Cat Osterman, a name synonymous with excellence in softball, has captivated fans worldwide with her extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, her career has been nothing short of legendary.

But behind the accolades and achievements, many are curious about her personal life, particularly her marital status. So, is Cat Osterman married? Let’s delve into the life of this incredible athlete and find out.

Cat Osterman’s Early Years and Rise to Fame

Born in Houston, Texas, in 1983, Cat Osterman initially pursued basketball, her first love. However, by the age of 11, pitching captured her heart. With her father’s support, she transformed their driveway into a pitching haven, complete with tarps and floodlights to practice at night. This dedication paid off, as Osterman became a left-handed pitcher of unparalleled skill.

During her college years at the University of Texas at Austin, Osterman’s dominance was clear. She earned numerous accolades, including being a four-time All-American and setting records for ERA, strikeouts, and shutouts. Her collegiate success translated to her international career, where she won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and silver in 2008 and 2020.

Is Cat Osterman Married?

Yes, Cat Osterman is married. She tied the knot with Joey Ashley in September 2016. Joey Ashley, like Cat, is deeply involved in sports, serving as an assistant coach for the Texas State men’s golf program. The couple resides in San Antonio, Texas, with Joey’s daughter, Bracken.

Interestingly, Cat and Joey’s relationship dates back to their college years. They initially dated but broke up after graduation as Cat’s softball career took off. Years later, they reconnected, and their bond proved stronger than ever. In an Instagram post commemorating their anniversary, Cat reflected on their journey, expressing how her heart raced when she saw Joey again, knowing he was the one.

The Supportive Partnership

Cat Osterman often speaks about the unwavering support she receives from Joey and Bracken. When softball was announced to return for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Joey encouraged Cat to come out of retirement and pursue her dreams. His and Bracken’s support was crucial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted her training routine.

During quarantine, Cat focused intensely on her fitness, sometimes overdoing it. However, Joey’s encouragement helped her maintain balance. His understanding of an athlete’s lifestyle made him an ideal partner, helping Cat navigate the challenges of elite sports.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Cat Osterman’s career is decorated with numerous achievements. She pitched for the national team from 2001 to 2010, contributing to Team USA’s gold medal win in 2004 and silver medals in 2008 and 2020. Her dominance continued in professional leagues, where she set records in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) for strikeout ratio and no-hitters.

In college, she was a three-time National Player of the Year and holds the NCAA Division I record for strikeout ratio. Her remarkable ability to strike out 1,000 batters with 100 wins and an ERA under 1.00 is a testament to her skill and perseverance.

Return to the Olympics and Future Plans

After retiring from professional play in 2015, Cat Osterman was coaching at Texas State University when she learned that softball would return to the Olympics.

Motivated to end her Olympic journey on a high note, she decided to come out of retirement. Her goal was to help the younger generation of players and seek redemption after the 2008 silver medal finish against Japan.

Despite the pandemic-related challenges, Cat’s determination never wavered. Her rigorous training and positive mindset ensured she was ready for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Cat’s efforts paid off, and she continued to inspire both seasoned fans and new followers with her performance.

Looking ahead, Cat plans to conclude her career with Athletes Unlimited, a unique player-centric league where she previously won the inaugural championship.

After the Olympics, she aims to work part-time with RBI Austin, an organization that provides baseball and softball opportunities to underserved communities. Additionally, Cat has obtained her real estate license, potentially paving the way for a new career alongside her husband, who also works as a realtor.

Conclusion

Cat Osterman’s journey from a young girl with a passion for pitching to one of the greatest softball players of all time is inspiring.

Her career is marked by numerous accolades, but her personal life, particularly her supportive marriage to Joey Ashley, adds a heartwarming dimension to her story. As she continues to inspire on and off the field, fans eagerly await her next chapter, confident that whatever she pursues, Cat Osterman will excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cat Osterman married?

Yes, Cat Osterman is married to Joey Ashley, an assistant coach for the Texas State men’s golf program. They married in September 2016 and live in San Antonio, Texas, with Joey’s daughter, Bracken.

2. How did Cat Osterman and her husband meet?

Cat and Joey first dated in college but broke up after graduation. They reconnected years later, and their relationship flourished. They got engaged 11 months after rekindling their romance and married in 2016.

3. What are some of Cat Osterman’s career highlights?

Cat Osterman’s career highlights include winning gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and silver in 2008 and 2020. She is a four-time collegiate All-American, a three-time National Player of the Year, and holds numerous records in the NPF and NCAA.

4. How did Cat Osterman prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cat focused on maintaining her fitness, often overdoing it. With the support of her husband and stepdaughter, she balanced her training and stayed motivated. Her determination and rigorous routine ensured she was ready for the Olympics despite the challenges.

5. What are Cat Osterman’s plans after the Olympics?

After the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Cat plans to finish her career with Athletes Unlimited and work part-time with RBI Austin. She has also obtained her real estate license, potentially working alongside her husband in the real estate business.