Georgia O'Connor- Catcher 2017

My Journey

I'm on a Journey.  I can still hear my father's voice. "Georgia, Softball doesn't build character, it reveals it".  That is the reason I play softball. I wasn't born to play this sport, too small, too slow, last one picked for my in house team when I was 8 yrs. old. My separator was simple, out work everyone, listen to my coaches, be a great teammate. But I soon realized I could do one thing exceptionally well. I could hit!  Hit leading off, hit to extend a rally, and hit in clutch situations. When I was 13 yrs. old I asked my father to take me for cricket lessons to be a more complete hitter, I didn’t understand much about cricket but noticed similarities hitting a 120 mph cricket ball with 55mph softball.  We took lessons, when we arrived the owner was confused why I was there.  I explained I was interested in learning about cricket, how the bat angle looks similar to hitting a softball.  We spent many hours hitting from an elevated pitching machine with a half bat .I also took lessons from a great baseball hitting coach; I was his only softball player. I did this to become more explosive, and understand the importance of rotational hitting, a baseball concept not used in softball. We spent many lessons talking theory and honing my craft. But when it comes to softball, I always come home to my hitting coach Brian Kalesse who owns Triple Threat and Chris McGinn my travel coach. Brian has helped me with my swing and Chris has taught me the mental side of softball, situational, what I’m thinking, how to shape the ball to maximize scoring opportunities and most important, he believes in me. Finally, I love softball, it made me the person I am today and will be tomorrow. It taught me the value of hard work, being a good teammate and accountability.  It's nine against one.  I think they need more fielders! Thank you for reading my story. Navigate the site there are some videos you can watch and reach out to me with any questions

 

Thank you

- Georgia