Oklahoma State University Athletics
Transfer In The Outfield
November 28, 2012 | Cowgirl Softball
Nov. 28, 2012
Samantha Ketcham -
Shannon Kaufman is a long way from home. However, Dorothy isn't clicking her heels to get out of Oz.
A native of Agoura Hills, Calif., Kaufman played and shined as a Sacramento State Hornet her freshman and sophomore year. As a junior, she transferred to Oklahoma State and moved halfway across the country.
"I wanted a bigger challenge for myself. Once I received my release and was officially transferring, I knew I wanted to live somewhere completely different from California," Kaufman said. "Not that many people get this kind of opportunity, and I wanted to get the most out of it."
Kaufman's collegiate career in Sacramento was quickly successful. As a freshman in 2010, she led the team in at-bats and hits while batting .317. Her eight-game hitting streak was the longest of any team member during the season, and as an outfielder, she committed only one error in 53 chances for a .981 fielding percentage.
Her sophomore season, Kaufman got hit with a pitch during a game, causing an arm fracture that sidelined her for 10 games. Before the injury, she was batting a team-high .357. After her return, she finished the season hitting .276 with 24 runs and six RBIs.
"The injury definitely affected my performance, but I just focused on being positive and contributing to the team in any way I could," Kaufman said.
Following that season, Kaufman made the decision to join the OSU program, and she says the transition from California to Oklahoma was easy.
"I knew I wanted something different and what to expect from the move," Kaufman said. "The only thing that I miss about Sacramento State is my teammates. They were always there for me and completely supported my decision to leave."
Oklahoma State's differences were a big reason that Kaufman chose to become a Cowgirl.
"OSU is much bigger with a lot more tradition and athletic history behind it. The team as individuals is more competitive and driven," said Kaufman. "There is so much history in the softball program, and it's a lot to live up to."
Not only did the university and program have perks for Kaufman, but the town of Stillwater did as well.
"Stillwater is a great college town. Sacramento is a city. I love the small college town feel so much more than living in a big city," Kaufman said.
As for her new teammates, Kaufman has also found the transition onto the team to be an easy process.
"I love all my new teammates. I mean, we were kind of forced to like each other since we spend every second of every day together," laughed Kaufman. "Honestly though, the best part about playing a collegiate sport is all the friends you meet along the way."
These new friendships have taught Kaufman a lot about herself and the OSU program.
"I've learned so much from these girls on and off the field. They have taught me about this historical program and what it means to be a Cowgirl. I look up to them so much already," Kaufman said. "I just hope that I can show them my hard work and what I am willing to do in order to succeed."
Kaufman still believes her transfer was the right decision. While she may not be an Okie, she feels that Oklahoma State has welcomed her with open arms and the big move has helped her grow as a person and as a player.
"I have learned a lot about myself as a person," Kaufman said. "I am extremely close to my family, and it was a big deal for me to move so far away from them. After only a few months, I have become more independent and have grown up so much."
