Standout Softball Pitcher Windmiller Transfers to Northridge From Sacramento

Amy Windmiller, one of the top high school pitchers in the state two years ago, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Cal State Northridge.

Windmiller, a standout for Mira Loma High in Sacramento from 1987-1990, had a disappointing season at Fresno State in 1991 before transferring to Sacramento City College this season and leading the Panthers to the state championship.

Windmiller, who signed Sunday, posted a 27-1 record with a 1.07 earned-run average in 197 innings for Sacramento City. She pitched five perfect games, 11 no-hitters and 24 shutouts for the Panthers (54-3). She appeared in the “Faces in the Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated this month.

In her four-year career at Mira Loma, she posted an ERA of 0.43 in 704 innings with 47 shutouts and 12 no-hitters. She is fourth in the state in career strikeouts with 1,336.

Windmiller was named Cal-Hi Sports’ junior player of the year in 1989 after going 25-1 with an 0.17 ERA in 208 innings and was Mira Loma’s most valuable player in her final three seasons.

In 1991, however, she pitched sparingly for Fresno State, posting a 3-2 record and a 1.05 ERA in 40 1/3 innings. Windmiller’s confidence was shaken at Fresno State, where she quickly fell into disuse by Coach Marjorie Wright.

“I really didn’t have the confidence I had in high school,” Windmiller said. “I really don’t know why. After my first game (for Sacramento City), I just got all my confidence back up.”

Windmiller, who will be a junior, said she transferred to Sacramento City because Wright wanted her to redshirt the 1992 season.

“I think (Fresno State) wanted her to throw the ball down and she is a rise-ball pitcher. She lives and dies by throwing the rise ball,” Northridge Coach Gary Torgeson said.

Torgeson says that he will give Windmiller plenty of opportunities to throw her rise ball. Windmiller joins returning pitcher Kathy Blake (25-6), who possesses an excellent curve and changeup, on the Matador pitching staff.

Northridge (45-25-1) made its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division I women’s softball tournament this season. It was the Matadors’ second year of competition at the Division I level.