Campers get experience of lifetime catching for Olympic gold medalist

Published 3:00 am Sunday, February 9, 2014

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Olympic and Sports Illustrated star Jennie Finch demonstrates her pitching techniques in Saturday's softball camp at KDMC Performance Center.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Olympic and Sports Illustrated star Jennie Finch demonstrates her pitching techniques in Saturday’s softball camp at KDMC Performance Center.

Kacie Berry and Brianna McKenzie were nervous to say the least Saturday when they were told to get ready to catch.

The two Co-Lin Community College catchers weren’t just catching anybody; they were catching Olympic gold medalist and softball icon Jennie Finch.

The Sports Illustrated cover girl was in town Saturday for the KDMC All-Star Softball Camp held at KDMC Performance Center.

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“This was a fun day,” said Finch. “I really enjoyed working with the girls and getting to know them, too.”

Finch demonstrated her pitching technique and even threw a few of her famed 70-mph-plus fastballs.

She also covered hitting and defense, which was a big hit to many campers, coaches and parents who watched the 6-foot, 2-inch Finch personally address each station she oversaw.

“I like to work with the girls as much as I can one on one,” said Jennie. “We covered a lot today, and that’s always my goal at each camp plus answer any questions, too.”

Still, for Berry and McKenzie the nervousness was replaced with excitement as Finch threw pitch after pitch with a flare.

“This was indeed a memory,” said McKenzie after catching Finch.

And for everyone else involved, it was quite the treat too Saturday.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Olympics gold medalist Jennie Finch provides some helpful tips on batting techniques to several local coaches and girls in Saturday softball camp at KDMC Performance Center.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Olympics gold medalist Jennie Finch provides some helpful tips on batting techniques to several local coaches and girls in Saturday softball camp at KDMC Performance Center.