The LSU softball team lost two All-American pitchers in Carley Hoover and Allie Walljasper from last season and will continue to hear their names this season.
For a team constantly described as both old and young, LSU coach Beth Torina will need to look for someone to step up early in the season to fill the pitching void.
After softball media day, one name stands above the rest as someone who could fill the void: Maribeth Gorsuch.
The 5-foot-10 junior from Texas is ready to take on the mature role that the two pitchers left and lead her Tigers on the field.
Having appeared in 17 games a year ago, Gorsuch does have experience, but was frequently overshadowed by Hoover and Walljasper. This added pressure to now become a focal point on the team has not seemed to bother her in the slightest.
“I am super excited to a leader on this pitching staff,” Gorsuch said. “I think we have the chance to go out and compete and win games.”
While having the experience on the field, she is looking to transition from being the student to the teacher for the young stars.
“I learned a lot from Allie [Walljasper] and Carley [Hoover] on and off the field,” Gorsuch said. “I learned a lot about how to compete and throw to batters. This year, I feel like, being the most experienced, I have to teach the younger players now.”
Torina has always worked closely with her pitchers as she heads into her eighth season as LSU head coach, and Gorsuch is no different.
“I think [Gorsuch] is going to do a really good job leading this team,” Torina said. “I think she is prepared, put in her time, and waited for this opportunity.”
Even though Gorsuch is one of the only returning pitchers, the Tigers have recruited new freshmen to ease the workload in Shelby Wickersham, Baylie Thornhill and Ali Kilponen, who have received nothing but praise from coach Torina and everyone surrounding the program.
These two ladies do bring the talent necessary to compete, but need a strong presence that Gorsuch wants and will deliver to them.
“I feel like whenever they come to me about questions, I use what I did learn from Allie [Walljasper] and Carley [Hoover] last year to answer those questions,” Gorsuch said. “If I see them struggle, I help in any way that I can. It is a big transition.”
Gorsuch is taking on the mature role of a returning junior in full stride with her play and words.
To keep her role on the team lasting and respected, Gorsuch looks to her same routine on the field to keep her and the Tigers going throughout the season with a slight twist.
“I am doing the same thing as last year when it comes to the drills I do, and the workouts we throw,” Gorsuch said. “I may have a little bit of a different mindset when it comes to pitching in general for the transition from learning to teaching others, but I am playing the same way.”