Softball pitcher, Angela Tincher, 2008 National Collegiate Player of the Year, third on the NCAA all-time strikeout leader list, and National Professional Faspitch player, was kind enough to take a break from her busy softball schedule to answer some questions for PrettyTough.com
Six months ago, Angela Tincher led Virginia Tech University to a historical no hit, shut out win against Team USA. Every amazing athlete has a beginning. Check out Tincher’s story of her softball beginning below.
Hometown: Eagle Rock, Virginia
High School: James River High School
ASA Teams: Roanoke Scrappers 14U and 18U, 18U Virginia Shamrocks
College: Virginia Tech University
How old were you when you first started playing softball?
I started playing Little League when I was nine. I tried pitching at ten and I really started practicing pitching at eleven.
Did you love softball right away? Did you play any other sports?<em>
I tried dance, gymnastics, and basketball. None of those stuck. Softball was the one thing that I wanted to play year round. I played volleyball for five years, but it was just in season. I wanted to play softball all the time.
Did you play ASA?
I played for a local ASA team called the Roanoke Scrappers. Then, during my senior year, I drove three and a half hours to play for the Virginia Shamrocks, an ASA Gold Team because I wanted the national exposure.
Where did you play high school softball?
I transferred to James River High School during my sophomore year after my family and I moved.
Did you dominate as a pitcher during high school?
I wouldn’t say I dominated all the time. But, I did pitch games where I struck out every batter I faced. We won states my junior and senior year.
Who was your pitching coach?
My dad. When I started playing Little League, my dad taught himself pitching mechanics with books and videos, so he could teach me. At that time, there weren’t any clinics or coaches in the area. We learned together and tried all sorts of stuff, deciding what worked and didn’t work along the way.
How did you end up at Virginia Tech?
I wasn’t recruited very heavily out of high school. Since my high school was small, schools weren’t sure if the competition was strong enough. Virginia Tech is about an hour and a half away from where I live. Virginia Tech showed interest in me. It was the only visit I took and when coach made an offer, I took it.
Want to learn more? Check out this in-depth article about Tincher’s humble, small town beginnings here.
Next Tuesday: Part 2: Angela Tincher: The Pitcher – Angela shares pitching tips and what it was like to tryout for the Olympics.
Filed under: College Softball, Pro Softball, Profiles, Softball by keri mikulski
2 Comments »
What’s the best part about being a sporty YA author? Meeting and greeting readers, fans, and of course, athletes. Last month, I boarded a plane bound for a SCREWBALL book signing. I was lucky enough to share the Fastpitch Forever Magazine booth with USA Softball Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Natasha Watley at the Ronald McDonald Tournament in Spring, Texas. The book signing was a blast. I met a ton of fantastic players and the food, softball, and facilities were amazing. Not only is Natasha an incredibly talented softball player and certified best shortstop in the world, but she is super sweet, beautiful, and shared some fantastic stories.What did I learn from Natasha? Besides some inside tips, my fave athletes are the ones who are down to earth, kind, and take the time to connect with their fans. Natasha sat for hours chatting, signing, taking pics, and even hung out with a lucky team before their game. Further reinforcing my absolute love for the game of softball. Thanks, Texas! 
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