher, I got to be a part of every play, learn about every position on the field, pitches, and strategy ... not to mention plays at the plate.
My passion for the sport and the position only grew from there. Three short years later, I started playing competitive travel ball year round which eventually led to my scholarship to a Division I school where I finished my fastpitch career in 2005. In addition to playing slowpitch softball, I now coach at both the 14/16U select and 8U rec levels plus give one-on-one lessons.
Catching is grueling, and it is definitely not for everyone. But for those special athletes that enjoy the challenge, I would love to help them take it to the next level. You won't be disappointed, and you might just fall in love with it like I did. #TheBattery #CatcherLife #PlayInTheDirt
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