If you’re tuning in to the Women’s College World Series, there’s a chance you’ll see an interesting routine or two, whether it’s a pitcher in the circle or a batter getting set at the plate.Texas senior catcher Reese Atwood garnered attention early in the year for her routine. Throughout much of the season, broadcasts would zero in on Atwood’s face during her at-bats, and you could see her lips moving in practically constant fashion, even as opposing pitchers started their wind-up.Last year, Atwood was hitless in the World Series until Game 1 of the championship series, when, as Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady attempted to intentionally walk her with two outs and two runners on, Atwood took a step out of the batter’s box, took a deep breath and ripped a single through the left side of the infield on what was supposed to be ball four. The two runs that scored proved to be the difference as Texas won the game 2-1 on its way to the program’s first national championship.How did she calm her heart rate, erase the past and bring herself to the present moment? Let’s find out.Broadcasts throughout the season have shown you talking to yourself while you’re in the batter’s box. What exactly are you saying to yourself in those moments, and how did you get to that?A lot of times I’m honestly just saying, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” or I’m talking to myself in the sense of that’s like nothing to do with softball. My mental approach when I’m going through that is more of taking my mind off the game and trying to be present in those moments.
This softball star talks to herself before every at-bat. It often has nothing to do with the game
Atwood often talks to herself while in the batter's box, even as opposing pitchers start their wind-up.












