katelyn pantano '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Katelyn Pantano and I have a very unique softball journey unlike many you have probably heard before. In March of 2019, as a sophomore in high school, I made the decision to try-out for JV softball without having any prior experience, I never even picked up a softball.  The coach took an immediate interest in me and complimented me for my strong arm, which took me by surprise.  He asked me if I had ever tried to pitch and I told him no so, he sent me to one of the varsity girls who tried to teach me in the span of about five minutes how to pitch.  The varsity girls told the coach that I was a natural and he should definitely take me on as a pitcher, so he did. I was the starting pitcher in my sophomore year and pitched five out of the eight games we played that season.  Throughout the season I was ranked the fourth-best pitcher for strikeouts in the city across all the JV teams. Following that season, I started working with a pitching coach and was able to make varsity as a starting pitcher for the 2020 season. However, due to COVID-19, we were unable to have a full season and only played for about two weeks. Over those two weeks, my coach was impressed with my leadership skills and named me captain for the 2021 season. My goal is to continue working hard and be the best player I can be so, I can play for a college team.  My plan for the next year is to keep working with my pitching coach and also working on improving my academics even further.