Dani Chisholm went from a support player to the focal point of the offense in one season.

All it took was some positive thinking.

The sophomore center fielder leads the Oregon State softball team after 26 games in batting average, hits, runs and RBIs. She owes it all to two self-help books and the team sports psychologist.

Chisholm’s offensive contributions have kept the Beavers (13-13) in games, while the rest of the team develops. She has hit in three straight and eight of the last nine.

“The mental training we’ve been doing has really helped me and my focus, and getting rid of all outside issues,” Chisholm said. “We’ve been working with a sports psychologist and read two books about the mental game. I just took to it. I’m sure it’s helping out others, but for me, I took to it.”

She batted .204, had 15 RBIs, scored 21 runs and stole seven bases last year in her first season out of Barlow High.

Chisholm went into the offseason determined to improve, but didn’t overhaul her training.

Her approach to the game had to change.

“I just focus one pitch at a time,” Chisholm said. “That’s how I play the game now. It just works. I was thinking more about the huge picture — the wins, the losses, errors and accomplishments — last year. I wasn’t focusing on one thing at a time. There were too many things going on.”

The results have her batting .407, with 33 hits, 15 RBIs, 18 runs scored and seven steals headed into this week’s Cascade Clash, which begins this afternoon with a double header against Mississippi Valley State at the OSU Softball Complex.

Chisholm broke into the top-10 of the Pacific-10 Conference standings in average, hits and stolen bases after last weekend.

It has been a breakout season, and she admits to seeing a bigger ball than it really is when at the plate.

“Dani is having some good games,” coach Kirk Walker said. “She’s still growing as an athlete, but she has been pretty consistent for us. The one thing is she always had that ability, but she’s more comfortable not being a freshman.”

Chisholm says experience helps, but it’s more about confidence. She knows what to do now and shows others.

“It’s a lot of fun this season,” Chisholm said. “It’s just nice to lead the team. Last year as a freshman, I was young and couldn’t lead. Now, to lead on the field as an example is a good feeling.”

Chisholm is a slap hitter, suited for the leadoff spot. She’s the type to do whatever it takes to get on base and start rallies. However, her hitting has been so strong Walker moved her to third.

It’s an attempt to place his hot hitter in a position to drive in runs. McKenna Lowe has hit well at the top, and that allows power-hitter Cambria Miranda to see better pitches in the No. 2 slot.

“We are grasping for straws to create a situation that will create runs,” Walker said. “Every day we juggle the lineup for whoever is hitting at that moment in time.”

The move with Chisholm paid off since the Beavers are 4-1 since the change. She was 4-for-4 last time out, tying the OSU record for most hits in a game.

Chisholm still approaches the game as a leadoff hitter, even with runners on base. She doesn’t want to change anything that’s working.

“My job is to get on base, even if I’m not in the leadoff position,” Chisholm said. “Hitting is contagious. If I get on, then my teammates are most likely to follow. That’s what I aim for.”