Oklahoma State softball coach Kenny Gajewski became visibly emotional when discussing the upcoming WCWS opponent.
It’s become a familiar sight to witness Kenny Gajewski getting emotional during interviews at the Women’s College World Series.
Known for his open display of emotions, the Oklahoma State softball coach set a new personal record when he became choked up while responding to the first question posed to him during WCWS media day on Wednesday — still roughly 30 hours before his team takes the field.
“I don’t wanna cry,” Gajewski murmured to himself as he attempted to address a question regarding his longstanding friendship with Florida coach Tim Walton.
As they embark on their fifth consecutive WCWS appearance, the fifth-seeded Cowgirls are scheduled to take on Walton’s fourth-seeded Gators at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Devon Park in the opening round of the eight-team, double-elimination tournament for the NCAA title.
Walton and Gajewski crossed paths at the age of 17, played junior-college baseball together in California, and then both attended OU, where they clinched a college baseball national championship. Following their collegiate careers, Walton, assuming the role of Florida head coach, brought Gajewski on board as his assistant, marking Gajewski’s initial venture into softball coaching.
“He’s like family to me,” Walton expressed. “I sent him a picture yesterday morning and greeted him. It was a photo of our former coach wearing a Gator hat.”
Without Tim Walton offering Gajewski an opportunity at Florida, the landscape of OSU softball could look vastly different today.
“He’s loyal,” Gajewski expressed, his voice wavering as tears welled up. “I mean, he gave me a shot to get back in. I’m just grateful. He’s just a great friend.
“Just grateful for the doors that he opened. I’m thankful to be out of his tree. I mean, it’s really cool. It really makes me proud.”
This marks the third encounter between the teams at the WCWS, having previously faced off in 2019 and 2022, with OSU emerging victorious on both occasions.
“I’m excited to be back and looking forward to tomorrow night,” Gajewski said. “Just wish it wasn’t against my best friend.”
Lexi Kilfoyl’s Florida connections
While it’s not guaranteed, there’s a strong likelihood that Gajewski will opt to start ace pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl against Florida on Thursday. Kilfoyl previously pitched a three-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Gators when the teams clashed back in February.
Being a Florida native, Kilfoyl is a recognizable figure to some of the Gator players.
“Lexi’s mom is actually my sister’s godmother, so we have a long history,” remarked Kendra Falby of Florida. “I’ve been competing against her since I first started playing softball. We’re looking forward to facing her tomorrow night.”
Rosenberry increasing her workload
In the event that Gajewski decides to introduce a different pitcher against Florida, his primary choice would likely be senior right-hander Ivy Rosenberry, who has only pitched five innings in the NCAA Tournament due to a rib injury.
Gajewski mentioned that Rosenberry’s practice sessions had been limited, but she has been stepping up her activity this week to prepare.
“Ivy threw what I would describe as a live bullpen, something we haven’t done much of in the past three to four weeks,” Gajewski explained. “Her bullpen sessions have been scarce. We’ve been trying to manage the pain and her rib.
“She experienced some timing issues a week ago due to lack of pitching. When you generate the kind of arm speed these athletes do, brushing your rib cage with your elbow during the follow-through can cause a broken rib, and that was starting to happen because her timing was off. I believe giving her this additional work has been beneficial.”
Poullard, Wang embracing OKC moment
Jilyen Poullard, who transferred from McNeese, and Caroline Wang, who came from Liberty, are both experiencing their first trip to the WCWS as super-seniors for Oklahoma State.
Despite not yet playing a game at Devon Park, they had the opportunity to explore the environment and the stadium complex on Wednesday. Here are their initial thoughts:
Poullard: “Oh my God, it has been amazing. I think anyone who talks to me, I think I put a lot of emphasis on, ‘Hey man, I’m living the dream.’ A lot of times I say, ‘I just feel like I’m dreaming still.’ I come from somewhere that I played for four years. This was only a dream. It just felt so far out of reach. For this to be my fifth year and finally being able to experience it for myself, not just watch it, it’s awesome. It’s everything that I could have imagined.”
Wang: “I definitely feel the same. I talked to Coach G., I think yesterday. He asked, ‘How are you feeling?; I was like, ‘It feels like it’s so exciting, but I don’t think it’s really set in.’ It almost doesn’t feel like it’s real yet for me.”
