Q&A with USA Softball’s Cat Osterman

Learn more about USA Softball star pitcher Cat Osterman.

USA Softball star pitcher Cat Osterman knows what it takes to compete against the sport’s toughest competition. Osterman is now preparing to lead her USA Softball teammates on the field in the summer of 2021, and she talked to Wilson about her career.

Q: Do you remember where you were when you found out softball was back in the Olympics?

A: I don’t remember where I was. I remember thinking it was really cool for the next generation of athletes because at the time, I was retired and not playing at all.

I had actually been asked to be in the coaching pool and I put my name in, but there was just really no part of me that wanted to be a coach for the team. And then when you get asked why not, you have to dig deeper. In my heart I knew I could still throw, and Monica (Abbott) had been bugging me for a while to come out of retirement and play in 2020. So finally when I thought about it, I said “Okay I think I don't want to coach because I know I can still play.”

And then the question was “Okay do you really want to still play?” And having been an alum of USA Softball, I knew I had experience to offer. Don't get me wrong, I want to do it, but it’s my responsibility that I come back and help the U.S. team and do what we can in 2021.

Q: What's one thing the entire team has in common?

A: We all just really like to have fun. No matter what we're doing, they make being on the field fun. I think I smiled more (in 2019) playing than I had probably all my years combined prior to that. But in everything we do, there's a fun element to it.

Q: What is your intro song?

A: My most recent one and one I stick with is ‘Enter Sandman’. It's got that rock vibe, that darkness.

Q: What is your advice for players?

A: Go all-in if it’s something you really want to do or if it’s a dream you feel really passionate about. The sacrifices are worth it. You don’t remember later on while you’re standing on a podium or competing in the Olympics about the birthday party you skipped when you were 14. The sacrifices are worth it.

Q: What are the best tips you received from a coach?

A: When Coach Eriksen was our Olympic pitching coach in the first quad of 2004, he told me, “You’re going to be better tomorrow for the work you put in today.” Usually, that comes after a bad day because you always get frustrated - but you’re still going to be better tomorrow, even though today wasn’t a great day.

Along the same lines, when I was younger, I used get really frustrated on not-so-good days. Our coaches would remind me, “The sun still comes up tomorrow.” I use that a lot in coaching because it puts the bigger picture into perspective.

Q: What is the best thing about coaching?

A: Being able to impact and influence a younger generation. I think I always wanted to coach because besides family members, the next greatest people I was always drawn to were my coaches.

Keep up with Osterman this summer by following her on Instagram and Twitter @catosterman.