An unlikely pitcher-catcher relationship has given Maryland softball a boost

Delaney Reefe rose from her position behind the plate and asked the umpire for time.

The call was answered and she walked to the hill where Courtney Wyche stood. The freshman catcher and graduate pitcher have formed a new duo for the Terps and have grown their relationship on and off the field since the start of the season. Reefe described the time off as a reset for Wyche.

“It’s okay, your pitches look good,” Reefe said as she reached the hill.

“No, they don’t. Don’t tell me that,” Reefe recalled Wyche responding.

Reefe's eyes widened, but she understood. Wyche didn't want encouragement – she wanted the truth.

This breakthrough was one of many early in the 2024 season that contributed to the duo's strong chemistry. Mutual respect in the relationship is fostered through mentorship, but the four-year age difference hasn't fazed the two. Their common goal – to win – remained the same.

From that moment on, Reefe knew what Wyche needed and how she could continue to support the pitcher.

[Courtney Wyche throws career-high 19 strikeouts as Maryland softball beats Penn State, 2-0]

Reefe knows exactly what to say to “get Wyche going” in a game, she said, and pays attention to the pitcher’s vocal cues. Encouraging “Kill it Court” chants keep Wyche energized and engaged, she said.

Through hours of overtime, the duo developed mutual understanding. Adjusting to the college level was difficult for Reefe, but adjusting to Wyche was even more difficult – the catcher had never worked with anyone who could throw as fast as Wyche. The Maryland locals began working together the summer before Reefe even came to Maryland, Wyche said.

“She learned about my pitching style, the speed, the spin and all that fun stuff,” Wyche said. “We were able to build that relationship and that trust mentally.”

Both players took on new roles this season. Wyche learned to be a patient leader by showing Reefe exactly what she needed while also taking a step back and allowing Reefe the opportunity to grow in her position. Reefe was immediately pushed out of her comfort zone, overcoming the newcomers' nervousness and taking on a crucial role in the Terps' lineup.

[Maryland softball’s quality at-bats led to an offensive explosion against Minnesota]

“Courtney is an elite pitcher … Delaney will be an elite catcher and she has all the tools to do that,” coach Lauren Karn said. “They’re at two different points in their elite.”

Last weekend's game showed how the duo's teamwork took them both to a higher level. Wyche posted a career-high 19 strikeouts in last weekend's series against Penn State and was named the NCAA National Pitcher of the Week.

Their effect on each other becomes clear when Reefe and Wyche yell at each other after every strikeout. The Wyches' passion for the game and the state of Maryland has changed the way Reefe operates as a catcher, Reefe said.

Reefe and Wyche feed off each other's fire, and their commitment to the game has helped the Terps through their first 33 games of the season and a 3-3 conference record.

With the majority of the Big Ten still to play, their relationship will face many more tests, starting Friday in College Park against conference foe Illinois.