For sophomore catcher Katie Sawyer, this season is going to be about overcoming a family tragedy.
Sawyer, 20, who attended Highland High School, found out that her grandmother, Pearl Smith, had passed away Feb. 12 just days before the Bakersfield College softball team took on Santa Barbara on Feb. 14, a game that was dedicated to the memory of Smith.
“In the first inning, I hit a home run. It kind of felt good. That game was dedicated to her. I felt I honored that by hitting a home run,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer shared one of her many memories of her grandmother: “She would always come to our softball games.
“She would always wear a lettermen’s jacket that she had. I could always hear her voice out of everyone. She had a very distinct voice. It was good to have her come support us all the time,” said Sawyer.
Sawyer feels that her biggest strengths are that she has pretty good leadership, and that she keeps her cool when the team is down and losing.
Sawyer added, “I am pretty vocal, and I like to lead by example.”
Sawyer detailed her main weakness: “When I make an error I stay down on myself. Or if I strike out, I get pissed off. I am learning to let it go a little easier.”
Sawyer said that the position of catcher comes with certain responsibilities.
“I have to be very vocal and relay signals from my coach to the other players, especially the pitcher, pitching signals and just different defenses that we have.”
Head coach Sandi Taylor said, “She (Sawyer) is our sophomore catcher. She’s a great hitter, and she has a good strong arm. She is solid defensively behind the dish. Just a good, hard-working, ‘give-it-all-you’ve-got’ kind of kid.”
Taylor added that the coaching staff is trying to get Sawyer more involved as a team leader, “We are pushing her toward more leadership on the field and to take more control.”
On Feb. 28 the Renegades defeated Cuesta College 4-0, Sawyer had two hits, including a two run double in the bottom of a four-run third inning.
The Renegades at press time were 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the Western State Conference. Their next game is March 6 at BC against Santa Monica.