Peyton Hardenburger is preparing for a bigger role in Tennessee softball’s pitching staff, and Karen Weekly is already seeing encouraging signs.
During Friday night’s 19-1 exhibition win over Northeast Alabama, Hardenburger impressed her head coach with more than her command in the circle.
“I absolutely loved her changeup,” Weekly said. “I thought that pitch was money, and I told her that’s a big-time pitch.”
Weekly believes the pitch has the potential to be effective regardless of the competition Tennessee faces.
“It doesn’t matter who you’re facing,” Weekly said. “That pitch would have been very effective tonight against anybody.”
That development could prove important as Hardenburger prepares to take on additional responsibility this season.
But Weekly was equally encouraged by how the pitcher responded when things became difficult.
“I love the way she got into jams and got herself out of them and stayed really composed in those innings,” Weekly said.
Rather than allowing those situations to affect her confidence, Hardenburger maintained her composure and continued competing.
Weekly also noticed how that approach influenced the players around her.
“I think [she] gave her infield and her team really great energy when we got in those jams,” Weekly said.
A bigger opportunity ahead
For Hardenburger, the fall has offered an opportunity to build toward a larger role after.
Teammate Erin Nuwer has noticed the progress.
“She was awesome,” Nuwer said. “She’s such a competitor, and it’s really fun to watch her.”
Nuwer said seeing Hardenburger back in the circle has been especially rewarding after the time she missed.
“Just like her missing all of fall last year, it’s been really great to just see her evolve,” Nuwer said.
With Tennessee continuing to evaluate its pitching staff ahead of the regular season, Hardenburger’s development gives Weekly another encouraging option.
And while fall exhibitions provide opportunities to experiment and improve, Weekly believes Hardenburger has already demonstrated two qualities that will matter when the competition intensifies: a reliable changeup and the composure to work through difficult innings.
“That’s going to be important for us,” Weekly said, “because we need her to take on a bigger role.”
The Lady Vols are back in action Sunday at 3:00 p.m. against Northwest Florida State.
