Fresno State Athletics
Circle Here for Success
3/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 15, 2001
Lori Hoffman knows what it takes to be a good pitcher, but what she is learning so far as a Bulldog is what it takes to be a great pitcher. The left-handed thrower out of Benicia, Calif., was a three-year varsity starter at first base and pitcher at Benicia High School where she earned numerous accolades. She was named as a member of the first team all-Tri County Athletic League her sophomore year as a designated player, while hitting .471. In her junior year, Hoffman received the league's most valuable player award as a pitcher for her 10-2 winning record and a 0.75 ERA. Her senior year proved to be the best season in her high school career, as she garnered another MVP award, this time for her team. She also was singled out as Sports Focus Softball Player of the Year and was an all-state selection by Cal-Hi Sports. However, the question still remains, what is it that Lori Hoffman has learned in her short time as a Bulldog? She admits that she has become both mentally and physically stronger. "Coach Wright has taught me a lot about how and what to focus on when I'm out there," commented Hoffman. "I don't think of anything else but pitching." Based on her newfound capabilities, it's no wonder why the newcomer has made an immediate impact within the Fresno State program. The Bulldog made her debut in the circle against two top 25 teams, Michigan and Oregon State, on February 23 and 24. In a combined nine innings, she allowed no runs and no earned runs. But it's not statistics providing motivation for Hoffman, while she stands alone in the pitching circle, it's her confidence in her teammates and the common goal of winning. "The team works well together, we're very unified," Hoffman said. "Everyone wants to play and everyone is out there to win." Hoffman, while humble, radiates confidence in herself and in her teammates. If winning were based on that alone, the Bulldogs would be guaranteed a victory every time. Fortunately for them, Hoffman's confidence is backed up by her skills as a pitcher in addition to being a hitter. She knows her days as a collegiate pitcher are just beginning. Hoffman looks forward to the day when she can look back and realize that in her four years as a Bulldog, she went from being a good pitcher, to a great one.
