Fastpitch Interview
Jennie Finch
Jennie Finch took some time out of her hectic schedule to chat with us about softball, the Olympics, life, and more. Here's what she had to say:
Jennie Finch On Softball Stuff
When did you first get involved with the sport of fast pitch softball?
My parents signed me up to play T-Ball at the age of 5. I loved it because
it was similar to what my brothers played (baseball) but it was unique to
girls!
What is your favorite thing about the sport?
Playing a team sport, bonding with teammates striving to accomplish one
common goal! I love the little games within the game!
What has been the biggest challenge in your softball career?
Dealing with losses. I have a hard time losing, it is something I never
want to get used to.
What was your training regimen like when you were growing up? Did you
have one outside of regular team practice?
I would pitch every other day. Hitting at least a couple times a week.
Along with team practices during the week. I would do the Finch Windmill
daily on non-game days!
Jennie Finch on the Olympics
The USA Softball team has had a challenging 2005. What can the fans expect in the 2008 Olympics?
They can expect nothing but the best. We as people and athletes sacrifice
so much for our sport. Playing having USA across your chest is the highest
honor you can achieve. There is so much pride, blood, sweat, and tears in
that uniform. The competition is rising worldwide, it is an exciting time
for our sport!
Everyone on the USA Softball team has such a busy schedule, how often does the team get to train together?
About once a month, 8 months a year. Before a competition we will usually
have a week long training camp. You appreciate the day to day work you had
in college along with the team working out together daily. The Olympic year
is a different story we are together just about 3 weeks of every month
leading up to the games.
With limited time together, what does the team do to gel?
A lot of us have played together for so long it doesn't take long to get back
into it. This is a struggle though, our sport you need to know one other
and grow as a team to be the best!
How do you feel about softball being dropped in 2012?
Heartbreaking, we were all devastated to hear it. There has been so many
women and men to help grow our sport over the past 50 years! Our sport is
finally getting recognition, women's sports in general is finally moving
forward rapidly. My heart goes out to the future of our sport and the young
girls dreaming of playing in the Olympics. We will continue to fight and
keep battling to push our sport to the next level.
Jennie Finch On Being a Pro
Congratulations on becoming a Chicago Bandit. How does it feel to be a professional softball player?
It is incredible feeling. This past summer being a Bandit was such a great
experience! To have to opportunity to play for a city and play on a daily
bases was a dream come true! Our team was so much fun, a great bunch of
women. Our fan support was incredible. It was such a great honor to play
in front of 2500 fans every night!
Did you have dreams of playing softball professionally as a child?
I dreamed of being a Los Angeles Dodger!!! Growing up we had season tickets
and huge Dodger fans! There weren't any Women Pro Leagues out there to dream
about!
What's the biggest challenge of being a pro?
The challenges for me is being away from my husband and family! But being
in the team environment brings that family atmosphere! Another challenge is
trying juggle the schedule and take advantage of all of the media
opportunities on top of training to give my best to the team!
What do you like most about the experience so far?
Playing in Chicago, it is such a great town! Our team was so much fun to be
around, along with being very talented! Playing softball!!!
How is it different from college and from the Olympics?
College you have to juggle school on top of playing, plus you are a lot
younger. The Olympics is THE OLYMPICS, you are playing representing your
country!!! Playing Pro it felt more like a job, a great job that is!!!
Jennie Finch Talks About Life
Anyone who's read the journal at your website knows what a hectic schedule you have. How do you manage everything and stay sane?
I'm not really sane, just kidding! My family truly are my backbone! They
keep me grounded and are my lifesavers when needed! I am so thankful and
blessed to have them. Its been crazy but so much fun.
Limited family time is probably just one sacrifice of being able to live your dream. What other sacrifices have you made to get to where you are
today?
I can remember growing up praying that I God would just make me normal so I
could live a normal life. There were some tough times... missing out on
slumber parties, going to the mall, family vacations, skiing and etc. I
have no regrets looking back it was all worth it. I THANK God now for
giving me this talent and stages to play on! I am so truly grateful!
Do you have any regrets?
No, looking back now that Im a bit older I realize what sports has taught
me. Things like teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, dealing with failure and
success, determination so many great things. I think today some kids have
too much time on their hands and thats when trouble arises. I never had
time to get into trouble.
Do you have any big non-softball goals you'd like to accomplish?
To live to glorify him in all I do. To be a great wife and mother!
Jennie Finch On Relationships
Many college softball players deal with long-distance relationships. Do you have any advice or tips on keeping a long-distance relationship strong?
You have to have trust! It is so important! Distance will make a break a
relationship, its a great test. Also the biggest cell phone plan you can
afford.
What's the best thing about being married?
The best thing about being married is sharing your life with someone, that
companionship. Sharing your daily struggles to your joyous moments with
someone. Always having my best friend around. Making a lifetime
commitment to one another and to God!
Speaking of family, do you see yourself adding to yours in the future?
Yep, already has happened. We are expecting our first lil' one in late
Spring. We are so thankful and so blessed. We are looking forward to the
joyous challenges ahead with our careers and raising our child!
Jennie Finch ~ Advice to Players
In your opinion, what some of the "must do's" for young softball players that want to reach the level you are at?
To give 100 percent. Its not fair to your teammates, coaches and yourself
to give anything less.
Love the game, you have to have a passion for it.
Never be satisfied, there's always ways to improve your game.
Set little goals along with BIG goals!
DREAM AND BELIEVE!
In your opinion, what separates "good" players from "great" players?
The great players are always improving their game. They are trying for
perfection. They are all around players and people. The great players are
still practicing while the good ones are headed home.
Jennie Finch On Coaches
What qualities do you like to see in a coach?
Integrity
Honesty
They treat each player a bit differently. Different players need different
motivation.
Passionate for the game and passionate towards the players
Loyalty
Knowledge
Consistency!!! This is a huge one!
Accountability
Demands respect, but earns that respect!!!
Are there any things you feel a coach should never do?
It breaks my heart seeing young girls quitting because of bad coaches. I
was asked when I was in high school, would you ever want to coach?
I replied, Only if I'm a good coach, would I coach.
There is definitely a line that cant be crossed, when a young girl starts
resenting the game its too late.
Encourage and motivate!
What's the best advice a coach has given you?
You have to go home and look in the mirror every night, do you like the
person/player you are?
Maintain a balance in your life, with school, family, softball, faith...
Attitude and Effort, Control the Controllable
Never get too high or too low.
Jennie Finch On Parents
What do you think is the best thing sports parents can do to help their children?
Encourage, push, give their kids the opportunity, and love your child!
Did you ever fight with your parents about softball?
Yes, there were times when I didn't want to go practice and just hang out
with friends. My parents made me and they pushed me, but it was never too
much, it was just enough. There was a good balance with my mom and my dad.
They played different roles, it was never too much!
Thanks to Jennie Finch for taking the time to do this interview for the visitors of AllAboutFastpitch.com. Thanks to Tracey Milburn of Olympics/Women's Sports for making the necessary arrangements to get this interview done!
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