We sat down with Brenlee Gonzales of Texas Tech ahead of the 2025 NFCA Leadoff Classic to talk about goals for the upcoming D1 softball season, expert advice, and valuable insight.
1. What is the best piece of advice a coach has ever given you?
Answer: I will never forget when the incredible Cat Osterman challenged me to discover what makes me stand out. Since that moment, I have actively honed my change-up, mastering it to a level that is close to perfection. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to play for Cat Osterman, and I embrace the journey of excellence she inspired in me.
2. What did you work on this offseason?
Answer: One thing I focused on during the offseason was tunneling my change-up and drop ball. Everyone knows I'm primarily a change-up pitcher, so I wanted to develop another pitch to complement it. The drop ball has a similar look to my change-up, just at different speeds. By working on this, I’m aiming to keep hitters guessing and enhance my overall effectiveness on the mound.
3. What is one of your personal goals for the upcoming softball season?
Answer: One of my major goals is to deepen my understanding of the game. As a freshman in college, I recognize the importance of elevating my skills to contribute to my team's success. I realize that playing at the college level offers countless opportunities to learn and grow. I'm also eager to learn from my teammates, as each of us brings unique experiences and insights that can enhance our collective knowledge.
4. What is one thing people might not know about your pre-game ritual?
Answer: One of my favorite pregame rituals is connecting with my loved ones, including my parents, boyfriend, and sweet sisters. I find their support incredibly uplifting. To warm up, I incorporate some weighted balls to get the blood flowing, which really helps me feel ready. Most importantly, I crank up some upbeat music to get myself in game mode and fired up for the competition ahead!
5. What advice would you give a young athlete hoping to play D1 softball one day?
Answer: Don’t let this sport define who you are. The challenges that come with it can be tough, and sometimes your mood or reactions can shape the rest of your day. As everyone says, it’s just a game. Remember, there’s so much more to life beyond the field, and it’s important to keep that perspective in mind.
Tune in to all of the NFCA Leadoff Classic action for FREE on GameChanger February 6-9, 2025.
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