Fresno State Athletics
Mackin Goes One-on-One With GoBulldogs.com
7/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
July 17, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State junior pitcher Robin Mackin helped lead the Canadian National Team to a third place finish in the World Cup of Softball, which ended Monday night in Oklahoma City. Despite her busy schedule, Mackin found time to answer some questions and share her experience this summer.
Mackin, who started for Canada in a nationally televised game against the United States on Sunday, finished the tournament 0-2 with one save. Mackin pitched well in her first start of the tournament against Japan, a 2-0 loss and pitched great in her second appearance, coming out of the bullpen for a save against Venezuela. Both of Mackin's losses came against the No.1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the world, respectively.
Mackin impressed the Canadian team and earned the start against Team USA on ESPN, going four innings, allowing four earned runs on six walks and two strikeouts.
GoBulldogs.com: What is it like to be on the road traveling all the time?
Robin Mackin: It's a great experience that can be challenging at times but it has a lot of perks. Not only do you get to visit different parts of North America but you get to see all different parts of the World. This year we started in Victoria, BC, then went to White Rock, BC and now we are in Oklahoma City. On Thursday we depart for Rio, Brazil, go back to Vancouver, BC for a few days and then off to Bangkok, Thailand. Not too many people get the opportunity to see that much of the World at the age of 19.
GoBulldogs.com: Is it good to be back in Canada?
Robin Mackin: Even though I didn't necessarily get to be at my home for very long, just training and being in BC for almost a month was refreshing. The Canada Cup is probably the best tournament we play in all summer, and it's mostly because we get to be on our homeland in front of our own crowd, listening to our national anthem.
GoBulldogs.com: How different is International play compared to college ball?
Robin Mackin: In International ball you are playing against and with people who are students and experts of this sport. The experience and understanding that these girls have acquired is unbelievable. The atmosphere is different, and there is just so much more to learn from both your teammates and your opponent.
GoBulldogs.com: What have you learned most so far being with the national team?
Robin Mackin: This is a very hard question because I have learned so much in so many different aspects of my game that are all crucially important to my development as an athlete, softball player and pitcher. The biggest thing might be the power of belief, and the importance of transforming believing into knowing. There is a lot of steps and action that go along with making that transition, but it's something that I am watching this squad experience as a unit. It's exciting!
GoBulldogs.com: How are your teammates, is it hard to try and connect so quick with them and play together?
Robin Mackin: I admire my teammates, and hold the up-most respect for them. Most of these girls are veterans and have experienced the Olympics and other multi-sport events, and they know so much about this game. You would not believe that amount of information I acquire from these girls on a daily/hourly basis! The connection that we make is different than a college team because we only get to spend a couple months of the year together. However, as a team we recognize our situation and we adjust accordingly so that we can get the job done on the field. Don't get me wrong, we have a lot of fun together...there are a lot of creative team bonding activities.
GoBulldogs.com: What do you miss most about Fresno State?
Robin Mackin: I miss the people! I miss Coach and being able to see all my teammates on a regular basis. I miss playing in our stadium in front of so many supportive fans. It's hard when you are traveling all summer to stay in touch with everyone, but I know that once I get back I will have plenty of catch up time.
Mackin and the Canadian team now look ahead to the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Tuesday they were en route to Brazil, when GoBulldogs.com caught up with Mackin.
