There is rarely a quiet moment when Kate Ratzlaff is behind the plate. The Kingston High School junior is constantly communicating, reading the field and making sure her teammates are ready for the next pitch.
Ratzlaff embraces that responsibility.
“I enjoy the pregame hype sessions, and I love being a leader and the responsibility that comes with it,” she said.
Catching requires Ratzlaff to stay involved even when she is having a difficult game herself.
“I play catcher, and the most difficult part about this position is even if you’re having a bad game, it is your job to make sure the team is locked in every pitch,” Ratzlaff said. “Making sure people are where they are supposed to be, calming everyone down in big moments.”
Her responsibilities change when she steps into the batter’s box. As a slapper, Ratzlaff begins studying the pitcher and defense before her at-bat even starts.
“When I am on deck, I am timing up the pitcher and visualizing myself getting on base,” she said. “I am a slapper, so when I step up to the plate I have to read the field and decide whether I am going to bunt, slap, hit or chop.”
Her approach to the game is built around a simple standard.
“Don’t talk about yourself, let the way you play talk for itself,” Ratzlaff said.
Athletics have also taught her how to respond when something goes wrong rather than allowing one mistake to become another.
“Athletics has taught me how to do hard things, how to flush it and move on,” she said. “I’ve learned to be a leader, and it has taught me how to stay calm in high-pressure situations.”
Ratzlaff appreciates that same energy throughout Kingston’s roster. She said teammates celebrate each other whether someone makes a diving play or fields a routine ground ball.
“No matter if it’s a diving play or a routine ground ball, there is always someone cheering,” she said.
Gracie Bridgman keeps the team laughing, while Ratzlaff said Kanna Stroud usually finishes games with the dirtiest uniform.
Away from softball, Ratzlaff participates in track and cheer, gives softball lessons to younger players and spends time with friends. She also draws inspiration from track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, particularly because of her faith.
“She has taught me that it is bigger than the sport you are in,” Ratzlaff said.
It is a perspective Ratzlaff carries into her own sports — compete hard, lead others and remember there is more to who she is than what happens on the field.
