An Interview with Kristin Erb, The Greatest Pitcher In Division 2 College Softball History

by Mary-Catherine Dolan

Just meeting her, you wouldn’t get the first impression that Kristen Erb is a star softball player or that her list of career achievements rivals that of well seasoned professional athlete. In person, she is a pleasantly quiet blond female who is as polite as she is humble. On the pitcher’s mound, she is an all-star dominating threat.  Under the guiding eye of softball pitching coach Dan DeMarco and motivated parents, Erb has taken her softball career to heights most girls only dream of.  Just recently out of college, Erb’s next goal is to join a pro-league softball team or get a coaching job somewhere. Either way, Erb will be well equipped with years of experience and an unmatched drive and work ethic- all compiled into one very down to Earth girl.

1       At what age did you start playing softball? Who or what introduced you to the sport?

Kristen Erb: I started playing T-ball at 8, then softball at 9. My father introduced me. He and his brothers played sports all growing up

Did you know your position was pitching early on?

KE: No, I played everywhere- catcher, pitcher, first base, short stop- pretty much everything. Between ages 10 and 12, I realized I was a pitcher. My Dad showed me how to pitch, but it was nowhere near right.

How did you meet Danny? How long has he been coaching you?

KE: I met him through my 12U traveling coach at a clinic. He has been coaching me since I was 12.

How is Danny as a coach? What was his most memorable advice to you?

KE: He’s awesome. He knows everything inside and out and all the biomechanics of softball inside and out. His most memorable advice to me has been to never give up and to always believe in yourself.

How does the high school softball game compare to the college softball game?

KE: It is different. Throughout college, you have 1-9 hitters who can hit. In high school, you have 1-5 hitters who can hit, so it’s a different hitting game. There is the same amount of pressure, but college is more intense. In college, you condition 5 days a week whereas high school, you conditioned on your own.

What is one of the most rewarding things about being a pitcher? One of the most difficult?

KE: The greatest reward is being in every play. Just knowing that you have a lot to control for the outcome of the game is intense. One of the most difficult qualities of being a pitcher is knowing that you could have one bad inning or pitch and the other team could score. You would be letting your team down.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career thus far?

KE: Staying in shape and preparing for the upcoming season. Overcoming a lot of injuries my senior season was a challenge. They weren’t season ending injuries, just annoyances. It was all tendonitis in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and back. I could have hurt myself more if I didn’t take care of myself. I would be in the training room as much as I would be practicing- trying to keep myself healthy.

During a tough or losing game, where do you find your inspiration or motivation to keep going?

KE: I find it in knowing that my team is behind me and that our team can come back if I keep going.

What are your future plans in terms of softball?

KE: I want to continue to play pro-ball, and if I can’t find a team to play on, I want to coach or still keep playing. I wouldn’t care where I go- I just want to coach and play.

What advice would you give a young, talented pitcher today?

KE: To keep doing what she is doing. Practice hard. I would tell her to believe in herself even if other people don’t believe in her.

What kind of an influence has Danny had on your career?

KE: He has had a lot of influence ever since I met him. He pushed me like my Dad did and pushed me every step of the way. I probably wouldn’t be the pitcher I am today without him.

What kind of an impact had softball made in your life?

KE: It had a huge impact. It got me to where I’m at today. I know what I want for my career path because of it.

What is your hope for softball as a sport in the future?

KE: I wish the pro-league would grow. Having a good pro-league would be good. Right now there are only four definite pro league teams. Hopefully by 2011, it will grow. I also wish softball would stay in the Olympics because the U.S. dominates.

                For a young female who has overcome more obstacles and challenges in her life than most, it is safe to say that whatever she ends up doing, she will dominate too.