April 10, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Senior softball player Tiffany Pitcher knows what it takes to be a catcher and that the position requires a level of toughness. But through the bumps, bruises and scrapes that come with it, she always keeps a smile on her face.

Having played in 217 games and started 211, ranking second all-time only to senior teammate Shay Slater, Pitcher has been a key reason for Upstate's success in the last four seasons. She is the program's all-time leader in sacrifice bunts with 34 and is tied for the all-time fielding percentage mark at .991 with former player Karly Justice.

This season, Pitcher has split her time between first base and catching, batting .276 with 10 RBIs in helping the Spartans to a tie for second place in the Atlantic Sun Conference standings. She will be one of three seniors honored this weekend when USC Upstate plays Stetson on Friday and Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday in the final home games of the season.

Recently, Pitcher sat down with Adam Walker of upstatespartans.com to talk about her senior season, being a catcher and Dirty Dancing.

US.com: How would describe your season so far?
Tiffany Pitcher: It's going well. It's been a big change from years past that's for sure. We haven't had any easy games, but I've enjoyed it a lot.

US.com: What has the change been like moving from Division II to Division I?
TP: The main thing is we're not blowing anybody out of the water. We're facing better teams and bigger girls that hit the ball a lot farther, but we're still using our speed to impact our games and we're still competing.

US.com: How big was this past weekend for your team after sweeping doubleheaders on the road from Atlantic Sun teams North Florida and Jacksonville to move into a tie for second place?
TP: It's been big because it put us at number two in the conference. We had been struggling for the past couple of weeks winning the second games of doubleheaders and the past weekend was a big impact for our karma.

US.com: How much have you enjoyed playing with fellow seniors Shay Slater and Vanesa Flores?
TP: I've loved it, and I wouldn't go out as a senior with anybody else. They are great girls and I've learned a lot about both of them, even though I've only known Vanesa for two years. It's been great knowing them and I'm going to miss them next year and playing ball with them.

US.com: How tough is it being a catcher?
TP: Extremely tough. The equipment doesn't cover everywhere on your body and you're always getting hit by foul balls, but it's not all about that. You have to make your pitcher look good and help your team out whenever you can.

US.com: What is it like playing for head coach Chris Hawkins?
TP: He's a great coach and I wouldn't have chosen to play for anyone else. He understands us and he relays what he wants us to do well and that's why he gets good results.

US.com: What is your favorite movie and why?
TP: Dirty Dancing because I'm a sucker for love stories.

US.com: Who is the real practical joker of the softball team?
TP: I would have to say Vanesa since she is always up to something. I had to room with Vanesa and Shay on the road this past weekend and they locked me in the bathroom and when I came out, the lights were off and they jumped out and scared me.

US.com: How much do you enjoy the road trips?
TP: They're extremely fun. We always play games and getting to know each other, which is the really fun part. When you are stuck on a bus for about six hours, you can't help but do anything else but sit down, talk with your teammates and get to know more about them.

US.com: What are your plans after graduation?
TP: My major is Interdisciplinary Studies and it's catered to public relations. I'm keeping my options open, but I would like to do something with public relations.