Robyn Herron leading Arkansas softball’s pitching staff with experience, added leadership
No. 10 in ESPN/USA Softball poll, consensus top 10 in others
Herron is the veteran of a young pitching staff that includes three freshmen along with junior right-hander Reis Beuerlein, who transferred from Mississippi State ahead of last season but missed extended time due to an injury.
Having been a staple on the pitching staff since her freshman year, Herron understands the situation many of her teammates are in. She said the group’s camaraderie is the best it has been.
“This is definitely the most close-knit pitching group, like in bullpen, that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Herron said. “That’s really just fun that we can all be around each other and just be equally happy for each other as we are for ourselves when we do well.
“I think that really just helps the dynamic and we don’t see any selfishness, no woe-is-me attitude. We’re all just genuinely happy for each other and our success.”
Her growth in leadership is something 10th-year Arkansas coach Courtney Deifel has noticed.
“I think that she’s just so human in her approach,” Deifel said. “She knows how each of them are unique. She’s been there. She’s been in struggles, she’s been in high moments, and so she can lead them through all of that.
“And if you know Robyn, you know that she is incredibly selfless and team-oriented, and she understands the value of a staff. She leads the charge in that way, too, of just building up everybody, just continuing to make sure everybody knows their importance and their role, how important their role is, and how much they bring to the staff.”
