April 28, 2011

Story courtesy of Lee Sports Information

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Lee University (Tenn.) senior Kaitlyn Grosch has created what could be termed as “positive problems” for softball coach Emily Russell and the sports information department over the past four seasons.

Russell struggles when trying to decide how to list the versatile former McMinn Central (Englewood, Tenn.) athlete on the roster. “Should I list her as an outfielder, infielder, pitcher or catcher?” the veteran skipper asked Lee’s SID.

During Lee’s Senior Day games, Grosch was penciled in as the third baseman, making her in all probability the only Flame softball or baseball player to ever play all nine positions.

She signed as a pitcher but has only been used sparingly in the circle. Her freshman spring was just a preview what was forthcoming. Grosch played second and was used some in right field before the starting catcher was lost for the year.

“We actually had tryouts to see who could catch. I guess I won. I caught the rest of the season,” she recalled. “My catching hand would really swell at times, but we had no other options.” You might say she took hundreds of pitches (while in pain) for the team.

The regular catcher returned the following season and Kaitlyn was more than happy to move again. She was placed in all three outfield positions before the first baseman was injured and she found herself in another key circumstance.

She battled an illness of her own during the junior season. While seeing playing time, Grosch played mainly in the outfield and was spotted at third on a couple of occasions.

However, it didn’t take long for the Lady Flames to be struck by the injury bug again. Midway part of this season, All-SSAC shortstop Hernanza Ruiz suffered a knee injury. Of course coach Russell went straight to Grosch.

“There have been many games over the past four years when I don't know what we would have done without her,” admitted Russell. “Every time there is an injury she is able to step in.”

Russell documented her case with a prime example: “Kaitlyn had never played or practiced at first base, but during her sophomore year Caitlin Haley went out of the conference semi-final game against Brenau with a head injury. I didn't even hesitate to put Kaitlyn at first. She is a team player that doesn’t mind playing where the team needs her.”

“I guess I enjoy playing second or in the outfield the best,” she allowed.  “I started out playing T-Ball and I’ve been involved ever since. Right now you would never know I pitched every game during my senior year in high school.”

Grosch has been just as solid in the classroom. The two-time All-SSAC Scholar will graduate with a 3.4 GPA. She hopes to enter law school over the next two years.