Montana Fouts shares key to growing college softball
Montana Fouts believes she knows the secret behind growing the game of college softball.
The Alabama Crimson Tide star is one of the most exciting players in the entire sport, and most will tune in just to watch her play. But how do you keep interest growing and eyeballs moving towards the field?
Fouts believes it all begins with pushing views and getting more talented squads on television.
“Honestly I would just say push the views and things like that,” explained Alabama’s star pitcher. “Like Murph said, it’s well watched on TV. A lot of people are loving it and keeping up with it.
“Getting a lot of teams, not just in the SEC, across the country, just more visual TV, people can turn on and watch anybody that they want to, I think that’s really key in growing it.”
It all sounds so simple, and while women’s sports have struggled in the past, it seems as if we’re entering a more affluent era in that realm. With athletes like Montana Fouts leading the charge, it’s easy to see why.
Montana Fouts on her hyperextended knee: ‘Pain is temporary’
In other news, Montana Fouts hyperextended her knee against Arkansas in the SEC Tournament, leaving her out of the circle for a short period of time. She was able to return during Alabama‘s Super Regional victories against Northwestern and was back to her normal self. A huge boost to the Crimson Tide as they advanced to the Women’s College World Series.
Head coach Patrick Murphy has not fully revealed the pitching plan for Oklahoma City but Fouts is expected to be available. When speaking on Wednesday, she admitted there is still some pain in her left knee. But it’s not going to stop her from competing and helping Alabama bring another national championship back home.
“Pain is temporary,” Fouts said via Tony Tsoukalas. “I’ll feel that some other day.”
Fouts pitched in all three games against Northwestern, going for 9.2 innings. A total of three runs crossed home plate when Fouts was out there, with two coming during Game 1. Her efforts throughout the final two games, resulting in Alabama wins, are a huge reason why they are in Oklahoma City this weekend.
Tennessee will be the first team up, with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Thursday afternoon. Fouts is likely to make an appearance and was taking a bullpen session on Wednesday to prepare herself.
If Fouts is going to deal with the injury, it will come after the season is complete. Rehab was done during her absence in Birmingham to get her back on the field. But for now, Fouts is going to fight through the pain and attempt to bring national championship No. 2 back — for the program — to Tuscaloosa.