By: Blake McAdow, Texas Media Relations
AUSTIN, Texas — Fresh off an appearance in the Women’s College World Series in June, former University of Texas ace Blaire Luna joined the USSSA Pride organization in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league for the summer. Teaming up with former UT stars Cat Osterman and Megan Willis, the Longhorn trio capped off the 2013 season with the Pride’s second league championship, defeating the Chicago Bandits in the championship series.
During her debut professional season, Luna posted a 1-1 mark with a 2.85 ERA, striking out 17 in 19.1 innings. The Austin native sat down with TexasSports.com following the Pride’s recent championship.
On the quick transition she made this summer from college to the professional level: After the World Series, I had about a week off and then I headed out to Florida and met the whole team. They were all extremely welcoming. They took me in and made me feel a part of the team. It was weird, because I felt like I was a freshman all over again. I lived with Cat (Osterman) for the summer, and she did a tremendous job helping me make the transition from playing college softball to being a professional. It’s a completely different level and a whole adjustment I had to make on the mound. Being away from home, Cat was there to help me. Megan (Willis) caught me and helped me with some mechanical work and made me feel accepted on the team.
On transitioning from being an everyday starter to a relief role: At first it was a huge mental adjustment. I was used to being the ace and pitching so often. Now I was going to a team where I’m not getting as much playing time. I tried to keep a positive attitude the whole time and work hard in practice. When my number was called, that was my chance and I felt like I did a good job.
On adjusting to professional hitters: I had to work on being more pin-point on hitting my spots and staying ahead in the count, because those hitters don’t swing as freely as hitters in college. They’re a lot more disciplined at the plate, so I had to make that adjustment as well. I had to go right at them and hit the corners, because anything right over the plate is pretty much gone. One through nine in the lineup can put it over the fence, and in college you don’t have that as often. In college, usually one through four in the lineup can be pretty strong hitters. After that it dies down. At the professional level, you don’t really have that comfort. You have to be careful with every hitter.
On your first professional appearance: I was really nervous. I’m used to playing in front of big crowds, but it was a really different environment than I was used to seeing. First, we were playing on a baseball field. Megan was catching me and was very positive, telling me to go right at them and that I can do this. I went in and got a home run hit off me, so it was then when I realized that this was a different league. That was a big reality check for me.
On playing with former Longhorns Megan Willis and Cat Osterman: That was a really cool experience. At Texas, they always talked about the World Series and the teams from UT that had advanced there. They would come in and talk to us about the importance of being one and a team. I really got that vibe when playing with them. It was really cool to be able to play with two of the girls that really put Texas on the map for softball.
On winning the championship: It was awesome. It was a very exciting game three. I’m really proud of my teammates. If anyone got to pitch and catch that game, it should be Cat and Megan together. They work well together and represent softball very well.
On Cat coming into the game in Game 3: We all wanted Cat to go in. If we were going to make a pitching change in that situation, then Cat was the best option we had. We were all excited that Cat was getting that opportunity. We all wanted to see her pitch, because we have a lot of faith in her. We knew that she was going to go out and do her thing and she did.
On helping the current Texas pitchers: I’ve helped Gabby [Smith] with her pitching and really try to be a leader for the pitchers. They need to have confidence. I’ve helped Gabby a lot mechanically with her pitching. When she has questions about certain pitches, I’ve really helped her. I’ve tried to take Holly [Kern] and Gabby and put them under my wing and give them something to look at as a positive role model.
On the rising softball talent in the Austin area: It’s definitely growing. When I was getting recruited, a lot of Austin talent was getting overlooked. Now that Taylor Thom and I are from this area, it shows other big schools that Austin is growing. There’s a lot of potential just like other big cities and in California.
On your offseason plans: I’m going to school right now, giving pitching lessons and working out a lot. I’m spending time with family and friends that I haven’t really seen since the college season ended.
