Jennie Finch

(On her favorite softball team)
Jennie: I have a tie for favorite teams...Arizona of course, GO CATS. However there is no comparison when you have USA across your chest and you are representing your country at the highest level. it is an amazing feeling playing with the best softball players in the world.

(On retiring)
Jennie: Who knows, Lord willing I would love to for sure compete in 2 Olympics!

(On her most effective pitch)
Jennie: My rise ball. It helps change the hitter's eye level and helps set up other pitches.

(On her favorite saying))
Jennie: It is a verse out of the Bible, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength." I say it before every pitch!

(On why she chose the number 27)
Jennie: My parents started dating on the 27th, it was their "number." So I decided to wear it and have been wearing it since I was 10.

Jennie: I hate losing. I mean, I love winning, but losing is a much more intense feeling. When I lose, I take it very personally.

Jennie: What kept me motivated in my teen years was my mom and dad, along with my teammates. My parents were there to push me when I didn't want to practice. Trust me it wasn't easy missing out on things my friends were doing. When I look back now, I appreciate and thank them for allowing me not to be normal. My prayer when I was younger was to just be a normal high school girl. I thank God for not making me normal and giving me the abilities he has. It is tough being a pitcher because you always have to work out, you have to practice during the week even though your teammates sometimes don't. This is what either makes or breaks you as a pitcher, the desire to work!

Jennie: I minored in sign language at Arizona. I interned at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. I truly enjoyed meeting so many great kids and people.

Jennie: I think the best way to adjust to a new coach is to find out his style of coaching. Show up to play everyday and work hard, all coaches love that. It is like any new relationship, it takes time and getting to know the person/coach. Every coach has a certain style of coaching. Be open with your coach, ask as many questions as possible... only at the right times like after practice.

Jennie: I love being a professional athlete. It is a dream come true, I am playing the same game that I was playing when I was 5. I love the camaraderie and competitiveness. Growing up I looked up to many male professional athletes, it's exciting now to see where women's athletics is going and that you can be a professional athlete! Yes, I do think I am as respected as the male pros are respected. Financially and opportunity wise... NO, I am not. I know we as women have come so far and I am so thankful and grateful for the ambassadors of women in sport, but we have a long way to go!

(On softball)
Jennie: It is a little hard traveling all over the country and world! But we are playing, doing what we love so it's much more fun than hard. It gets tough when we travel out of the country, getting adjusted to the time, food, etc! It is such a great experience and a chance of a lifetime! I will travel and play as long as God lets me!