Congratulations to Caitlyn Jackson for becoming the new Assistant
Coach at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro!

Former Marshall standout Caitlyn Jackson enters her first season as UNCG’s pitching coach in 2011.

Jackson was four-year starter and a star utility player for the Thundering Herd from 2007-10, pitching all four years and starting at designated player and in the outfield. She started 212 of a possible 219 games during her career.

“I am very excited to bring in an all-around athlete, not just a former pitcher, of Caitlyn's caliber,” coach Jennifer Herzig said upon hiring Jackson. “Between her own personal experience and knowledge of the college game, and her outstanding work ethic and drive, I have no doubt that Caitlyn will make an immediate impact upon our current pitching staff. Additionally, as a very accomplished hitter herself, I am excited about Caitlyn's ability to assist with our hitters, as well. Adding one more coach to our staff that has the ability to coach on both sides of the ball will absolutely strengthen our team, and I am looking forward to the possibilities that await the Spartans in 2011.”

Jackson finished fourth in Marshall history in career pitching appearances with 103 and fifth in batting average with a .320 mark. The Ontario, Calif., native was a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Mideast Region First Team selection at pitcher/utility in 2009 and landed on the second team in 2008. She was also a Conference USA All-Freshman pick in 2007.

As a senior in 2010, Jackson hit .322, the second-best mark on the squad, and led the team with 56 hits. In the circle, she posted a career-high 105 strikeouts, second-most on the squad.

She hit a career-high .337 as a sophomore in 2008, when she also posted a career-high 13 wins.

Jackson already had ties to the Spartans prior to her hire. UNCG faced Jackson and Marshall in three of her four seasons, dropping single games to the Thundering Herd in 2007 and 2009 before sweeping a doubleheader in Greensboro last season.

In addition, Jackson’s coach at Marshall was Shonda Stanton, a star for UNCG under her maiden name of Spagnola from 1992-95.

Jackson graduated from Marshall in 2010 with a degree in criminal justice.

September 12 & 13, 2009

Jennie Finch Softball Camp at Radford University

Larissa Davis participated in the Jennie Finch Softball Camp at Radford University, in Virginia, on September 12 & 13, 2009.  Larissa and another girl were picked out of their group to demonstrate their pitching skills. As Larissa was pitching, Jennie said, "Larissa has a violent wrist snap." After Larissa was finished pitching, Jennie said, "You pitch really well."

April 18, 2008

"It's Time To Pitch"

Cheerleading, basketball season is over; girls are ready to start back pitching. How many times have pitching coaches heard “I have a daughter that is thirteen years old, can you have her ready to pitch within three weeks?”  My answer “You bet.” Not so fast my friend as one famous sports announcer would say.

Anyone who has never pitched a softball, especially parents, has no idea how difficult it can be but, every year you hear the same question from them.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not being mean spirited, I am just telling like it is.

If you want to get good at anything you must devote time to it.  The more productive the time spent on anything the better the results.  The number one question I am asked from girls and parents is how to increase speed.  My answer to them is to pitch the ball correctly and the speed will come provided you do all of the other drills and set goals, and I want to stress HIGH GOALS, during your practice sessions.  Pitchers must challenge themselves, especially if they are working alone.  They must have a plan and stick with it. Know what is going to be done before the pitching sessions are started.

Pitchers need to practice a minimum of three or four days a week.  If for some reason you can’t get outside because of the area you live in during the fall and winter months  then you need to work on your spins and speed and work smarter not harder and you will be prepared when you can start your sessions outside.  Bottom line there’s no excuse for not practicing.  Pitching requires hard work and dedication I can’t express that enough.

Parents must motivate their daughters to ensure they do their work outs and may even need to participate as well.  In most cases the pitching Instructor or coach usually only sees a student one day a week.  Pitching is a partnership between the student; parent and pitching coach it takes the three of us to make her a great pitcher and that should be our goal.  If for some reason you must push your daughter to practice than I would say she doesn’t want to pitch it’s you that wants her to pitch.  If your daughter really wants to pitch she will be coming to you with enthusiasm saying “Mom, Dad Lets Pitch.”

Yes, it’s time to pitch and I wish all of you the very best this coming season and more.  To all the parents be patience and supportive.  When you walk into the circle for the first time on game day the majority of you will be nervous, and it will take time for you to get into your rhythm.  Win or lose it will be a lasting experience for you and one you will treasure for a life time. Let this be the foundation for your future success.  Good luck and “always remember practice and commitment make the difference, and always strive to be better today than yesterday.”

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