WPIAL Alum Q&A – Jayne Oberdorf

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 | 12:41 AM

For the better part of the past decade, the name Oberdorf has been associated with Greensburg-Salem athletics. Most recently, Claire Oberdorf was a standout for the Golden Lions, particularly on the softball diamond and the basketball court. Before Claire, though, her older sister Jayne guided Greensburg Salem to gold. Jayne, who now pitches at Marist College, is profiled for the WPIAL Alum Q&A.

Jayne Oberdorf was a four-year contributor for the GS softball team, both at the plate and in the circle. As a pitcher, she compiled a sterling record of 48-8, with more than 500 career strikeouts. Her junior and senior campaigns, she was recognized as an All-State performer, as well as Player of the Year.

In 2013, during her senior season, Oberdorf compiled an incredible record of 21-1, with 239 strikeouts, while also batting .390 with 15 runs batted in. In the process, she helped lead the Golden Lions to the Class AAA title, an 8-0 victory over Ambridge Area.

Oberdorf also excelled on the hardwood, as she played four years with the Golden Lions, and averaged more than 17 points per contest as a senior.

Softball was her athletic focus at the next level, however, as Oberdorf elected to attend Marist College in New York. As a freshman in 2014, Oberdorf pitched in 14 games, including eight starts. Although she suffered a losing record, Oberdorf produced some encouraging outings, including a complete-game victory, in which she struck out 10 batters.
Her sophomore year was a revelation, as Oberdorf won nine games, and led the conference with an earned-run average of 2.56. She also compiled 12 complete games in her 29 appearances. Marist concluded the campaign with a winning mark, at 28-26.

This season, Oberdorf has started a team-high nine games, and sports a 4-3 mark with a 2.94 ERA. The Red Foxes have a record of 24-8 to this point.

Jayne took time from her schedule to chat about her improvements in the circle, playing alongside her sister, and her affinity for yoga.

Q: You reduced your ERA by more than five runs from your freshman to your sophomore season. How you were able to make such a considerable improvement?

A: I just went back home in the summer after freshman year and worked really hard to get stronger and faster. I also worked on being more precise with my pitches. When I got back to school, with the support and confidence in me of my coaches, I was able to perform at a level that I worked for and knew I was capable of.

Q: You have compiled impressive strikeout numbers last season, and particularly this season. How have you developed that skill?

A: I work on my spin pitches all of the time, so my ability to move the ball helps me get a good amount of swings and misses from opposing batters, and also a decent number of strikeouts. Coach Ausanio calls great games for me, which sets up my success with striking people out. 

Q: What pitches do you throw, and do you have particular pitches you lean on in certain situations? 

A: I throw a curveball, screwball, change-up, riseball, and dropball. I try not to lean on specific pitches in certain situations, so I’m not predictable. Usually, we go by the opposing team’s scouting report and pitch to whatever the weaknesses of the batters are.

Q: Describe your throwing schedule, and what do you do during games when you do not pitch?

A: I usually throw around two games a week. When I am not throwing, I do my spins everyday and throw one or two small bullpens at practice throughout the week. During games when I am not pitching, I will usually keep the pitch chart sheet or work on some of my pitches in the bullpen.

Q: Did you set any individual goals for this season?

A: We had four new pitchers, including three freshmen, come in to the program this year, so my only individual goal was to be a good leader for them and help them feel comfortable with competing at this level. All of my other goals for this season pertain to the team and doing anything we can to win a conference championship.

Q: Your team is off to a strong start this campaign. What was been the keys to the early success, and how far do you think this team can go?

A: Our biggest key to success is the team dynamic this year for sure. We have a great group of girls with a crazy amount of talent and potential, and we are all motivated to bounce back from last year’s season that was cut too short. This team has the ability to go as far as we can all together. We are 18 strong.

Q: This season you are joined by your younger sister, Claire. What is it like playing with her?

A: It is really fun playing with Claire. It feels like being back in high school again. We push each other everyday to make one another better.

Q: What is your fondest memory from your time at Greensburg Salem?

A: My favorite memory was winning the WPIAL title in 2013.

Q: You were also a basketball standout for the Golden Lions. Did you give any consideration to playing that sport at the college level, as well?

A: I actually considered trying to get recruited to play basketball until the summer after my junior year of high school, when college softball programs began to show interest in me. I definitely miss basketball a lot, but luckily we have a lot of former basketball players on the softball team, so we shoot around and play pick-up together after practices and lifts.

Q: Have you been able to follow Greensburg Salem or the WPIAL much while in college, and have you kept in touch with teammates or coaches?

A: I’ve definitely been following the baseball team a lot now that my brother, Jack, is a freshman on the team. Overall, I try to follow as much as I can through MSA and the WPIAL Twitter page. I also have kept in touch with my former basketball coach, Coach Vertacnik, and softball coach, Coach Morgan.

Q: What was the primary reason you elected to attend Marist?

A: I decided to attend Marist because of their outstanding business program. I knew there would be a lot of opportunities for me there.

Q: What is your major and future occupation?

A: I am a finance major, but I’m also looking to obtain my teaching certificate in business after school. My ultimate goal would be to teach and coach at the high school level for awhile before starting my own business.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: The best advice I have ever received is “just take it pitch by pitch.” I’ve heard it from my parents and all coaches. I love this advice because it pertains to life and not just softball. To be successful, you can’t always look at everything at once; you have to move forward a little bit at a time.

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: My favorite holiday is Christmas because I love hanging out with my family.

Q: What is a little known fact or hidden talent you possess?

A: I don’t know if I have any hidden talents, but I do a lot of yoga. I try to practice it everyday.

Tags: Greensburg Salem