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Early Success

Cat Osterman is one of the best (if not the best) pitchers in softball history. Growing up Cat played pretty much every sport. She played softball but soon quit to play soccer. She quickly returned to softball because she didn’t enjoy being a keeper in soccer. Cat returned to softball, began pitching, and fell in love with the sport. 

At 17, her club softball team had the opportunity to play the USA Olympic team as they toured. She pitched really well in that game, giving up only one hit and striking out 11 in 5 innings. 

The following year, she got invited to the national team tryouts right out of high school. Cat went on to play on the national team as an 18 year old before ever stepping on a collegiate team. 

She played 4 years at University of Texas with a redshirt year in the middle to go to the 2004 Olympics. Cat was the youngest member of that 2004 squad which won a gold medal. She went back to the Olympics in 2008 to win a silver medal. 

Just to name a few of Cat’s accolades… 3 time National Player of the Year, 4 time All-American, and 2 time Olympic Medalist (1 gold, 1 silver).

She continued to play eight years professionally after college until 2015 when she retired. However, Cat came out of retirement to have one more go at the Olympics in 2020 and is still awaiting and training for that opportunity in the postponed 2020-2021 Olympics. 

One of the biggest changes that has happened since Cat has started her journey with professional softball, is the evolution of media, particularly for female athletics. Cat’s grandma used to record her games on VHS, but can now go back and watch her games as they are aired on TV. Cat expresses how encouraging it is for young female athletes to have people to watch and look up to in all sports. 

Faith Testimony & God in Softball

I grew up going to church but was never really invested. In college, I would go to church when I was home and would attend FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) every once in a while with friends, but was too interested.  Way later in my life, about 7 years ago now, I felt like I was missing something in life. I knew a few people who were really strong in their faith. And a friend of mine, dared me to go to church by myself and see what happens. So I went to church by myself, and spent most of the service I sat by myself and bawled. I felt at home, I felt like I belonged there. 

Around the same time I went to church, I got involved with an organization in Austin, TX called RBI Baseball and Softball to give unprivileged kids opportunities to play and build their life. The pillar that the organization uses is “mentorship through Christ”. 

“I was super excited but I don't like doing things halfway….I was like there's no way I can do this. We're going to pray at the clinics I do and if a child asks me about Christ, I don't want to be like “I don't really know, go ask another coach”, so that was God saying “here's your sign”.”

“Looking back on my career, there are parts where something was definitely missing”.

“Knowing I am a daughter of Christ and I have the relationship with Jesus that I do - makes it even more fulfilling, knowing you are using the gifts and talents that He gave you to glorify Him”.

If someone watches me play and goes and looks at my social media and see the bible verse or video that I put out that day, that's His plan to somehow get that person to hear my story or whatever He is telling me to share. 

Coming out of Retirement

God was a huge part of my decision to come out of retirement. It was one of the first major decisions that I made that I had to pray about. It would change a lot of things from my job coach at the time to even how it would affect my family. 

I truly felt like I was being called to go back. (1) He put it on my heart that there is a younger generation that is dreaming of this and you have the ability to help them, you should go help them. (2) And the opportunity to reach so many more people through social media. I am not afraid to share my faith. It gave me the opportunity to play again and reach people through my social media as they follow me. Unretiring was definitely a calling. 

I now know that the talents and abilities I have are from God. I know I have prepared to the best of my ability when I go out on that field and I know I have done everything asked of me to get to that moment. At the end of the day, I can relinquish the good, the bad, whatever it is. And know that it is His plan. 

Becoming a Better Teammate

The biggest change I have seen in myself is that I am more outwardly nicer and show my softer side more often. I used to generally have a colder demeanor because I didn’t like people to see a soft side of me. 

I was so focused on winning before I got deep in my faith that I didn't go out of my way to ask someone about their day or help someone.

The longer you are on a team the more you learn that, yes, you do your individual work but your work benefits the whole.  

College can be a super selfish time if you have not learned to be outside of yourself. 

How to Grow in Confidence

“Confidence is one of those things that is so fragile but if you can consistently sustain it, it becomes so strong”.

Confidence comes from knowing where your ability and talents come from. But I always try to stress that our confidence should come from our preparation. If you have done everything that your coaches or strength coaches have asked of you, and you're practicing with a purpose, then there is no reason you shouldn't go into a game being confident that you are as prepared as you can be. 

Then nothing should knock you off guard. Not win or lose, but did you do what you have been working on? Did you throw that pitch or hit that spot? 

Knowing you put in the time and trust the process. Whether you wanna look at it as God's timing and plan or trusting your hard work that you have put in. 

Then going on the field and letting that shine. And not worrying about a win or a loss or what other people think. 

Figure out things that you can control now and set goals. And slowly work towards hitting those small goals. 

“Let your confidence come from your development, not your outcome.”

Develop in the game and grow yourself and see what you are capable of.

Rapid Fire Questions

What are you loving right now?

This season with Dancing with the Stars. That’s my secret dream is to be on that show. 

What are you listening to right now?

I have a few Spotify playlists that a friend of mine made me to explore new worship music.

What motivates you?

To be a little bit better than yesterday. If what you did yesterday is still a big deal, then you haven't done anything today. 

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Impact the World, some way, somehow. Impact others and leave this place better than you found it. 

Brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries.