USF Athletics

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Tampa Bay's Congresswoman, stopped by the USF Softball Field on Monday morning to take batting practice, play some catch and make her pitch for a worthy cause.

Castor will compete on Oct. 27 in the 13th annual Congressional Women's Softball Game that matches a team of congresswomen against female members of the Washington press corps (the "Bad News Babes''). The game helps to raise awareness for breast cancer and young survivors. Castor will play in the honor of Kendria Daniels, a Riverview resident and nine-year breast cancer survivor.

Castor received tips from USF softball and U.S. Olympic coach Ken Eriksen — or "America's coach,'' as she called him — along with Bulls players Georgina Corrick, Devyne Davis and Madison Epperson.

Using a new USF softball glove, Castor warmed up, then displayed her slow-pitch techniques. Eriksen seemed impressed.

"You haven't missed your target once,'' Eriksen said.

Castor, who played Little League Softball at Roy Haynes Park and was once managed by her mother Betty (a former USF president), said she generally plays rover (outfield) on the Congressional team. Defense is her strong suit.

But in the batting cage, Castor displayed consistency.

"You're squaring it up,'' Eriksen said.

"Looking really good,'' Epperson said.

Castor said her main goal was to not embarrass herself.

"You don't have to worry about that,'' Clark said. "You look great.''

Castor, a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, said she wanted to mimic the massive plate presence of Nelson Cruz and "make myself big.''

Eriksen injected some reality. "Um, that's not going to happen.''

"Wander Franco?'' Castor said hopefully.

"That's a better chance,'' Eriksen said, smiling.

As she swung at the pitches from Eriksen, who was behind a protective net, Castor wondered about the mentality of hitting.

"What's your secret when you go up to bat?'' Castor asked the USF players. "What are you thinking?''

"Nothing,'' Epperson said. "The more relaxed you are, the better you will be.''

After making contact, Castor admitted to not having much speed. Any helpful tips on making it to first base?

"Hit it where they ain't,'' Eriksen said. "When you get to the first one (base), you make a left. Then get to the second one and make another left. When you get to the third one, if you make another left, you get to go home. When you're up there, try to hit it where they (fielders) ain't. Our sport is pretty simple. It's either yes or no.''

Castor, who wears No. 14 because she represents the 14th Congressional District, said she enjoys the camaraderie between her fellow congresswomen and the press corps. But everyone has the greater good in mind. The game's purpose is to raise awareness for cancer prevention and cancer survivors.

"It can be really difficult for young women of child-bearing age to receive this diagnosis,'' Castor said. "It's really important, if you think anything is out of the ordinary, to go to the doctor and get checked out. The consequences are very difficult. The fight is inspirational. Kendria is inspirational to me and it's my honor to represent her.''

Daniels, who works in human resources for JP Morgan Chase, said she was diagnosed at age 36 after discovering a lump during a self-examination.

"It didn't run in my family,'' said Daniels, who was treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center. "There was no rhyme or reason to it. I was not a smoker or a heavy drinker. I'm happy to be here in the land of the living. I want all women to have access to the right resources and I want us to find a cure.''

"This softball game will be fun and, of course, we want to win,'' Castor said. "With the support of these USF players and the tips from America's coach (Eriksen), I think I'm ready. With Kendria's inspiration, let's go beat the press and beat cancer.''