Tibbs hoping to change things up with Bobcats

WILLOW WOOD — Softball is a game. But for Brenna Tibbs, it’s also going to be a job.

The Symmes Valley Lady Vikings senior left-handed pitcher signed a letter-of-intent on Wednesday to play for the Ohio University Bobcats.

“They just told me my only job is to pitch so, I’ll have to get that done,” said Tibbs with a laugh. “Some days you have an off day and they totally understand that, but that’s my one job and I’m expected to perform that way.”

Tibbs described herself as a pitcher who has some speed but said she’s “a spinner,” meaning she throws breaking pitches such as a curve and a change-up.

“That’s my main game, spinning the ball because I’m left-handed,” said Tibbs.

“They told me I’m not going to blow the ball by everybody. In travel ball, you don’t even throw the ball by everybody. You have those games who strike out a lot of people, but you don’t blow by everyone.”

Tibbs announced her decision to sign with Ohio in August.

“I’m very confident in my decision. The moment I stepped on the campus I just knew it was home,” said Tibbs.

“The coaches made me feel right at home. They welcomed me. I went home and it was a no-brainer.”

Tibbs was especially coveted by Ohio because she was a left-handed pitcher, a rare commodity in the college softball world. Tibbs’ signing makes her the only left-handed pitcher on the roster.

“I think it’s a really big advantage because there’s very, very few of us. As a lefty, everything goes the opposite way. When we have a righty in the game and I come in, it’s a whole different perspective,” said Tibbs.

Pitching at the college level will be different than high school in many ways.

An excellent leadoff hitter, Tibbs won’t be making her way to the plate very often. In fact, her job will be pitching.

That’s all. Just pitching.

Tibbs doesn’t see much difference in not batting or playing in the field when she’s not pitching.

“Sometimes in travel ball, I have to go by myself and warm up with my pitching and be with my catcher. I don’t think it’ll be too much of a transition. I would like to bat, but pitching is my main thing,” said Tibbs.

The new Ohio recruit likes her new teammates including former Ironton standout pitcher Keegan Moore.

“Keegan (Moore) went to Ironton. I know she’s from the area and I’ve heard great things. My roommate is Brenna Fyffe and we’ve played together for five years (in travel ball) and she’ll be my catcher,” said Tibbs.

Playing travel ball and watching Ohio play, Tibbs is certain she can play at the next level.

“I went to a few of their fall ball games and I’m pretty confident that they’ll always have my back. I’m not too worried about it. I’m just hoping for the best.”

Tibbs was instrumental in the Lady Vikings deep tournament run as they lost 7-0 in the state semifinals to eventual state champion Portsmouth Notre Dame.

The Lady Vikings were 27-3 last season, won the Southern Ohio Conference title and made a deep tournament run as they lost 7-0 to eventual state champion Portsmouth Notre Dame in the regional title game.

Symmes Valley’s 35-year veteran head coach Jeff “Odie” Estep has enjoyed watching Tibbs develop throughout her career.

“I’ve watched Brenna grow up through our program here and she was an impact player as a freshman. I knew she was going to get a chance to go onto the next level. She’s like one of a kind coming through our program,” said Estep who has more than 500 coaching wins in his career.

“You look at her playing and her defense and team leader, she’s just a great all-around player. She’ll be an impact player for OU her freshman year. She’s that good of a player. It’s great times ahead for her and great times for me watching her at the next level. It’s been a superior opportunity getting to coach a player like her.”