Great pitching is not just about movement or velocity — it is about confidence, composure, and learning how to compete with conviction.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Amanda Scarborough, a former Texas A&M standout, two-time All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, and Women’s College World Series competitor, for a conversation full of insight for pitchers at every level.
Since her playing career, Amanda has continued to shape the game through her work as a co-founder of The Packaged Deal, an ESPN softball commentator, and the founder of Pitching Angel, where she helps pitchers around the world build both skill and confidence. In this episode, she shares the mindset, routines, and core foundations that helped her succeed on the mound — and that she now teaches to the next generation.
Using Your Strengths to Your Advantage
Amanda talks openly about how she learned to use her height, listed at 5'5", as an advantage rather than seeing it as a limitation.
Instead of focusing on what she did not have, she learned how to maximize the tools, style, and approach that made her effective. That perspective became a huge part of her success and offers an important lesson for young pitchers: confidence often begins when you stop comparing and start owning what makes you unique.
The Mindset Behind the Pitch
One of the strongest themes in the conversation is Amanda’s mental approach on the mound.
She shares how she liked to pump herself up before throwing a pitch and why that internal energy mattered so much to her performance. For Amanda, the ability to bring belief, presence, and intentionality into every pitch was just as important as the physical skill itself.
This part of the episode is especially valuable for pitchers looking to better understand how mindset shapes command, consistency, and confidence.
The Core Foundations of Great Pitching
Ashley and Amanda also dive into what Amanda believes are the true foundations of becoming a great pitcher.
Rather than focusing only on flashy pitches or advanced mechanics, Amanda emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, repeatability, mental toughness, and learning how to trust yourself in pressure moments. Her perspective reinforces that great pitchers are built from the ground up — through habits, preparation, and the ability to keep growing.
Getting Over the “Big Hit”
Every pitcher gives up hits. The real challenge is learning how to move on.
Amanda shares her thoughts on the fastest way to get over a “big hit” and refocus on the next pitch instead of spiraling into frustration. That ability to reset quickly is one of the most important skills a pitcher can develop, especially in a game built around adversity.
Her advice here is practical, honest, and immediately useful for athletes still learning how to respond under pressure.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How Amanda used her height to her advantage in the circle
Turning perceived limitations into strengths. - What mindset helped her compete confidently on the mound
Bringing energy, belief, and presence to every pitch. - What the true foundations of great pitching look like
Building from fundamentals, trust, and repeatability. - How to recover quickly after giving up a big hit
Resetting mentally and moving forward with confidence. - Why confidence is a skill pitchers can build
Competing with more freedom by trusting the process.
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