WPIAL Alum Q&A – Caitlin Baxter

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 | 9:22 AM

As the calendar officially turns to the spring sports season, softball and baseball come to the forefront. To that point, this week’s installment of the WPIAL Alum Q&A focuses on Caitlin Baxter, a former softball standout for Butler Area, who is now excelling on the diamond in her final year at Slippery Rock University.

Baxter joined the Butler varsity squad as a freshman, as she played shortstop for the Golden Tornadoes. Her first campaign represented the most team success during her tenure, as Butler concluded its season with a mark of 9-8.

The following year, in 2011, Butler went 7-8, and followed that up by enduring a 5-13 record in 2012, when Baxter was sidelined because of a knee injury sustained during basketball.

In her senior campaign in 2013, Baxter returned with a vengeance, as she boasted an average of nearly .400, scoring a team-best 27 runs to go with her 11 RBIs. She also led the Golden Tornado in steals. Butler, however, finished under .500, at 9-11.

Despite missing all of her junior season, Baxter was twice named the team’s MVP, and three times was honored as the team’s defensive MVP and Gold Glove winner. Additionally, she was a two-time All-Section performer.

Her skills translated well to other sports, too, as she was a three-year letterwinner in basketball, twice garnering team MVP for the Golden Tornado on the hardwood. Moreover, she lettered in track and field and helped guide that team to a WPIAL crown.

Baxter elected to continue her athletic career in softball, though, as she joined the Slippery Rock team in 2014. She played in 19 games, including 16 starts, collecting just five hits. She did manage a home run and four RBIs, however, as The Rock compiled a 16-26 mark that campaign.

As a sophomore, Baxter made big strides, as she increased her average to .292 in 28 games, including 18 starts. She also flashed her power at the plate, as she belted a pair of home runs and added 14 RBI. Slippery Rock finished with another losing record, though, at 15-23.

In her junior season, Baxter solidified herself as one of the top players for The Rock, as she appeared in 42 games, making 41 starts. In those affairs, she batted .260 with four home runs and 23 runs batted in, which ranked second and third on the squad, respectively. She also displayed her versatility, playing both designated player and at second base, earning the distinction of All-PSAC West Utility Player. The team collectively also improved, finishing with a mark of 20-23.

This year, Baxter has played in all 19 games thus far, and is hitting a robust .426, and slugging .656. She also has contributed a team-leading three homers, as well as 10 RBIs, which ranks second on The Rock. Slippery Rock is 7-12 thus far, although the team has split its first two PSAC games.

Caitlin dedicated time out of her busy schedule to answer questions about her utility role, why she decided on softball, and her greatest life accomplishment to this point.

Q: You are off to a great start at the plate this season. What’s been the biggest reason for your early success?

A: I put a lot of time and effort into my swing during the offseason, and I feel like it has really paid off. I was consistently swinging during the fall and really got into it over winter break. I was hitting every day during the winter. I really focused on the quality of my swing and making sure each rep was the best. I still try to hit every day, even during my season, to work on the little things. The key to a successful season is to put in the work during the offseason.

Q: Last season you were recognized for your performance as a utility player. Did you embrace playing in multiple roles, or is there a position at which you are most comfortable?

A: I’m the type of player that I will play wherever coach tells me. I will play wherever my team needs me to, and this year, that position is third base. I don’t think I have a favorite position because I’m always switching anyway, so I just try to learn my current position the best that I can, because each position is different.

Q: As a senior and four-year starter, are you one of the primary leaders on the team?

A: Yes, I am a leader on the team. I have never been a very vocal person, so I try to lead by example in everything that I do. I always give 110 percent, because that is what it takes to be successful, and the hard work does pay off.

Q: What individual goals did you set this season?

A: I never really focus on individual statistics. I just want to win and I’ll do whatever it takes to accomplish that. As for my senior year though, my goal is to stay healthy and end my career on a positive note.

Q: What are the team expectations in 2017?

A: The team expectations are to make it to playoffs and get a playoff win. Our conference is a fight to compete in, and as long as we are playing well and doing our job, I think we will be fine.

Q: Which team do you consider Slippery Rock’s biggest rival?

A: To me, it doesn’t matter who we are playing, because I still bring the same mentality to each game. Losing to anyone is not fun.

Q: What factored into your decision to attend SRU?

A: My mom and sister attended Slippery Rock for education, so that kind of gave me the idea. I knew I wanted to continue my softball career somewhere, and Slippery Rock offered me that and the ability to pursue my degree in education, as well. It is a very well-fit school for me.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: My major is secondary education science. I am pursuing my master’s degree in science education, as well. Once I graduate, I hope to become a high-school biology or anatomy teacher. I am always looking to further my education, so a PhD could possibly be in those future plans, as well. I always like to keep my options open.

Q: You played three sports at Butler, including basketball and track and field. Did you always know softball was the sport for you at the next level?

A: I really liked basketball in high school. I loved the physical aspect of it and the intensity of the game. Once I tore my ACL my junior year of high school, I put more focus into softball because I assumed basketball at the next level wouldn’t really be an option. I think my best sport was always softball, because it came natural to me. I am glad that softball was the sport I choose to play at the next level, because it has opened me up to so many opportunities.

Q: What was your fondest high-school memory?

A: My best memory in high school was just being able to be a three-sport athlete and being able to compete in the WPIAL. It was an amazing opportunity that I was lucky to have.

Q: Do you stay connected with any of the Golden Tornadoes’ athletic teams still?

A: Yes, I still stay connected with a lot of the Butler sports. I am always reading about it in the newspaper, so I’m usually updated on what’s going on. Since I’ve been at SRU, I have tried to help out with basketball and softball when I have some free time.

Q: Do you use social media frequently, and if so, which in particular?

A: I have social media, such as Twitter and Instagram. I usually use it to stay updated on sporting events going on and sometimes will use it for class, too.

Q: What is your favorite movie, either currently or all-time?

A: I don’t have a favorite movie currently. I’m a big reader, so I do a lot of reading in the summer when I have some time away from schoolwork.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend free time?

A: I’m always super busy with softball and workouts, but when I do have free time, I usually spend it with my family, reading, or just being outside. I like to fish and kayak in the summer. Really, anything to keep me busy.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment in life to this point?

A: One of my biggest accomplishments is definitely being able to play a collegiate sport for four years, while also getting my bachelors and masters degree. My family has been very supportive in everything I do, and I know I am truly blessed to be given so many opportunities to succeed.