Experience and unknown will lead the catching department for Kenny Gajewski and the Oklahoma State Cowgirls this season.
The Cowgirls are looking to replace Julia Cottrill and Averie Sims as both catchers transferred after the 2022 season.
Cottrill was the main person behind the dish last year as she posted a .306 batting average and 31 RBIs last year.
Sims was scratching for opportunities last year but it’s still another catcher lost for Gajewski and Cowgirl staff.
So the Cowgirls are working with fresh but somewhat experienced catchers this year.
With only two catchers this year, health will play a pivotal role for the Cowgirls this season.
Leading the way will be Super Senior Taylor Tuck.
Tuck was reliable in 2022 with a .275 batting average and 15 RBIs in 19 hits for the Cowgirls.
Tuck will be the veteran behind the plate as she had 28 starts at catcher last year.
In her 28 starts, 15 people stole on her, and she only threw out two of them. Tuck will have to be better in that department for the Cowgirls to return to Oklahoma City.
Coming off last year, Tuck will be an important piece in the hitting and catching department this spring if the Cowgirls want to make it back to the Women’s College World Series.
Another catcher who could see time is sophomore Audrey Schneidmiller.
She was held out last year due to injury but is ready to go for the Cowgirls this season.
Schneidmiller hit a two-run homerun against Seminole State in an exhibition game in the fall. She will bring more power when called upon for the Cowgirls this year.
Tuck or Schneidmiller are both going to rotate at the position this year as the Cowgirls are looking for the go-to player at that spot
Kelly Maxwell and other pitchers will have to get familiar with whoever is behind the plate for each game this 2023 season.
Gajewski and his staff will look to use both catchers in different ways this season in order for them to return to the WCWS this year.
