Sports

Reiss dream coming to a close at UW

Growing up in southern California, a young Kaitlin Reiss had a dream — she wanted to be a collegiate athlete. Now, some 20 years and 2,000 miles later, she has accomplished just that — and experienced so much more along the way.

As Reiss progressed through her high school career, it became increasingly clear that she would be able to live out her dream. As a three-time all-state selection in one of the most competitive states for softball, the athletic Reiss — who previously excelled on the basketball court — drew the attention of the UW coaching staff. It probably also didn't hurt that Reiss' sister, Meghann, was a Badger at the time.

Interestingly enough, the family connection almost put UW out of the running.

"There was a pros and cons list, and that was one of the reasons why I maybe didn't want to come out here. I kind of wanted to experience college on my own," Reiss said of her sister being on the team.

Instead, Reiss fell for what captures and brings so many athletes and non-athletes alike to Madison.

"On my trip, I loved it out here," she said. "I loved the city, I loved the school. The team was great. It just fit."

Once she finally did get to Madison, she realized what a special opportunity she had to play with her sister and embraced it.

"I loved playing with my sister. I thought it was one of the coolest experiences of my life," Reiss said. "It was also kind of tough, because she was probably harder on me [when I was a freshman] than any other freshman.

"[But] when I played with my sister there were a ton of memories."

Over her four years, Reiss has seen her role on the team change quite a bit. Off the field she went from a freshman that went through a little rougher rookie treatment than her peers to now being the lone senior on a team loaded with underclassman.

On the field, she went from landing a starting role as a freshman at third base, then switching to first base the next year, to now this year bouncing around a bit before settling into the designated player role.

"It's kind of weird," Reiss said of not playing as much in the field. "I love playing on the field, just because you feel more connected to your teammates and more into the game. But at the same time, I also really love hitting too."

"I think she has handled it well," assistant coach Martha McCall said of Reiss' transition. "Part of it is because her hitting has gotten so much better. She's solidified the DP role and done a great job, and I think it gives her more time to just focus on that.

"She's putting up numbers she never has in the past, with more at bats."

One reason for the new role this year was the fact that a new coaching staff took over this past fall. After three years of playing for the same coaches, Reiss went through an adjustment period, but came out happy with the results.

"It was a little difficult just because the styles are different, but … I couldn't have asked for anything more my senior year," Reiss said.

Being the only senior and with an entirely new staff, Reiss felt the need to take a leadership role this year.

"We graduated six girls last year, and I'm the only one who has been around for three years," Reiss explained.

She was recognized by the coaching staff for her leadership capabilities when they named her to the team's Leadership Council. Even though one player from each class was selected to the council — and Reiss is the only senior — McCall said the decision was a no-brainer.

"She's a great leader [and] she comes out here and is ready to play everyday. If you are looking for someone to lead by example, it's Kaitlin."

"She's a quiet person, but I think she has spoken up a lot more this year" outfielder Stephanie Chinn said

Even though she may not pick up a glove as much this year as in years past, Reiss didn't see that as an obstacle to being a team leader.

"There's so many aspects to being part of a team that don't involve playing on the field. [There is] practice, and we spend so much time together outside of softball … there's just so many ways to be a leader."

One of those teammates with whom Reiss spends a lot of time off the field with is Chinn, who not only serves as an occasional sub for Reiss, but also as a roommate. According to Chinn, Reiss' hardworking persona transfers to the classroom as well.

"She does homework a lot," Chinn said of her roommate, an International Studies major and 2005 Academic All-Big Ten selection.

This weekend, Reiss suits up for the final games of her career at Goodman Diamond. How will she react?

"God, I hope I don't cry," Reiss said. "I'll probably be very nostalgic. I don't know. I'm trying not to think about it now."

It would be a completely natural reaction for when a dream finally comes to an end.