Kasey Miller

The Bio Blast! on: Kasey Miller

Kasey Miller gets into her windup. Photo by Brandon Shinn

Who she is: Ace in the pitching circle for the William Blount High School softball team. She’s a junior and she’s got some skills.

Why we like her: We first saw Kasey as an up-and-coming pitching phenom for Carpenters Middle School. Dubbed “the ace” of that year’s eighth-grade class, she struck out 85 batters in a season where the Lady Cougars played only 12 games. They won them all, 12-0, to finish Blount County champions. Kasey’s earned run average that season was 1.012.

Fast forward three seasons, and Kasey is still mowing them down, which tells us she’s not the type to rest on past successes. Softball is a tournament sport, and William Blount is going in hot as the No. 3 seed when the District 4AAA tourney opens next week at Lenoir City. Kasey’s a winner. She’ll battle. When someone like that is a nice kid, too, how can you not like them?

Signature moment: Kasey’s had a few of them, but a recent rise to the occasion is noteworthy with postseason approaching. William Blount took an early, 1-0 lead at Bearden last week, only to see the Lady Bulldogs rally to tie. When the Lady Governors went right out and got the lead back, Kasey shut the door the last four innings in an impressive show of force.

What we’re dying to find out: Kasey, you’re the coach of the U.S. women’s national team. It’s the winner-take-all game of the World Championships. You’ve got Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott, both in their prime, warming up in the bullpen. Who gets the ball?

Quoting Kasey: Regardless of whether the last batter got a hit, walked, struck out or was put out, “Next pitch. Keep moving forward.” It’s advice a coach once gave Kasey. It says it all.

Without further ado, here’s: Kasey Miller

Why do you love playing your sport?
“Because I could have had a terrible day, but when I play I forget about everything and feel free.”

Who has the greatest influence on you in your sport?
“My dad. He has always pushed me to be the best I can be at all times. He taught me to never give up and to always follow my dreams.”

“Who is the best teacher you’ve ever had? Why?
Ms. Susie, who teaches Latin at WBHS. She is the type of teacher who is always there for you. She never lets me give up. She is my role model in so many things.”

What athlete would you like to meet most?
“Jennie Finch. She is my favorite softball pitcher. She is strong and has a good head on her shoulders.” (Editor: Hey, Kasey. Jennie’s a great choice, but did you know Lisa Fernandez once threw a perfect game against a team of professional all-stars where she struck out every batter? Twenty-one up, twenty-one down, all strikeouts. Just saying.)

What is your favorite subject in school?
“I’m a total math geek.”

What is the best advice a coach has given you?
“Next pitch. Keep moving forward.”

What is the best sports movie ever made?
“Sandlot!”

Who’s your favorite the team?
“Lady Vols Softball!”

Miller as a middle school All-Blount County selection at Carpenters.

How did you get started in your sport?
“I played in the dirt when I was little, and I guess my mom just thought I’d be good at softball.”

Who has been your favorite coach, and how have they helped you outside of the sports spectrum?
“Coach Nick Payne. He has helped me become a more confident pitcher and also become a lot closer to God.”

Tell me who you are in one sentence.
“Kasey Miller will never give up on her dreams.”

If you could go to the Women’s College World Series, the Super Bowl or the Daytona 500, which one would you chose and why?
“Women’s College World Series!”