Ernest Rodrigue
April 16, 2007
Antoinette Rodrigue
April 18, 2007
When the NCAA released its national softball statistics last week, Nicholls State University supporters expected to see one of their own near the top.
Only this player was not just near the top; she was at the top.
Kat Harrell is currently tied for the lead in hitting, with a .527 batting average. Harrell is one of only two players in the top seven hitters that does not play for a Top 25 team, but the junior from League City, Texas, is putting up numbers that should be noticed on a national level.
Despite her statistics, Harrell says the most important thing is helping the Colonels reach their ultimate goal of winning a Southland Conference Championship. “It feels good,” she said of her top ranking. “But I don’t really pay attention to stats. I just kind of play and it ends up like that. I just try to get things started for my team, and whatever happens, happens.”
Good things usually happen when Harrell is up to bat, said coach Jenny Parsons.
“It’s nice knowing that your lead-off hitter is going to get on base 70 percent of the time,” the coach said. “You come to expect that.”
Kodi Butler, who is second in the lineup, agrees that having Harrell as lead-off hitter is a key asset for the team. “I like to hit after Kat, because after she gets a hit, it makes me feel like I can get the hit after her,” she explained. “And Kat always gets the hit.”
Parsons added that Harrell’s athleticism sets her apart. “She’s a phenomenal athlete,” the coach said. “She can play any sport at a top level. Her eye-hand coordination is excellent, her athletic ability is excellent and her work ethic is excellent.”
This season, that work ethic has had to be “excellent,” because Harrell has been playing injured. In a February game against Centenary, Harrell pulled her oblique, and has been playing with the injury since.
“That says a lot about her,” said Parsons. “She wants to play through it. The only people holding her back are me and my trainers.”
Harrell said if she can help her team, she will play through the injury as long as needed. “It’s kind of hard to play through,” she said, “but whatever my team needs me to do, I’ll do.”
While it is understood that Harrell will work hard during the season, Parsons said it is offseason work that has helped the junior to improve each year.
“A lot of people don’t realize it, but Kat took her extra time all summer long to hit,” said Parsons. “She’s done a lot of things herself to get better.”
Harrell said she gets as many swings in as possible during the offseason. “I just try to get stronger and quicker, and work on hitting,” she said. “You can never get enough swings in.”
Harrell added that she focuses on live hitting. “Having someone pitch to you, is the best thing for you to see,” she said. “It’s like a game situation.”
The work has paid off.
Harrell’s batting average has improved each year she’s been in the program. As a freshman Harrell posted a .281 batting average. That average improved to .382 in her sophomore year, and this season she is hitting at .527.
With that improvement, Harrell is quick to credit the Colonels’ coaching staff. “I think I do keep growing up more each year,” she said. “With a great coaching staff, it kind of helps you to become a better ball player.”
Most players on the team credit hitting coach Frank Butler for the squad’s hitting prowess. “He works us real hard at practice, and gives us a plan,” said Harrell. “He’s a really good motivator and gives us the confidence and skills needed when we get up to the plate.”
Coming into the season, Harrell set expectations of herself. “Just to kind of carry (production) over from last season,” she said. “Just try to get the job done, and do stuff for my team.”
Considering that she currently ranks as the top hitter in the nation, it is safe to say she is well on her way to achieving her personal goals for the season.
NSU softball vs North Texas, 1st game of double-header after ribbon cutting ceremony for field. Nicholls lost 3-5. Photo by Doug Keese/Nicholls State2/20/06
