Photo by Deb Jacques Looking back on the 2008 season, Troy pitcher Jordan Wheatley has plenty to smile about. The sophomore finished with a 23-8 record, guided the Colts to the Division 1 state quarterfinals and was voted to the All-State team for the second consecutive season.

On top of her game
Just a sophomore, Wheatley has makings of a true star, and All-Stater

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

TROY — Troy High softball coach Tom Calnen has never questioned the physical ability of pitcher Jordan Wheatley.

As a freshman in 2007, Wheatley finished the season with 25 wins, seemingly dominated every opponent and earned a spot on the Division 1 All-State team.

When 2008 began, Wheatley was the unquestioned face of the Colts, shouldering much of the team’s expectations. But early in the season, she struggled to find her groove.

“It wasn’t a matter of her being good enough,” Calnen explained, “it was more about her finding that mental strength — learning how to compete on every single pitch.”

Before the 2008 season ended, though, Wheatley’s groove was back and better than ever.

The sophomore finished the year with  a 23-8 record and guided the Colts to the Division 1 state quarterfinals. As a result, she found herself back on the All-State team.

“It’s a pretty big honor,” Wheatley said of the All-State recognition. “I really didn’t think it was going to happen this year.”

It did, though, and the main reason, according to Calnen, was how quickly and drastically she matured.

“The biggest thing that happened to her this season was she had to figure out how to pitch with the level of expectation that was put on her,” Calnen explained. “It took her some time, but she learned to manage that asset. She learned how to deal mentally with what was expected.

“A year ago, not too many people knew about her, and she was able to come out and throw the ball by everyone. This year, she had to manage games. She had to become a pitcher, not just a thrower.”

“I had this idea in my mind that I had to be the person to step up and carry us by myself,” Wheatley said. “Once I let that go, a lot of stress was gone and things started to fall into place. I started having fun again.”

Wheatley pitched 194 innings this season, had 301 strikeouts and  a 1.30 ERA to go with her 23 wins. On top of that, she also posted a .532 batting average.

Not bad for a player with two years of eligibility remaining.

“The sky is the limit for Jordan Wheatley; I truly and honestly believe that,” Calnen boasted. “Her physical skills are second to none. If she continues to work on all phases of her game … we haven’t seen her near full potential yet.”

You can reach Mike Moore at (586) 498-1038 or at mmoore@candgnews.com.