Fastpitch softball batting technique

Question
Hello, My daughter is 14 years old and has played for many years for league, travel and now JV softball in high school.  It has been noticed recently that she has been "stepping out" before her swing.  Myself and her coach have asked her if she is now afraid of the ball, since advancing to the higher levels. Her swing is beautiful her coach says, although sometimes late.  Is there any advice you could give in trying to help keep my daughter from "stepping out" or away versus stepping toward the pitcher when swinging.  This mystery has both her coach of many years and myself baffled.  She has been hit by a 50+ mph pitcher, so she knows the pain that is felt by that speed, but it has been sometime since that has happened.  Any advice you could provide would be most welcomed.  Thanks, James

Answer
Start with having her widen her stance to where she would be after her step, then have her swing without a stride.  

Or, in practice, lay a bat on the ground behind her lead foot so that she will step on it if stepping out.  Emphasize with her that her step is to be at the pitcher.

Tom