Pitcher returns to home base

Just two years after her standout senior season with Columbia Heights, Jenny Kaminski said she’s just happy to still be playing softball.

Up until this summer, the now-sophomore pitcher at Concordia University St. Paul didn’t know whether she would ever pitch again after experiencing what she considers a less than ideal freshman year with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team. But she said she’s excited to be a member of the Golden Bears, and her 10-3 record this spring is proof.

Star Tribune North had a chance to speak with Kaminski about how she got to where she is.

Q It’s been two years since you led the metro area in strikeouts and threw every single pitch of every single game during your senior year at Columbia Heights. How’s the arm holding up? A Surprisingly I wasn’t as tired that season as I thought I’d be. But it did take a toll on my body. After essentially taking a year off (last year) and coming back to pitch again this year with Concordia, it took a lot of work to get it back.

Q Speaking of which, your freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire didn’t turn out to be what you expected, did it? A (Going to school in) Eau Claire was pretty much the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I was homesick, I for some reason didn’t like the program, it just wasn’t a good fit. I didn’t play at all that first year, and I would come home every weekend and just cry. I just wasn’t happy. After that first year, I thought my softball career was over.

Q How did you stumble upon Concordia University St. Paul? A Over the summer, Josey Olson (former high school teammate, current college teammate) told me she was going to Concordia, and I decided to check it out. I met with (Concordia coach Bob Bartel) and decided to take a visit. I just fell in love with the school right away. I met some of the team and decided to transfer. I owe a big thanks to Josey and Bob, because I feel like they gave me a second chance. And it’s really great, because now I’m living at home but I still get that college experience.

Q Was it tough to ride the bench for a year and then come back this spring, expected to be ready to go? A I did get a chance to play fall ball (with Concordia), and that really helped me fit in with the team. And we traveled to Florida in March, so that was a chance to get back in game situation and gave me a chance to really get to know my teammates better on the field.

Q During your fall ball season, your team scrimmaged against the University of Minnesota. How was that? A Very nerve-racking. We went to their big field, and they had a ton of fans, very intimidating. I know (senior pitcher Mandy Turba) wasn’t as intimidated as I was, but I was shaking in my boots. We lost both our games, but it was a very good experience. I got to go against big-time hitters and they showed me what Division I softball was all about. I did OK, I didn’t do my best, but it was a good experience. I’m glad I did it. Next year when we play them again I’ll be ready.

Q You pretty much dominated your senior season with Columbia Heights (17-6, 0.40 ERA, 188 strikeouts); has it been an adjustment to pitch at the college level? A There’s a big difference. In high school the hitters weren’t as aggressive and they weren’t as prepared as the hitters are in college. It takes a lot bigger toll on your arm and you have to throw the ball harder and aim much more. And you have to really know what you’re throwing. In high school it wasn’t as much of a mental game for me. In high school I considered myself a thrower. In college I consider myself a pitcher.

Q Now that you’re back home in Columbia Heights, do you still stay in touch with your former high school team? A Oh yeah. I go and help them out every Sunday; I help out with a softball clinic on the weekends when I get the chance, and I’ve been teaching some of the pitchers some things I’ve learned from high school and from college. It’s fun to be able to keep that connection.