What happened to Teagan Kavan's grandmother? How Texas ace was able to pitch at WCWS with heavy heart

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Daniel Chavkin
What happened to Teagan Kavan's grandmother? How Texas ace was able to pitch at WCWS with heavy heart image

After losing in the Women's College World Series championship last year, Texas is looking for redemption when they face Texas Tech. At the center of the Longhorns' team is Teagan Kavan, the star pitcher playing with a heavy heart.

Kavan has been Texas' ace all season, leading the team in most pitching categories, including appearances, innings-pitched, and ERA. Last weekend, she was tasked with facing four-time defending champions Oklahoma but had to do so after receiving bad news about her grandmother.

Here's a breakdown of why Kavan's performance vs. the Sooners was so emotional.

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What happened to Teagan Kavan's grandmother?

Texas star Teagan Kavan's grandmother passed away on Saturday, hours before Kavan took the mound in a Women's College World Series matchup against Oklahoma. Kavan proceeded to throw a complete game, allowing just two runs as the Longhorns defeated the Sooners 4-2.

Kavan's grandmother played a huge role in the Texas pitcher's life. Kavan said earlier this season that she wears her No. 17 to honor her grandmother, who was born on Nov. 17, 1928, and was one of her biggest fans.

"Though many miles separate us, she's with me every pitch. She doesn't miss a game," Kavan said. "I honor her, her love for the game, and her love for life itself."

MORE: Where is Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady from?

After the game, Kavan fought through tears to explain how she was able to get through the game.

"She's got the best seat in the house, and this is where she wants me," Kavan said. "She's rooting for us all the way, and this is where she wants us."

Kavan's coaches and teammates were all impressed and proud of the way the pitcher fought through and rose to the occasion.

"She just held it all together like a true warrior," Texas coach Mike White said.

Joley Mitchell, a graduate senior on the team, was even more effusive with her praise for Kavan.

"She told us and the first thing she said was she's good and she's ready to go today," Joley Mitchell said. "Teagan Kavan is my hero today."

MORE: Teagan Kavan delivers emotional performance after grandma's death

Teagan Kavan stats

Here's a look at Teagan Kavan's stats for Texas this year:

  • Games: 40
  • Record: 26-5
  • Innings: 192.1
  • ERA: 2.33
  • WHIP: 1.10
  • Strikeouts: 224
  • Complete games: 16