Kristen Marris - Pitching Instructor

Kristen played Division I softball and received full-scholarships her entire career. In 2008, as a freshman at New Mexico State University, she faced the U.S. National team during the “Bound for Beijing” tour, and struck out various Olympians, most notably Jessica Mendoza.  As a sophomore transfer to Midland College, her abilities were recognized via Conference and National awards to include:  the 2009 All-WJCAC Team, the 2009 All-NJCAA Region V West Team, the 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA Division I All-Region West Team and was named a 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA All-American.

 

At Midland College, she completed an Associates of Science Degree and before returning to Division I softball as a Team Captain and starting pitcher at Temple University where she majored in Geology.  She currently ranks on several of Temple’s single-season pitching records. In 2011, Kristen was named to the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Conference All-Conference Team – Honorable Mention and was selected to the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Conference All-Tournament team.

 

Kristen uses to her advantage, the knowledge and training she has gleaned from her experience with different college coaches.   She understands and promotes the routines and hard work necessary to develop consistency, pitch placement and a pitcher’s mindset.  Mental toughness is one of the most important qualities of a successful pitcher and Kristen emphasizes strengthening the mind in order to maximize performance in pressure situations. 

 

From beginner’s level to elite pitching, proper mechanics are the foundation to any pitcher’s success; therefore, proper mechanics are a very important element of Kristen’s instruction.  Each girl is unique, therein lays their path to success so she does not enforce any one style of pitching, but offers different alternatives and tips to perfect technique.  Kristen threw in the upper 60s and is very familiar with speed development and control.  Any pitcher looking to add mph will learn techniques to increase speed.  

 

Above all, Kristen believes a successful student athlete should enjoy and love their sport!  She conducts her lessons in this manner to promote her love of the game.