Posted 4/06/06
UW-Platteville's Katie Larson is a senior pitcher from South Wayne and a Black Hawk High School graduate. She leads the Pioneers into home doubleheaders this weekend. The Pioneers face UW-Superior Saturday and UW-Eau Claire Sunday, beginning at noon each day.
How is the season going for the Pioneers this year?
"Things are going pretty well. Down in Florida, we really worked as a team, and we're hoping that will carry over up here. Wartburg was a tough team that we lost to last week (the Knights are 19-3), but we learned a lot from that. We want to get to that level, too, by working hard every day."
Over your four-year career, you've established yourself as a number one pitcher. Coming into UW-Platteville, did you expect that kind of success?
"I didn't think I would be a number one, but we always play two games, so I was hoping to pitch in one game. So I think I've accomplished that."
You've become one of the top strikeout pitchers in school history and have a change to be the all-time leader. Are strikeouts something you look for and try for, or do they just happen?
"It just happens. I never really realize my stats until afterwards when someone says, 'Oh Katie, you did this or that.' "
How many different pitches do you throw?
"I have a rise ball, a drop ball, a changeup and sometimes a fastball, although I don't throw it that much because it seems sometimes they get a hold of that."
Each time you accomplish something, you seem to be breaking or tying your sister's records here. (Jamie Larson played in 1997-2000.) Do you let her know about that? Is it a good sibling rivalry?
"We have the stats in the record book, and she's seen in a couple of times. She's really good about it, and she wants me to beat her records. That's encouraging."
Was she one of the reasons you came to UW-Platteville?
"Yes, she is. I remember coming up to a couple of her games when I was in junior high, and I thought it would be really cool to play at the collegiate level. I'm glad I came here."
You've succeeded not only on the field, but also in the classroom with a very difficult major in biology. You're on the honor rolls, which has to be tough with the amount of travel you can have with softball. How do you manage?
"Keeping focused helps me organize my day and plan what I need do to. When we're on the bus, I bring homework along with me. I always put academics first, in front of sports and work, even though I do work two jobs."
What does the future hold for you?
"I graduate in May, and I just was accepted into Clarke. I will be getting my doctorate in physical therapy. I would like to work in a sports setting or a school setting, and I'd like to stay close to home."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson