In her own Layne — inside a senior season built on confidence and preparation - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper

Senior pitcher Courtney Layne’s voice echoed throughout Palmer Park.

“If you told the little girl who would play with her dad in the front yard after school that she would be playing at the University of Virginia,” Layne said. “She would have said no way.”

On the jumbotron played Layne’s reading of her “Dear Softball” letter as pictures of her on the field as a child all the way to her most recent highlight reel were on display. She stood in the circle, surrounded by family and friends, framed jersey in hand. Only 30 minutes earlier, she was in that same circle, working the final four innings to pick up her 12th win and help her team sweep yet another ACC series.

Now, though, Layne was much more laid back as she enjoyed the company of friends and family on her Senior Day — a day that was a long time coming.

Committing to the University during the peculiar time of COVID-19, Layne was buying into a vision sight-unseen. Her visit was over Zoom and her first time seeing Palmer Park was during fall training. Although an unconventional start to her collegiate career, Layne knew her abilities. Having played since age four or five, she knew her pitching mechanics. She also knew that she wanted to stay in-state, being from Appomattox, Va., close to family and friends — the University of Virginia made perfect sense.

What she did not have yet, however, was the version of herself that she is now.

“There’s a huge difference between my first year and my fourth year,” Layne said. “Self-confidence is a big piece of that, but also just experience.”

In her first season, Layne only appeared in 16 games with two starts. She posted a 2-1 record with a 5.68 ERA through 28.1 innings of work, her season high-long being 6.0 innings. This season, Layne has appeared in 31 games with 11 starts, posting a 12-4 record with a 2.73 ERA through 107.2 innings of work. She has even recorded her first complete game, pitching all seven innings against Arkansas in February.

Granted, such a leap comes partly from experience. Four years with the same program gives a player ample opportunity to grow into themselves — this may explain the jump between her freshman and senior season, but is a less convincing argument when considering her junior year statistics. Just last season Layne had only pitched 60.0 innings with a 4-0 record. Though she started more games than this year, the coaching staff left her in for shorter periods due to stamina.

Her statistical ascent has attracted plenty of attention. Being nationally recognized by several media outlets, most notably being ranked the No. 25 pitcher in the country by Softball America, Layne has emerged as one of the most reliable arms in the circle.

But when asked what has changed, she does not start with numbers — she starts with belief.

“Confidence is a big part,” she said. “[Knowing] I have good stuff in my pitches, and just being confident and trusting myself a lot more this season has made it a lot easier for me to get the numbers that I wanted.”

However, that confidence was not just built through the mental work, but also the physical. Layne spent her final offseason going “all out.” She focused on weightlifting, refining her pitches and putting in extra bullpen work while home. Every rep had a purpose — to make her senior season count.

As fall training approached, Layne continued to put in the same amount of work with Assistant Head Coach Jeff Tylka in the bullpen, running through sequences often. Before a series, she and Tylka watch film, go over hitters and prepare a gameplan on how to attack them. By the time Friday’s game rolls around, Layne has already put in days worth of preparation into each pitch.

“I made sure I really practiced and gave it all I got in the offseason to set me up for the best chance of success my senior year,” Layne said. “The games [are] a lot easier when you know you’ve done the work behind the scenes.”

Inside the circle, Layne pitches with clarity now. Her rise ball, her current go-to, sets the tone early in counts and gives her an out pitch when she needs it. But more importantly, her composure has matured, trusting the team she has behind her and knowing that she is not on this journey alone. Whether it is diving for balls or turning routine plays into momentum-shifting moments, her teammates are bringing the energy.

“It gives me confidence to go out there and pitch free,” Layne said. “Every single time, I know they are going to give me support.”

Over time, Layne’s role on the team has changed as well. As a freshman, Layne was learning how to fit into the program — as a senior, she is the program’s anchor in the circle. But even amid the pressure of her final year, Layne has stayed grounded and humble.

“It means everything,” Layne said in regard to being a leader. “[I just want to give] my team the best chance to win, best chance out of me when I’m pitching.”

As her career winds down, Layne is not focused on accolades or rankings. She is focused on something quieter, but more lasting — her legacy. And as far as legacy goes, Layne is leaving a strong one in the circle. Whether it is mentoring freshman pitchers or striking out seven batters in one game, Layne is a testament to the hard work and dedication Virginia softball revolves around.

“I just want to be known for competing,” Layne said. “And knowing that I gave it all I had.”

So as the Senior Day cheers erupted, Layne could be seen smiling ear to ear. Standing on a field she once saw through a screen now become the place where she has had her most success, it was a time of reflection.

In that moment, she was not only the pitcher who had just secured a win for her team, but also the player she had spent four years becoming — the player that earned every bit of it.

In her own Layne — inside a senior season built on confidence and preparation

Senior pitcher Courtney Layne has emerged as an ace for Virginia in her final college campaign

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