Athlete of the Week: Cat Riechers, Softball Star

Catherine (Cat) Riechers was recruited by 30 colleges before deciding to take her talents to Kean University where she will pitch and play the outfield next year. Riechers, a senior, is a four-year gold-letter winner and captain of the ALJ softball team. So far this season she has taken the mound in five games, beating Rahway, New Providence and Plainfield and losing to Woodbridge and Governor Livingston. The Lady Crusaders are 5-3 as of Thursday, April 14, when they beat Westfield 4-1 at home.   

In 2010, Riechers was named 1st Team All-County, 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-Group 2 and the Star Ledger “Player to Watch,” as well as "Player of the County" her freshman year. Riechers has played softball since she was a preschooler and joined the Clark traveling team in second grade. She was also a member of the East Coast Tigers AAU team and the Central Jersey Cyclones where she perfected her fastball, change-up, curve, drop curve and screw pitches and caught the attention of college recruiters.

Riechers is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, yearbook and peer leadership at ALJ. She received her varsity letter in basketball this past winter. She is also involved in the St. Agnes CYO group and enjoys going to the beach, shopping, hanging out with friends and “everything normal girls do.”

Riechers says, "The reason I chose Kean is so that my parents and grandparents can come to my games. They hardly ever miss a game." She plans to major in marketing with a minor in graphic design and hopes to work for a professional sports team.

Coach Mancino says: “Cat is a real competitor with the skill level to back it up. She pitches but also plays the outfield and is a very capable hitter. I am happy to have her on our side.”

Stats: 2010 season: 13-7, 122 strikes, 13 walks, ERA 1.39, batting average 435

Siblings: Charlie, a freshman at ALJ

Pets: “Two really fat goldfish that look like they are going to blow up.”

Favorite subject: “Graphic Design with Mr. Marcin, who is an awesome teacher and really got me interested.”

Favorite movie: Tommy Boy. “My dad and I watch it together all the time.”

Favorite food: Pasta, especially fettuccine alfredo and penne vodka.

Favorite TV show: Friends and Two and a Half Men

Favorite sports team: New York Yankees. “Derek Jeter is my husband…I wish.”

Something no one knows about me: “I wish I could sing and dance on Broadway.”

My biggest fan: “My mom and dad and grandma and grandpa never miss a game.”

My pre-game ritual: “I always wear a visor and warm up exactly the same way before each game.”

Song that pumps me up before a game: Any country music.

Game philosophy: “It’s not over 'till the fat lady sings. My boyfriend always tells me to think positive and never give up.”

Coach always tells me: “Stay positive. You can do it because you are the better player.”

What I’m doing well this season: “My pitching and batting is about the same, but this year I am a captain and I am trying to be a good leader.”

Favorite moment this season: “This season has just started, but my favorite moment was in freshman year when I had the game winning hit in a state game and beat Allentown 7-6.”

During the off-season: “I played basketball this winter and take pitching lessons with my pitching coach and go to the batting cages. In August, I take one month off and go on vacation.”

My teammates in three words: Unity, hardworking, dedicated.

My coach in three words: Competitive, intelligent, encouraging.