Texas softball star chats about screwballs, boyfriends

	Cat Osterman has pitched a mind-boggeling 17 no-hitters in her career. AP

By Eric Ransom

Cat Osterman is on a mission. The Longhorns' pitcher (37-2, 27 shutouts and a nation's best 0.39 ERA) is a two-time player of the year and is seeking a national title as she leads No. 2 Texas (54-7) into the College World Series. She recently took some time to chat about her Olympic gold medal, screwballs and rumored nuptials with a Texas running back.

SI On Campus: How does everyday Cat turn into gameday Cat?

Cat Osterman: Everyday Cat wakes up for class, and just kind of does whatever while on campus. There's usually a period when I can go home, rest up and get my uniform together.  [Gameday Cat] happens on the car ride over [to the field]. There's no specific CD or radio station that I listen to. I usually just listen to my music, if it's a nice day I roll down my windows, just kind of calm myself on the way over here.

SIOC: So it's like a zen kind of thing.

CO: Sort of. Last year, I rode over with Amy Bradford, but pretty much it's always been (just) myself. Occasionally I'll make a mix CD. It ranges from old country to rap to whatever I feel like listening to that day.

SIOC: Did you ever spend time perfecting your game face?

CO: I never really practiced it. I'm not sure where it came from. Once I got a little more recognition, people would ask why I'm so intense on the mound. I think it's just from focus. I'm so locked in once I'm on the actual rubber.

SIOC: How many pitches do you have?

CO: Um...rise, curve, drop, screw, change. I have five technically, but I throw my curve three different ways. I throw it normal where it cuts across. But I've also mastered a backdoor curve where, for a righty, it looks like it's in the other batter's box but cuts around to the back corner. A lot of times you don't know if it's going up or down, or in or out.