Home Run Derby X comes to Round Rock this Saturday and it's bringing a battle for the Lone Star state! The Rangers and Astros will face off while college stars from the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor University also join the battle.
Katie Stewart, fresh off a Women's College World Series with the Longhorns, is one of those sluggers. I had a chance to sit down and speak with the rising junior -- who hit .381 with 17 home runs this past season and was named to the Women's College World Series All-Tournament team -- to talk about the championship and the upcoming HRDX tournament this weekend.
Here is that interview, condensed and edited for readability.
MLB: What a season! You won a national title. Can you tell me what this year was like?
Katie Stewart: Going from the year before, where we took second and just watched the other team celebrate on the field, our coaches always reminded us, 'Remember this moment. You don't want to feel this again.' Our goal has always been to win national championship, and we went and did that. And so throughout the season it was just a bunch of personal and team growth, getting to be better teammates and playing for each other and playing for something bigger.
MLB: Did you feel pressure as you were getting closer?
KS: I think before the championship series, there was a little bit of nerves. We were just thinking, 'We want to win it so bad.' But after Game One, when we pulled through, there was never a doubt that we were going to win it all. We trusted each other and that our process was going to get us there.
MLB: What was the celebration like afterward?
KS: Honestly, the dog pile hurt a little bit! But yeah, we were just taking that time to enjoy each other and celebrate for us and the coaches and to enjoy that moment with our families.
MLB: Was there a favorite moment for you during the championship run?
KS: I think the coolest moment was probably Reese [Atwood] hitting the ball on the intentional walk, because we all saw that the pitches were close to the zone. We were anticipating that she could hit the ball and then she did. We were all jumping up and down and so excited for her and for that moment. I thought that was coolest thing ever.
MLB: Now you're taking part in Home Run Derby X, where they're trying to throw you good pitches to hit. Have you competed in derbies before? Are you taking a different process than you would normally to prepare?
KS: I've competed in a couple. I think it's just about not taking too hard of a swing and just staying within myself, knowing that I have to hit a certain amount in two-and-a-half minutes. Just staying under control and getting used to hitting baseballs when normally I'm hitting softballs with normal front toss.
MLB: Who are you most excited to either compete with or compete against?
KS: I think competing with Manny Ramirez is pretty cool. Growing up and hearing his name and now being able to hit with him? I think that's really cool.
MLB: You heard Manny's name growing up a lot, but who was your favorite softball player?
KS: Softball was probably Sierra Romero. I remember watching her a lot growing up and idolizing her. And then honestly, my oldest sister played softball, and so I was always around her games. Having that family connection, I idolized her as well.
MLB: I'm sure winning the national championship is probably pretty high up there, but do you have a favorite playing memory in your career?
KS: It's probably the home run off Karlyn Pickens in the World Series. That felt really great to do. And honestly, I didn't think that ball was going over the wall in that moment. So when it did, I was surprised.
MLB: What was going through your mind in that moment?
KS: I was just trying to stay neutral and calm. Honestly, throughout that at-bat, I felt pretty on time with every pitch. Coach White always says three things for hitting, and it's to get a good pitch, get on time, and get on plane. And so I think I hit all three check marks. It just worked, though the wind might have helped a little bit to get it over the wall, but it's a home run on the books.
MLB: What are you most excited about for playing in Round Rock?
KS: Honestly, when I first heard about it and was offered to do it, I got really excited knowing it's such a cool event to participate in. So I want to take in the moment with the people around me and the fans. I just want to not take it too seriously and enjoy the moment.