Karina Scott is a senior, but she doesn’t play nearly as often as her fellow classmates. Scott has started only 18 games in 2014, sharing the first base duties with sophomore Holly Kern.
But when she’s not on the field, Scott doesn’t lose focus on the game at hand. Instead, she watches and prepares for her intended career path as a softball coach.
“I don’t have any aspirations to continue playing, but my passion is behind the game and coaching,” Scott said.
In her three-plus years with the Longhorns, Scott holds a .276 batting average with 65 RBIs and 17 home runs. Scott, a Los Angeles native, is nearly flawless, covering first base with only five errors and a .990 career fielding percentage.
Scott’s biggest moment came in the Super Regional last year when Texas hosted Florida State. With the game tied 1-1 in the sixth inning of game one, Scott came through with an RBI double to give the Longhorns a 3-2 win. The next day, she opened the scoring with a solo home run in the fifth, part of a four-run inning that helped Texas return to the College World Series.
“[My favorite moment] was definitely getting the last out in the Super Regionals and making it to the World Series,” Scott said.
Scott continues to help the team with tips and encouragement, and she’s been especially helpful with the mental aspects of the sport, according to her teammates.
“She’s really helpful when it comes to my mental game and just believing in everybody,” senior outfielder Brejae Washington said.
Throughout her career, Scott has always helped the team behind the scenes. A month ago, Scott helped her competition, sophomore first baseman Holly Kern, with her footwork at first base.
“That just tells you that she’s an unselfish player,” head coach Connie Clark said.
Although her four years of eligibility will be up after the last out of the season, Scott still needs to finish her degree in youth and community studies. This will give her an opportunity to stay with the team in a different capacity.
“One of the amazing things that came out of these four years is that I will get to student coach here next year,” Scott said.
The Longhorn season is almost at a close. Texas will play its last nonconference game against Texas State tonight in San Marcos before finishing up Big 12 play against Oklahoma State, Kansas and Baylor.
