Finch trains Sisters athletes

Two Sister High School freshmen athletes, Quincy Mate and Lauren Cantwell, were among 260 campers from 16 states to participate when Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch hosted her lone West Coast softball camp in Folsom, California, September 26-27.

All fundamental skills of softball were featured at the camp for girls, age elementary to high school, including a pitching demo by arguably the world's best pitcher. Finch took pictures with the girls, had meals with families and welcomed everyone personally.

Several of Finch's Olympic teammates and college All-Americans were flown in for the event including Vicky Galindo, Tony Mascarenas, Mackenzie Vandergeest, Sam Bannister and Janae Leles.

Finch's standing in her sport is unquestioned. What LeBron James is to the NBA, Finch is to girls' softball. Because of her charisma, cover-girl looks and softball talent, Finch is the face of women's fastpitch softball. She pitches, she hits, she fields, she runs, she promotes and she inspires.

Finch, a California native, began playing softball at the tender age of five and hasn't stopped. Her talent has earned her numerous awards throughout her high school and college career, ultimately propelling her to Olympic success in 2004 and again in 2008.

But it was Finch's passion for softball that impressed Cantwell and Mate.

"She was very inspirational," said Mate. "She emphasized keeping attitude up, staying positive, even when there are bumps in the road."

Finch reminds the players each night before going to sleep, to "dream and believe. It's a great motto to live by."

Cantwell said she was so inspired that she bought a Jennie Finch pillowcase that shares that motto.

"Meeting her makes me want to work harder to help my team and to love the game more," said Cantwell.

"I want to improve all my skills, play more and hopefully play in college," said Mate. "She (Finch) had a very positive impact on us."

That, as much as softball fundamentals, is Finch's goal.

"It's all about dreams and believing in those dreams. I write on everything 'dream' and 'believe' and that's what it's all about," said Finch. "I try to tell these girls I was once in your shoes dreaming of wearing those metal cleats, wearing that uniform. Have a dream, have goals and surround yourself with positive people and a positive environment and go for it."

Those messages came in loud and clear for Mate and Cantwell.

"We know we have to work harder and keep working hard and stay positive and we can reach our goals," echoed the youthful Outlaws.

The girls also noted that when Finch finds it tough to get out of bed and work out, she remembers the 2008 Gold Medal Game loss to Japan and remembers how painful that loss was.

"Then she works hard. She's motivated," said Cantwell, an infielder and outfielder who said she will play anywhere it helps her team.

Other 2009 Finch camps are offered in Arkansas, New York and Minnesota, thus Mate and Cantwell knew the West Coast camp was their lone option.

"She's my favorite player, so I googled her Web site and found out about the camp," said Mate, one of the leading hitters on the 2009 Sisters Little League All-Stars team that won District and placed fifth in the state tournament. Next thing Mate knew, her grandparents had paid her way to camp. It didn't take much to get Cantwell on board.

"Just to meet her was an honor," the girls agreed. "It was great to get her thoughts about softball. And, yes, I was nervous throwing with her," said Cantwell.

Finch has few peers in the pitcher's circle. She has five dominant pitches - rise, curveball, screwball, drop-ball and change-up and can throw all with great control. She regularly hits 70 mph on the radar gun, which from 46 feet is comparable to 102-mile-per-hour baseball fastball - with a lot more movement. Some hitters (including a few big-leaguers) are actually scared to stand in the batter's box against her.

Cantwell said they also learned a new softball drill they are eager to share with their teammates.

Would they do it again?

"We hope so. This was a very good experience," said Mate.