When Delta College softball coach looks at Kalen Tchorzynski, he sees a player with a lot of potential.

Both Mullard and Tchorzynski are hoping that potential translates to success on the field.

Tchorzynski, a Hillman senior, signed a letter of intent with the Pioneers last month and will join Delta as a pitcher and infielder. She will study accounting with plans to become a CPA.

“I just really like the school and the environment down there,” Tchorzynski said. “I’m looking forward to working with coach Randy and seeing what he has to teach me.”

In signing with Delta, Tchorzynski becomes the latest Tigers pitcher to trade Hillman’s orange and black for Delta’s green and white. Maci Schook pitched for the Pioneers in 2012 and 2013 and Tchorzynski’s sister Jensen is currently Delta’s top pitcher as a sophomore.

Mullard was already intrigued by Tchorzynski’s talent based on Jensen’s recommendations, but when Kalen took part in an open hitting session round Christmastime, he was sold. With a five-pitch arsenal, Tchorzynski provides another option for Delta’s pitching staff as well as a power bat in the Pioneers’ lineup.

“From what I saw that day and from what Jensen told me, Delta won’t be the last place she plays softball,” Mullard said. “She’s a kid we can anchor our pitching staff around.”

Delta will graduate two pitchers this season, including Jensen, so Kalen will join a staff next season with three sophomores on the roster. To prepare for the transition, Kalen plans to keep throwing and working on her movement as well as doing some lifting to build her strength.

“It’s definitely a higher level than high school. If you want to compete, you have to work hard,” Kalen said. “I plan to work hard to be the No. 1 pitcher and be an asset in the infield.”

With a pitching arsenal than includes a fastball, riseball, drop ball, curveball and changeup, Kalen has the tools to be successful and earn her spot on the field, but Mullard said she has to be willing to work hard.

“She’s young, but she has a good pitcher’s build and she’s got a lot of (good) traits like her sister and she’s our No. 1,” Mullard said. “(Kalen’s success) really depends (on how she works). That’s how important the fall season is to us. In high school, pitchers can get by with throwing hard, but in college it’s lot of location and changing speeds.”

James Andersen can be reached via email at sports@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5694. Follow James on Twitter @ja_alpenanews.