DePaul University Athletics
Cat Osterman Joins Blue Demon Staff
8/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
CHICAGO DePaul University softball coach Eugene Lenti announced today the hiring of Olympic Gold Medalist Cat Osterman as an assistant coach. The three-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year joins the Blue Demon staff later this month. "Cat is obviously a great addition to our staff," Lenti said. "To have a player of her caliber who has experienced success at the level she has, be a member of our coaching staff will only help take our program to a higher level. “Cat is mentally and technically one of the best pitchers in the world, and to have DePaul's pitchers learn from the best will only enhance our ability to teach and coach. Our team is thrilled to know they will be working with Cat in the fall. It should also make an immediate impact on recruiting," Lenti added. Osterman, a fixture on the USA Softball scene since 2001, helped the national team to its second World Cup Gold Medal last month and the team won Gold at the Pan American Games in Brazil last week. "I am extremely happy to begin this phase of my career under one of the most respected coaches in the game," Osterman said. "DePaul is a great program that consistently makes appearances at the World Series. I feel that this opportunity gives me the best chance to learn the ropes of coaching at the college level, as well as being part of a successful program. I feel very fortunate to begin my coaching career at such a great place." As the youngest player on the 2004 Olympic team, Osterman appeared in three games, registering a 0.00 ERA with 23 strikeouts. Prior to competing in The only collegiate player to win the USA Softball Player of the Year award three times, she led Osterman was the first overall pick in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch draft and is currently on the Osterman was the head coach of both the Austin Storm’s 14 and under and 16 and under teams from 2002-06. She was also an assistant coach of the organization’s 18 and under team last year. Osterman has also given private pitching lesson since 2001 and worked alongside Olympic pitcher Michelle Smith at her pitching camps since 2006. Osterman received her undergraduate degree in psychology and minor in business foundations from What they are saying about Cat Osterman Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Director of Athletics, “We are thrilled to have someone of Cat’s national stature coming to our athletics family. She is a world class athlete whose presence will benefit not only our women’s softball student-athletes but the entire DePaul community.” Coach Mike "I think it's a great move for DePaul and Cat will do an outstanding job. She'll bring a great knowledge of the game and I am sure she is excited to start a career in coaching."
