How Karli Godwin's 'mean look' is producing results for Oklahoma State softball

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State softball coach Kenny Gajewski called it a “mean look.”

Cowgirl outfielder Claire Timm countered the idea: “I wouldn’t say it’s mean, it’s just like she’s ready to win the freaking game for us.”

OSU first baseman Karli Godwin, whose face is the subject of those depictions, could only laugh.

“I would say that I’m serious, and when it’s go time, it’s go time,” she said, still chuckling. “It’s not that I’m mad or P’d off or whatever, but I’d just say if I keep my emotions steady, no matter if I’m high or low, I’ll maintain steady play.

“I can cut up and have fun sometimes, but normally, when I’m on the field, it’s all business.”

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There’s no arguing Godwin’s results as she and the eighth-ranked Cowgirls enter the biggest series of the season to date, playing host to No. 2 Texas in a three-game set beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at Cowgirl Stadium, broadcast on ESPN+.

They meet again at 7 p.m. Friday (ESPN2) before the finale, set for 1 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+).

Through 32 games of her true freshman season, Godwin is batting .360 with seven home runs and a team-best 29 RBIs. She’s been a staple in the heart of the lineup, most frequently batting third.

Defensively, she’s committed just one error in 255 chances. A third baseman in high school, she has quickly adapted to the other corner of the infield.

“I had never played first base a day in my life,” Godwin said. “I became really comfortable there and I’m just doing what I’m asked to do.”

While her bat is the big news, her defense can’t go ignored.

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“She has really good instincts,” Gajewski said. “This is the best we’ve ever been at first base. So it’s exciting. People look at that spot and think you just put a slug over there, but there’s a lot of plays in our game that have to be made at first. She can field bunts. She gets to balls quick. She’s really good.”

And a lot of Godwin’s success can be attributed to that “mean look,” or more accurately, her serious approach to preparation.

“I don’t think you can measure the professional mentality she has,” Gajewski said. “She’s the same every day. I would have to ask her every day, ‘Hey, are you OK?’ I just had to learn she’s at work. She’s here to work.

“You just don’t know these kids well until you get in the fight with them.”

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State softball: Karli Godwin's 'mean look' producing results