Emmy Blane has been a starting infielder for all three of her seasons at the University of Kentucky. Now a junior, the Christian County High School alum is embracing a new role in 2002 — full-time hitter.
In high school, Blane graduated as a three-time All-State selection and finished her Lady Colonel career as the program leader in hits (304), RBIs (229), runs scored (265), and doubles (79). She also belted 44 home runs.
But that success did not translate quickly to the college game where she only had three singles in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. While she kept her position as a starting infielder, she was usually the subject of a designated hitter who got the at bats instead of her.
That motivated Blane in the offseason where she not only worked on her swing but also her mental approach to hitting. The result is a .268 average for UK and 11 hits in 18 games — almost double her total from her first two seasons combined. She also has the first three extra-base hits of her career including a home run.
She says it’s still a work in progress but adds the confidence Coach Rachel Lawson is showing in her offensive game is channeling into Blane’s total game.
She talked about that confidence in this YSE interview.
