In the Dugout with Kelsi Dunne
2/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 20, 2009
Rarely are true freshmen given the opportunity to come in and make the kind of impact that Kelsi Dunne made with the Crimson Tide in 2008. Likewise, even fewer newcomers are able to take those chances and turn themselves into impact players and leaders for their team. Doing exactly that in her rookie campaign, Dunne led Alabama in the circle and set freshmen records along the way.
"I was just hoping to be able to come in and get the opportunity," Dunne said. "I knew I had to work hard and earn a spot. Once I was given the chance, I was able to take advantage of it and was able to keep earning that spot with all the hard work."
Not only did Dunne take advantage of the playing time, she made a team-high 32 starts and finished the year with 26 wins, a UA freshman record, and only six loses. Dunne also set a freshman record last season by striking out 275 batters en route to being named SEC Freshman of the Year, a first-team Easton All-American and a third-team Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American.
Although Dunne accomplished so much in 2008, she did face some adversity in battling an arm injury for much of the season. She admits that it was tough at times, but credits her competitive spirit and determination for helping her make it through the year.
"It took a lot of mental determination to get out there and pitch," Dunne said. "I didn't always have the perfect pitch every time so that was tough. I didn't know if and when a certain pitch would be my last of the season, so I just went out there and competed to try and help the team."
To help Dunne learn the ins and outs of the Alabama program, senior Chrissy Owens provided excellent leadership to the freshman starter. As a former All-American herself, Owens helped Dunne adjust to the college game and grow as a pitcher as well.
"It was definitely to my advantage to come in behind her," Dunne said. "I looked up to her when I got here and was able to learn a lot from her. Chrissy and I always had our bullpens together so I was able to take advantage of having an All-American right with me along the way."
After learning from Owens and the seniors of last year's class, Dunne says she is fortunate to have another group of outstanding senior leaders to learn from again this year.
"I am so grateful to have this senior class on the team," she said. "It is definitely an advantage to know that they will make the plays behind us and score runs when we need them. They have something special and it's great for us underclassmen to learn from them."
Having great people to look up to is something Dunne knew she would be getting when she chose to play her collegiate ball at Alabama. Because she is such a family-oriented person, after visiting the Capstone as a high school senior Dunne knew that crimson and white were the colors for her.
"I took three official trips and when I came here I could just feel it," Dunne remembers. "I told my mom that I wanted to commit right away. The coaches truly care about us and put a lot of work in all aspects of our experience. It didn't seem real that it could truly be this way, but it has been."
Jumping out to a fast start in 2009, Dunne has started four games and racked up four wins early in her sophomore effort and looks to build on the success she experienced as a freshman. If Alabama hopes to make it back to Oklahoma City this year, Dunne figures to be heavily relied on in the circle.
