By Eric Ransom

	Osterman throws five pitches, including some that she doesn't even know where they're going. AP

SIOC: How was your Olympic team experience?

CO: I was the youngest, and it was like studying abroad. It was also like an internship with all those older girls. I just went in there like a sponge and listened to anything anyone had to say. I paid attention to every detail our pitching coach had to give us. I really learned a whole lot and brought that back. It's helped me stay fresh, stay a lot calmer, and I quit being so intense all the time.

SIOC: After the 2008 Games, softball is being pulled for the Summer Olympics. What was your reaction when you first heard about that?

CO: I was kind of shocked. Thinking long term, 2012 was probably going to be my last Olympic games. I enjoy playing, but I want to go into a coaching career, so I knew some point I'd have to decide 'that's it' for playing.

It's still a shocker because the only games that were dominated by [the U.S.] were the last ones. I think it was an unfair situation, and now it leaves a lot of us questioning what we're going to do after 2008. There are two pro leagues that are starting up, and hopefully those pan out. I think we deserve a shot as much as anyone to play after college.

SIOC: You've been drafted by both leagues. When will you have to make a choice?

CO: I'll make my decision as soon as the World Series is over.

SIOC: So what are the hidden perks of having a gold medal? Can you get a free sandwich anywhere in Austin?

CO: There's not that many perks. Not that I forget that I have it, but it's in a shadowbox in my room. A lot of times, people are like 'you have a gold medal' and I'm like 'oh yeah, I do.' I kind of just came back and kept on with everyday living. Maybe those perks will come once I'm not under NCAA rules anymore.

SIOC: Being a left-handed person, do you ever feel discriminated against while living in a right-handed world?

CO: Once -- when my teacher accused me of cheating. I had to turn my paper sideways to fit on the desk -- the desks are meant for right-handed people! -- and she made me move to the front of the room because she thought I was cheating. I got really, really mad.

SIOC: Just to settle some rumors, were you ever married to [Texas running back] Jamaal Charles?

CO: We were never married, but we did date for a little bit after the Rose Bowl.

SIOC: I hate pry into your personal life.

CO: It was on Facebook, so I guess it wasn't really my personal life.

SIOC: You tend to sign a lot of autographs, even on the road. What's the weirdest thing you've had to sign?

CO: I was actually coaching -- I used to coach a 16-and under team -- and I was at a tournament and we were sitting in a grassy area waiting to play. This girl comes running up -- I'm not lying -- she sits down in front of me and takes off her ankle brace and throws it in my lap -- sweaty and everything. I signed it and she just strapped it back on and walked away. 

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