My Signature: Krystan White on the Walk-Off

May 22, 2018

Krystan White did it again. Playing with a heavy heart this season after the passing of her father, Buck, last fall, the senior first baseman has hit three home runs this year. All of them were game-winners. Two were walk-offs. The last one kept South Carolina’s season alive as her two-run shot with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning gave the Gamecocks a dramatic 4-3 win over Hofstra in the NCAA Regional, propelling them to the championship round against Liberty, where they would defeat the Flames twice to advance to the NCAA Super Regional.

“In the on-deck circle, I was trying to stay as calm as possible. I was taking my deep breaths and getting my timing down. Once I saw three straight balls to Jana (Johns), I knew it was going to be up to me. I focused on my timing and breathing, so once I got into the box, I was ready to go.

“After the previous game where I made the last out after striking out, it was on my mind. I was glad to be in that situation again after not coming through. I love the pressure situations, so when I got that again, I knew daddy wouldn’t let me fail twice. So, I came through.

“I do think about my dad before each at bat. I know he’s been here all year long. Those moments really answer that for me.

There was an angel in the outfield that night. Daddy took hold of the bat. I truly know in that moment, it was him.

Krystan White

“When I stepped to the plate, I was thinking to just focus on whether it would be a good pitch or not. Previously, I was attacking pitches that were out of my zone. I was looking for a pitch more down in the zone. I got one that I liked, and I took a hack on it.

“The wind had been blowing in all night. It looked like it had stopped in perfect time for me to hit that ball. When it came off the bat, I instantly threw my hand up. I just knew! I just knew it was over, and that we were going to the championship game!

“I don’t remember circling the bases. After seeing all the joy and the excitement with all the fans, the coaches, and the players, it was just such a special moment. When I touched home, it was crazy with all the hugs, the tears and the joy to have in that one moment.

“That is for sure the biggest hit I’ve ever had.

“After I touched home, I looked and found my mom and sister in the stands. They were all giving me kisses and hugs from the stands.

“After we got into the locker room, I said ‘if we don’t win two tomorrow, I’m going to be mad at all y’all.’ I knew after a moment like that, we had to take two on Sunday.

“I’m just so excited. I’m ready to go to Arizona (for Super Regionals) and prove what this team has and continue to show how we fight through adversity and keep coming back.

“I was blessed to come through in that moment and to have that opportunity. All through this year, everyone has had their moment. That’s the beauty of this team; when one person is not shining, somebody else steps up and does that. I’m just looking forward to the journey ahead.

“There was an angel in the outfield that night. Daddy took hold of the bat. I truly know in that moment, it was him.”