Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Q&A Session with Co-Captain Leah Grothause
2/18/2005 11:53:00 AM | Softball
It is nice to know that your teammates think highly enough of you to vote you in as a team captain. I consider it an honor and plan to be there for the whole team and represent them as best I can. I don't think it will be a difficult job this year as our team has been bonding well.
Talk about the new Head Coach Leigh Podlesny and assistant Jodi Chmielewski.
Coaches Leigh and Jodi are a breath of fresh air to me. I think they are both awesome coaches. Sure, they work us pretty hard but they also want us to enjoy our sport and have fun.
How has preseason practice been going and what have you been working on as a team and as an individual player?
Team practice has been going well. We've had weather problems but we adjust to that practicing inside. We've had some injuries but I think we have overcome those and most of us have healed in time for the opener. We have worked a lot on footwork and movements, eye and ball coordination, and many other things that will benefit us in the long haul. I personally have been working on improving my hitting, like getting my timing down and cutting down my negative motion.
What are some team goals the team has discussed?/What are some of your personal goals as a player?
The team goals that we have set have been of course winning Conference, beating all in-state teams, and achieving a team GPA of 3.5. My personal goals are, and always have been, to make a positive contribution and difference to my team. Winning conference is high on my list. I want to keep improving all of my skills as a player, stay healthy and fit and make my senior year the best ever. I'd like to repeat last years honors of All Tournament and First team catcher awards. I'd also like to see our team win a lot to show our appreciation to our coaches and their hard work.
Leigh is your third coach in your four-year career. Talk a little about the changes you have seen as a freshman here at Middle Tennessee until now.
Well I was recruited by Karen Green but never got to play for her. Change is always a bit scary but its part of life. In softball, things are always changing. Over the years I've seen great players like Jen Martinez, Stayc Preator, Cortney Mitchell, and others, move on and you wish you could keep them forever. I hated to see Coach Ernie Reynolds leave too, but, someone else moves in and steps up to the plate and everyone adapts. I'm especially excited about Coach Leigh's schedule and caliber of teams we will be playing this year. I like the bigger challenge. The biggest change is having coaches who are able to get you back to loving the game again and having fun.
The season is a week away. What are your thoughts about the season-opener and the teams excitement level.
I am so excited about finally getting to play the game. I think we will do very well at the Georgia Southern tournament. We will be facing some tough teams this year but I think we are capable of getting the job done. The team is buzzing with excitement, especially the freshman. They will get to experience their first road trip. They are nervous at times but excited about their first college games.
