PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Pitchers typically get to rest in between their appearances. Having to go out and tire an arm over half of the schedule is not something coaches prefer to do, especially at the high school level. That’s why teams typically have multiple pitchers on the roster.

Phoenix Christian, though, had one last year.

And she happened to be a freshman.

“I was kinda stressed out,” Trinity Varner said. 

In 2019, Varner posted a record of 11-8, taking statistical responsibility for each win and each loss for the Cougars. She pitched in 102 1/3 of the 105 1/3 innings the team faced, including one shutout.

“I just tried to remind myself that it’s a team sport, and you have to do what your team needs you to,” she said. “I tried to take the pressure off that way.”

Varner, who compiled a 6.16 ERA, struck out 55 of the 568 batters she faced and walked 67, totaling 1,759 pitches. 

The year proved difficult for Varner, as she saw a great physical toll from the workload. She injured her throwing shoulder as a result and has had to rehab and strengthen her arm through numerous workouts and stretches. 

Being such a small school, Phoenix Chrisitan simply did not have the deep player pool as most larger schools do. Varner was the only player who was an actual pitcher, forcing the Cougars to rely on her as their go-to arm. 

Varner’s injury was more fatigue than anything, as she grew tired from making appearances in each game. The team did everything they could to help her rest and gave her breaks when possible, an approach that is being furthered going into 2020.  

“Arms get tired, there’s no doubt about that,” said pitching coach Carl Bakemeier. “But the way we’ve been structuring practices, she’s had plenty of time to rest between pitching opportunities.” 

Bakemeier has coached softball in the valley for 35 years, this being his first at Phoenix Christian. He was brought in by head coach Matt Haeger to coach Varner and her two new pitching mates. 

“We knew that she could throw strikes, and consistently at that,” said Haeger. 

In 2020, she has already grown more as a pitcher and is throwing the ball harder and with more variety.

Last year, Varner had a fastball, changeup and drop. But under Bakemeier, she is already learning to utilize a curveball and screwball.  

“I didn’t know any of these at all last year,” said Varner. 

That’s where the 35 years of experience comes into use.

“[Bakemeier] has definitely taught me a lot of new pitches, he really knows the game,” she said. 

The team added the likes of freshman Grace Fisher and senior Grace Pendergast, a lefty with a lot of experience in a rotation that lacks just that. The help in the circle is welcome to a sophomore who is looking to compete for the top spot in the rotation and continue to develop her game.

“We’ll be able to work together and make a good system of coming in and out for each other,” said Varner. “Last year it was just me, so it’ll be a different experience this year for sure.”

Different is a good thing for Varner, as she can expect to not pitch in all 19 games as she did a season ago. A lessened workload will allow her to add pitches to her arsenal and stay fresh throughout the year. Most importantly, it will allow her to stay healthy.