Fresno State Athletics
The Approach
3/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 27, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - A sly, quick junior roams the grassy expanse in center field at Bulldog Diamond. She has a career batting average of .379 and has stolen 21 bases in 29 attempts, including a 12-for-13 ratio last season. She is a two-time All-American (1999, third team, 1998 second team), a two-time All-West Region (1999, first team, 1998 second team) and a two-time All-WAC (1999 first team, 1998 second team) athlete. Let us not forget her being named a two-time WAC All-Academic & Scholar-Athlete and a two-time Fresno State Scholar-Athlete.
Who is she? Becky Witt.
Witt, the 1998 WAC Freshman of the Year, was an essential piece to the Bulldogs' run at the national title. Through her great efforts on the field came the many individual awards. "Every year you try to perform to the best of your ability," Witt said. "And you always want to improve the next year. Being named an All-American is just about the highest individual award you can attain."
When Witt began playing softball, she batted regularly in the seven hole. As she put more emphasis on playing softball, some of her coaches began to utilize her speed by placing her in the leadoff spot. Since then, Witt has thrived in the role and continues to approach the sport of softball as hard as she can.
"Basically my role is to get on base and let the big dogs in our line up do the cleaning up," Witt said. "I've got to direct the other outfielders and be a captain."
Last season, Witt opened the year with a five game hitting streak and never cooled off. In 72 contests, she totaled 88 hits, scoring 62 runs and driving in 28 Bulldogs. She even managed to knock a couple balls out of the park. She is only the eighth player in school history to secure 100 total bases in a season.
Most of these solid statistics have come through hard work and the ability to adjust. Knowing her role has been the driving force behind Witt's success. In two full years, Witt has improved in all facets of her game.
"I am a better bunter and I can steal more bases," Witt said. "I also believe I have a better feel for the game."
Witt has clearly been able to do the job her team needs. Her main objective reach home plate safely, something she has done so well in her career. In fact, she scored a WAC single-season record 40 runs during league play in her freshman campaign.
One ring on her finger is not enough and that is why she strives to lead the Bulldogs back to the national championship.
