Texas softball's freshman phenom Teagan Kavan hopes to ace her next test at Oklahoma State

Texas softball pitcher Teagan Kavan showed up at Tuesday’s practice with an ice bag on her right arm.

But no worries. The Longhorns' freshman phenom had donated blood earlier in the day and was using the ice to prevent any swelling or soreness. She’ll be good to go in a massive Big 12 series between No. 2 Texas and No. 8 Oklahoma State that begins Thursday in Stillwater, Okla.

The ice bag seemed a fitting accessory for Kavan, a young fireballer who pitches with preternatural poise, said Texas coach Mike White.

“She has ice blood running through her veins,” White said. “I think that we always knew that she was composed, (but) she really doesn’t let anything rattle her. She’s composed, she’s thoughtful, and she’s analytical. But she showed some emotion over the weekend, and that was nice to see.”

'That's the most we've seen that emotion from her'

Those emotions boiled to the surface in Sunday’s thrilling 3-1 win over Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. The Knights loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the fifth frame and had dangerous pinch-hitter Savannah Adams at the plate. White turned to Kavan, who promptly struck out a swinging Adams. The normally stoic Kavan pumped her fist and exchanged a high-five with catcher Reese Atwood after the inning before retiring the sides in both the sixth and seventh to secure the win.

White, himself a fiery pitcher back in his days of playing professionally as well as for both the U.S. and New Zealand men's national teams, could appreciate that fire.

“That’s the most we've seen that emotion from her,” he said. “You like to see that sometimes, using that passion and that energy, because not only do you feed off it yourself, but your teammates feed off it as well.

“And I think we're seeing more of that (from Kavan). And truthfully, people like to see that you're invested in your teammates and wanting to win and showing emotion. That's OK. As long as you're able to kind of like control it yourself, I think it's helpful.”

Freshman focus: Kavan in control in circle

Kavan has certainly been in control this season for Texas. The 6-foot Iowa native, who focused on travel ball and competing for the U.S. youth national program instead of high school competition, has emerged as the workhorse on a deep pitching staff for the second-ranked Longhorns. She leads the team with 66 innings pitched, 16 appearance, 12 starts, 11 wins and five complete games. And Kavan (11-1, 1.59 ERA, 68 strikeouts) ranks among the top freshman pitchers in the nation.

A blistering riseball and lots of movement have helped her rack up those impressive numbers. But, said senior outfielder Bella Dayton, it's Kavan's steady approach in the circle that matters as much as her wicked stuff.

“Even if she is nervous, you can’t tell,” Dayton said. “I feel like for someone to have that kind of calmness, it helps the whole team hold their composure together and get through tough situations.”

Big 12 honor was a team award, says Kavan

The Big 12 recognized Kavan as its pitcher of the week for a second time this season after she capped a stretch of four games in five days with Sunday's save against UCF. On the week, she threw 9⅓ of Texas’ 27 innings played and was the only player in the Big 12 to toss a seven-inning complete game shutout. She also was the only conference pitcher to earn both a win and a save on the week, while her .152 opponent batting average was the lowest by any league pitcher who faced at least 33 batters. Oh, and she didn’t allow a singe earned run while becoming the first UT freshman to earn multiple conference pitcher of the week awards since Blaire Luna in 2010.

But Kavan brushed off the honor much like she would a batter crowding the plate.

“It's cool to be recognized, but I think it's more of a testament to my team behind me,” she said. "When my offense puts up all those runs and my defense makes plays behind me, it just makes me more confident. It's an honor for all of us.”

This weekend's series

No. 2 Texas (28-3, 9-1) at No. 8 Oklahoma State (27-5, 8-2), Stillwater, Okla., ESPN+, 6 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday