Fastpitch Interview
Sarah Pauly - NPF Pitcher of the Year
Presenting Sarah Pauly. She is a professional softball player with the Connecticut Brakettes. She was named NPF Pitcher of the Year this year. Here's what Sarah had to share with us during her interview.
SOFTBALL STUFF
First of all, congratulations on being named Pitcher of the Year in the NPF! What was that like?
*Thank You, its very exciting knowing that in my rookie season I was able to do so well.
What do you like most about competing at the professional level?
*I like the fact that all the players in this league are good. It has the best of the best competing against each other and I think that is what makes it so interesting. The game can change at any point.
What's the biggest challenge you face as a pitcher with the Brakettes?
*The biggest challenge of course are the hitters. As a pitcher you don't have a break at the end of the lineup, they are all capable of getting the job done.
When and how did you get started in softball? (and what has your history been like, who/where did you play – high school, college, etc)
*I started playing softball when I was 7 years old, but didn't really get into pitching until I was about 12. As for travel ball I played with the Li'l Saints which are out of Phoenix, AZ. The Highschool I attended was called Desert Vista also in Phoenix, AZ. I went on to play college ball at Texas A&M University-Corpus Chrisit, in Corpus Christi, Tx. In the summer of 2005 I played with the Brakettes as we were an amature team, and just recently moved up to play professional with the Brakettes as well.
Where you always a pitcher?
*For the most part yes I was always a pitcher, I think I tried to play first and a little bit of right field, but it wasn't until joining the Li'l Saints 16U when I was 15 that I really started to focus all my time on being the pitcher.
Where you interested in pitching or was it something someone else suggested you do?
*I dont really remember I'm sure it was a little bit of both. My dad was a pitcher and we would go out in the backyard and practice my pitches.
What pitches do you throw?
*Drop,Rise, Curve, Screw, and Change-up
Which pitch is your favorite?
*My riseball
) What piece of advice would you give to young pitchers who’d like to get to where you are today?
* It takes alot of hard work and practice...Never Give Up!
How often do you pitch (practice) during season? During off-season?
*Well during the season we are play 4+ games a week so when we do have team practices I normally just throw spins. As for off-season I try to throw as often as possible which means at least 3 times a week.
What are your thoughts on weight training? (do you do it? How often? When did you first start? Do you feel it helps you as a player?)
*I think that it can be very helpful if it is done the right way and is player specific. When I was in college we would weight train 2 days of the week and the other 3 were focused on Plyo's. I do not train as hard as I did in college, however I did modified it down to what I believe is necessary for a pitcher. Again its hard to find time, but I try to do it at least 3-4 times a week. I first started in Highschool I believe it was my sophomore year, when I took weight training as a class.
A pitcher/catcher relationship is important – what qualities do you like in a catcher?
*I like a catcher who knows when I'm going to have a great day or just an okay day. Someone who can help me with my pitches, and give me feedback on how they are working. A Pitcher/Catcher relationship is very important, if for some reason the pitcher is uncomfortable with their catcher it can be the difference between a win or a loss.
Getting To Know Sarah
What's your favorite color?
Pink
What's your favorite ice cream?
Oreo/Cookies & Cream
What is your dream car?
Black Escalade SUV
Make-up every day or the natural look?
It depends...Usually eye makeup everyday
High heels or something comfortable?
Again it depends...
What's your favorite quote?
Always believe in yourself...You can do unbelieveable things
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