2017 vs Furman. Photo by Hayden McAteer
Catamount softball pitcher, Courtney Buchanan, has been a hard worker since her first day on campus. Her work ethic led to her being in the top 10 in games started (6th), strikeouts (6th), and wins (5th) for a career.
The Nebo, North Carolina, native looked back to her freshmen year to a big moment to start off her career.
“We went to the University of Tennessee to play and I got to start the first game. What made that day so special is the year before that Western played UT and I had came and watched,” Buchanan said in an email.
“I vividly remember Coach Clift coming up to me and saying that it was my time, and that just this time last year I was in the stands, but now I’m on the field. It was a nice realization for me, and I always look back at that moment as a pick me up and as a reminder of why I started playing ball and what drove me to be who I am today.”
WCU head coach Jim Clift praised her leaderships skills and impact on the team.
“Courtney Buchanan has become the leader of our pitching staff,” said Clift. “She works hard and competes hard. She is an awesome example for the other pitchers, who are all underclassmen. She has also become a true leader for the entire team.”
Senior center fielder Courtney Price, talked about what Buchanan has meant to her as well as the rest of the softball team for the four years Buchanan has been a Catamount.
“Courtney is the ‘mom’ of the team. Everyone looks up to her and she looks after all of us,” Price said in an email. “She is someone who works her ‘butt off’ and doesn’t expect anything to be handed to her.”
Senior third basemen, Kara Salvo, spoke on the type of teammate Buchanan is in the dugout during games.
“Court is a mix between CP and myself,” Salvo said in an email. “She is very reserved and quiet, but at times can be loud and aggressive when she wants too.”
Buchanan spoke about her fellow seniors and the impact they have had on her since meeting them 10 years ago and becoming teammates.
“The girls that I have played with throughout my fours year here have been my family. We all played with and against each other growing up and coming in together at Western and graduating together has been such a blessing. They have had my back through thick and thin, and I’m happy that I was able to finish out my career with them.”
But before they graduate Buchanan feels Western has a big opportunity awaiting them at the SoCon softball tournament in May.
“As a team we are able to make a statement during the SoCon tournament. We have been a powerful team going in every year and I think that this year we have the chance to really surprise people.”
