Softball Newcomer Q&A: Kat Grill
2/7/2021 3:25:00 PM | Softball
Freshman – Outfield – Tuscaloosa, Ala. – American Christian Academy
How did you get your start in softball?
"I grew up at the ballpark watching my cousins play both baseball and softball. I started playing softball myself when I was four or five. I also played soccer and basketball and did gymnastics and dance. Softball became my favorite later, but I continued playing multiple sports until high school."
When did softball become a serious pursuit?
"Seventh grade was when I really became focused on softball and when playing in college became my goal. In the fall of my eighth-grade year I played in an exposure tournament in Atlanta. I had a really good weekend and then came to a camp here and hit my first ever home run. That is when I really realized that I could accomplish my goal of playing in college."
When did Alabama come into the picture?
"Being from Tuscaloosa, I grew up watching and going to Alabama games all the time. Alabama felt like home. Every time I went anywhere else, I would always compare it to Alabama. Academics are very important to me too, so I did look into that at each school.
"The coaches first started watching me after that camp. I committed to Alabama my 10th grade year. Because I was so familiar with the campus and knew this was where I wanted to be, I did not take an unofficial visit here. In January of my sophomore year, Coach Murphy called me late at night and offered me, I committed then and there. I was so excited, and it truly made all my hard work pay off."
After committing did you feel a sense of relief or was it added pressure?
"It was a big relief and it allowed me to really focus on becoming a better athlete before college. There were times when I felt like there was a certain expectation I needed to live up to but overall it was a breath of fresh air. It allowed me to have fun and just play the game again.
"I had taken lessons with [former players] Ryan [Iamurri] and Chandler [Dare] and they both assured me there was no better place to play. They told me I would be pushed but that I would come out of it a better person."
How has the transition to college been?
"Adjusting off the field was difficult with time management. I just had a busy schedule and had to learn how to be diligent. On the field, the pace is faster, but our coaches have prepared us for that.
How did it feel to put on the Alabama uniform for the first time during the fall scrimmage?
"It was a surreal experience that I had dreamed of for a long time. I will never forget it."
What are your individual and team goals for this year?
"A goal for myself is to be the best teammate I can be and embrace whatever role I need to fill this year. I also want to get faster and focus on my speed. As a team, we are looking to work together and be the best communicating team we can be while competing at the highest level."
What advice would you give to young girls who wants to play college softball?
"Stay within yourself and don't try and compare yourself with others. All athletes are different, so stay true to yourself and work on your personal goals."
