Kelly Barnhill has logged a perfect game and a handful of no-hitters this season. So what’s the NCAA’s best pitcher still out to prove?
With a rise ball that leaves batters swinging at ghosts, Florida’s Kelly Barnhill is a dreaded sight in the circle. But after the Gators’ runner-up finish last year, which included an epic 17-inning loss to Oklahoma in Game 1 of the national championship series, Barnhill won’t be satisfied until she claims the title of Women’s College World Series champ. As Florida heads into the postseason, ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza spoke to Barnhill about her updated arsenal, her struggle with illegal-pitch calls and her 2020 Olympic dreams.
ESPN: In the offseason, you added swim workouts, a nutritionist and a sports psychologist to your routine. When did it occur to you that “I need to be doing things differently to get myself better”?
KELLY BARNHILL: There was a realization that hit at the World Series last year. We lost. We’re not the national champions. This other team gets to celebrate. They get to have the confetti thrown. You’re just sitting there watching them feel happy and dogpile, and you’re like, “This sucks.”
You guys have bracelets to remind you of the combined score?
Yep. 12-9. Coach [Tim] Walton didn’t want us to forget about it. He wanted us to remember it and hold on to that so we’re thinking about it. And each day we want to get 1 percent better. If everyone is getting 1 percent better, then the team is getting better.
How has that been sitting with you?
Looking at that 12-9, that’s a three-run difference. Three more runs to win a national championship. Or not giving up those three runs to win a national championship.
This story is from the May 07, 2018 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 07, 2018 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield
To be the world’s most famous athlete means Cristiano Ronaldo can appear on screens everywhere yet somehow elude the fallout from a rape allegation.
Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage
MMA is a violent and unforgiving sport. But instead of shielding her young daughter from her career, Michelle Waterson is bringing her along every step of the way.
Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has
As Kyler Murray decides which sport will win his talents, at least one thing is clear: He owns his future in a way no other rookie has.
Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity
No eight-figure shoe deal? No problem. The Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma walked his own path to sneaker supremacy.
Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal
He’s baseball’s best-known face and now its richest player. In this exclusive interview, the All-Star talks rejecting $300 million, recruiting Mike Trout and becoming a Phillie for life.
Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?
Sizable expectations? Kyler Murray’s got a few: go No. 1 in the draft, become a franchise player and—oh yeah— completely blow up decades of doctrine about short quarterbacks.
Eternal Champions
Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.
What's In A Name?
With the founder of Bikram yoga facing assault allegations, it seems simple: Studios should distance themselves from his name. But it’s not so easy.
One Formula For Change
To inject excitement back into its races, Formula One needs more than a tweak or new twist—it needs to correct its course.
All About The Goals
U.S. national team hero and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz shares her secrets for keeping her world-champion mindset.
