April 28, 2008

What are your thoughts on the season so far?

"I see the potential of the team and while we may have not reached our ultimate goal for wins, we started conference strong, the best we've ever done since I've been here. I think we have the ability to carry that momentum into our final six games."

What do you attribute you continued development as a softball player?

"It's a sign of maturity. I think with softball, you come in not knowing what Division I softball is all about and your freshman season is a learning process. I think having seniors showing you the ropes is helpful, plus having coaches who have also just played and Coach Jordan is very knowledgeable."

What does it mean to be a member of the Northridge Softball Team?

"There is saying we have: 'together we are better.' We are fighters. Just the name of Matadors conveys that. We never stop fighting. We are fighters. That is the best part of being a Matador Softball player. We are a unit."

Can you talk about what it takes to be a successful bunter?

"Bunting is simple. It is a simple plan: get the bunt down. You want to hit the top of the ball. Importantly, you want to be patient enough for the ball to come to you."

What was it like hitting two home runs in a game against Pacific?

"I don't think I have ever done that before. It was amazing. I was recruited by Pacific, so it was nice to hit two out on their field. Being from Northern California, My family was there and my grandma, boyfriend and brother were all there and they had never seen me hit a home run in the game. I tend to think it was more exciting because it got us back into the games."

Who do you look to for leadership on the team?

"The person I turn to for leadership and support is Jackie Duree. She is a four-year senior and has experienced it all. She is knowledgeable and has a passion for the game."

How has it been playing for head coach Barbara Jordan?

"I share her intensity for the game. I think her intensity comes from her passion for the game of softball. She respects and loves the game of softball and she tries to instill that in all of her players and coaches. I think what I've learned from her is that softball is not just a game, but something you can incorporate into your life and your future."

Who helps keep the mood light in practice and on the team?

"For infield practice, coach Roni Sparrey is pretty funny. Sarah Kahn-Shamout is also pretty funny and she and I share lots of inside jokes. Finally, Jackie Duree is very quirky person. Her one-liners are funny. She and Alex Alvarado feed off each other and so it goes back and forth."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"I want to go to grad school to study child and family therapy. I would like to help children through activities such as softball. I come from a large family and I know we need to take care of children for the future of this country and the planet."

What are your thoughts on some of the newcomers on the team?

"The freshmen have been impressive. Kristen Mihm sticks out to me the most. I think she will be a key member of the team in the future. I believe Tracy Allen will continue to develop and is very talented. Finally, Karla Chaparro, switching to the left-side in mid-season, has been very impressive. I also think Krystal Raphael is very good and very relentless."

What is your favorite road-trip memory in your three seasons?

"It has to be when we went to Cal Poly my freshman year. We didn't play so well on Sunday and as we were driving back to Northridge, we saw an island way out in the bay. Coach Jordan, who was not very happy at the time, told us all that swimming to the island was going to be our conditioning assignment that week. Of course, we all joked that we would weigh our clothes down so we couldn't make it to the island."