One player we’re excited to see this weekend at the Dirt Dogs Team Mizuno Fall Showcase is Kaitlyn Coffman, a 2018 infielder for the Central Cal Dirt Dogs 18U Harger team—the same team of Nebraska commit Analiese Raley who we profiled earlier this week.

You can watch both Kaitlyn and Analiese LIVE this weekend on FloSoftball!

Kaitlyn attends Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, Calif. and last November, in the middle of her freshman year, committed to The Ohio State University.

A 1st Team All-League power-hitting middle infielder/outfielder, she’s a natural righty who was converted to the left side at age 10 and used to be a slapper until she grew into a 5-foot-9 long-ball threat!

Kailtyn, who has a 3.9 GPA and wants to go into nursing or something in the health field, is also a two-sport athlete, but her second one isn’t one you normally think of for softball players.

Let’s just say, someone in her new sport noticed her arm and knew she would be a natural… in the water as well as on the turf!

Read on to learn about this Central California player’s multiple talents…

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FS.com:  You play water polo… an unusual combination teamed up with softball.  How did you pick up the sport?
KC: I have a teacher who came up to me one day, I didn’t know who he was, and he asked if I was Kaitlyn Coffman. He started talking about water polo and said it would help me with my throwing and getting in shape for softball.  It sounded like fun so I  played in the water polo summer league. It did get me in great shape, I’ve used muscles I’ve never used before!

FS.com:  It would seem like the two sports are very different… describe the major similarities and differences it takes to excel in both sports.
KC: The throwing part is the most similar of the two, just the throwing motion. In water polo have to have a lot more cardio and become stronger because it’s an aggressive sport and you have to be stronger just to hold and defend.

FS.com:  Walk us through how Ohio State came to find you, a Central California girl?
KC: I got to a batting facility, The Next Level, and the owner’s daughter went to Ohio State, she was my connection.  The Ohio State coaches saw me in the Spring of 2014 at the batting facility when they had a clinic there and they followed me after that.  I went to their camp the last two years and I had two offers, one being Ohio State, and I knew that that was where I wanted so I committed last November.

FS.com:  What was it about OSU that you liked so much?
KC: There were several things: the environment of the campus felt like home, it’s a strong medical research school and the four season—I loved that it doesn’t feel like California.  Also, with the academics the athletes are held to a very high standard.  The coaches are very family-oriented and understanding. They really care about the family; for example, the first time I met them, the coaches gave my parents and my grandfather a hug.  They’re very sweet and kind-hearted.

FS.com:  You’re teammate—Analeise Raley, who we just profiled—is going to another Big Ten school.  Are you looking forward to facing each other on the field in college?
KC: Yea, I’m really excited to be playing with her now and against her in college!

FS.com:  You have a busy week’s schedule, including school, softball and water polo practices and even hitting lessons… how do you make it all work and carry a 3.9 GPA?
KC: Last year I did tutoring before school and I study hard at night and in the morning.  I don’t go too late, I just try to be time efficient.

FS.com: On a lighter note, do you have any fun superstitions or rituals when you’re between the lines?
KC: Actually, yes I do: I always put my left batting glove on before my right and then I never, ever step on the chalk!

FS.com:  If you were handed a $1,000 bill and told, “Use it or lose it in 24 hours,” what would you do with the money?
KC: I would honestly spend it on my parents, because of what they do for me and spend on me for softball. I’d just give it back to them.

FS.com:  Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
KC: I see myself married with kids and working a surgeon nursing job.

FS.com: Other than family, who is your hero or inspires you?
KC:  Jesus Christ, because He gave up His life for me so I want to live to my fullest ability for Him.