Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WHEELERSBURG — When Catie Boggs steps into the batter’s box, special things happen.
For four years now, Boggs has been one of the most feared hitters in Southeast Ohio — and for good reason. Over that time, her Pirates have won four conference titles, four district crowns, three regional banners and two OHSAA State Championships.
That’s quite the resume.
Her Pirates stand at 22-0 overall and await Rock Hill in a Division V district semifinal at 4 p.m., Monday at Ohio University.
Before Monday’s first pitch, we had a chance to talk with the senior about her team’s motivation heading into the postseason, playing in an elite program and what it’ll take to win a third state title in the past four seasons.
Question: Wheelersburg’s softball program and success go hand in hand. Where there’s one, there’s the other. What do you feel like the key to that is? What makes being a Wheelersburg Pirate so special?
Boggs: Wheelersburg softball will always be special, and it boils down to the support that we have as a program. The community is always there for us to watch and support us as we play. Wheelersburg softball will always be like a second family.
Q: You’ll be trading your black and orange colors for Carolina blue next year. Why did you decide North Carolina was right for you and how excited are you to start your collegiate career?
CB: Yes, I am extremely excited and blessed to be able to go and compete at the highest level. During my visits at UNC, I got that “feels like home” feeling. I genuinely felt a connection and I believe wholeheartedly that God put me there for a reason.
Q: Personally, what do you feel like your best on-field trait is? How has your game changed from your freshman year to now?

CREDIT: Raymond Gleadle/SOSA
CB: I like to talk when I’m playing, I like to encourage and cheer on my teammates as much as I’m able to because I know they are always there for me. Freshman to senior year has definitely had its changes, in regard to me as a player. There’s always something to learn and grow from, and get better at.
Q: You are one of the most feared hitters I believe I’ve ever covered. The other that comes to mind is Macee Eaton. What did you learn from Macee when you played with her and how cool is it to be able to be the one passing on lessons to the younger players now?
CB: Yeah, Macee is great and it was really fun to play with her and neat to see her have, and continue to have, so much success. I couldn’t be more proud of her. I hope that both myself, and Wheelersburg softball in general, inspire younger players to keep showing up and working hard every day.
Q: Obviously, last year’s regional final loss wasn’t expected. But it could also be looked at as a learning lesson. How much have you, as a team, spoken about that loss and how do you use it as motivation going into tournament play?
CB: It’s not a secret what happened last year. Without failure, there is no growth. We, as a team, have taken responsibility and have not stopped working hard to obtain our goals this year.
Q: I would ask you what the team’s goal this season is but we already know that answer. So I’ll ask you what it’s going to take to get there and win another state championship?
CB: It’s going to take us playing as a unit to win a state championship. We just have to go out and do us. The rest will take care of itself.
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