WVU Tech head softball coach Amber Atha has made homegrown talent a priority for her program.
In the last two weeks, Atha has inked a pair of West Virginia players from Tech’s backyard.
Friday afternoon, two weeks after teammate Taylor Scott signed with the Golden Bears, Kaitlyn Hamb also signed a National Letter of Intent to play for WVU Tech.
Staying close to home checked all of the boxes for Hamb.
“This is pretty great. I feel like I have finally accomplished what I have worked for,” Hamb said. “I have been with Amber for the past four years. She has really helped develop me into the player that I am today. She has always believed in me and pushed me to do the best. Also with WVU Tech, I have an older brother that goes there. It will be nice having him around too.”
The WVU Tech head coach talked about her latest recruit and where Hamb will make an impact for the Golden Bears.
“We plan to use Katelyn in the outfield. Her speed and agility will definitely be an asset to our team next season,” Atha said during the introduction Friday. “I have known her for quite a while and we are really happy to have her. I have had an opportunity to work with her in her hitting, so we are really excited to bring her in for 2024.”
Hamb started her hardball days in T-ball before moving over to softball around the age of eight.
After a stint on the infield, Hamb made the move to her current home on the outfield grass.
“When I was much smaller I started as a shortstop. As you get older they start smacking it to the outfield a lot more. I was told I was fast and I was going to the outfield,” Hamb explained. “At first I did struggle because it is a different perspective when balls are coming in the air. Ever since I stepped out there at about 12U and they started hitting balls out there pretty regular, I fell in love with it. I decided I like to run.”
Hamb honed her skills in the outfield through numerous high school and travel ball games. Part of her travel ball experience was under J.R. Bird who was named the new head coach for Beckley just this year.
Hamb also credits Bird for helping her develop into a standout player.
“Playing for J.R. has been different as the years have went on. When I started I was very small,” Hamb said. “As you get older, the tough love comes a little more, but overall it really helped me to develop. It pushed me towards the goal I have met today.”
With Bird now stepping in as her high school coach, Hamb referenced the level of confidence he brings to her and the team overall.
“I think our team feels pretty confident all around. We all have one goal that we are working towards. We all get along and we team bond,” Hamb said. “It is also really nice to have a familiar coach. I think that really helps when it comes to battles that are not always on the field.”
