Cat Osterman’s Evolving Athletic Career

Like many athletes, Cat Osterman spent 2020 dealing with uncertainty. With so many leagues cancelling seasons entirely, the veteran softball player wasn’t sure what the year had in store for her and her teammates. Fortunately, she found an opportunity to compete in the Athletes Unlimited softball league, and was ultimately named their first ever champion. Squarespace had an opportunity to sit down with the elite U.S. athlete to learn more about coming out of retirement, playing in her most recent season, and what she hopes to accomplish in 2021.

SQUARESPACE: Congratulations! You were recently named the first Athletes Unlimited softball champion. How does it feel to be the first player to achieve this honor?

CAT OSTERMAN: Athletes Unlimited was an incredible experience and I am very proud of my performance over the five week season. It was so incredible to spend that much time with 56 other athletes while competing at an elite level. I am honored to be the first champion, but I would be remiss not to be appreciative to the people who worked hard to make it all come to life, especially during COVID.

SQSP: This year has been incredibly difficult for so many athletes and fans. What was the experience like playing in a bubble for months?

CO: We called it a shield, but it was not at all how I expected. At first, I was really anxious about only being able to be at our hotel or training facility, and not being able to go in any other athletes’ room to hang out. However, it ended up being a great experience. One, I learned to like and value alone time. I finished some real estate classes, and was able to start on some other work because I had time to myself. Two, it made all of us truly cherish the time we were able to spend together, whether it was outdoors or at the facility. Sitting outside the hotel or in the hallway, chatting for hours on end were some of my favorite times. I am not sure we all bond as strongly if we are allowed to live “real life” because usually you go places with your same groups.

SQSP: You retired from playing softball in 2015, but returned to the game in 2018 for a chance to play internationally again. What factors did you consider when thinking about playing competitively again? 

CO: Well since I retired, I got married and gained a step-daughter, so my first factor was making sure my family was good with this endeavor. I knew it would take me away from home for periods of time, and that was a big part of what weighed into retiring. After I got my husband’s blessing, I had to see what kind of shape I could get into. I actually decided I would try to play in 2017, but didn’t tell anyone until 2018 in order to see how my body would respond. After I knew I physically could handle it, I was all in. It’s a blessing to be able to take on the adventure with my family’s blessing, and show my step-daughter what hard work and going after a dream looks like. She’s been at so many events, and I love seeing her smiling, cheering me on, and I can’t wait for her to see me compete internationally.

SQSP: During the pandemic, you’ve used your blog and social channels to share positive messages of encouragement with your community. How important has your online presence been in a time when in-person meetings are not possible?

CO: Once I resigned from college coaching (a decision I made before COVID and the postponement of the games), my goal was to reach and influence as many people as I could. Social media allows you to do that, so I started sharing as much as I could, because I knew I wasn’t going to be seeing people at the softball fields or cages. I think sharing what you are doing, as in workouts, motivates people to get up and do something. A few positive words will also make someone’s day. I share bible verses on my Instagram, and at least one person says they needed to hear that, and that means the post did its job. I feel like if we spread more encouragement, we will all be better off. I was frustrated during the first 2–3 months of the pandemic as well, but what’s the point of joining the pity party, when you control your days! I just tried to help everyone make it through the only way I knew how!

SQSP: What are you most excited about for 2021?

CO: I am excited for what 2021 has in store. It’s going to be monumental for the sport of softball. I will retire in 2021, so I am focused on putting the best product I can on the field, while continuing to share the journey with my family, teammates and fans along the way. Once I lace the cleats up for the last time, I am excited to see where life leads me. I have ideas of what might unfold, but time will tell.

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