University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Behind the Plate...
2/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Behind the Plate...
Kenya Peters claimed her 30th career home run on Feb. 16. She is now the Lady Eagles all-time home run leader. |
Q: You have had three great years at Southern Miss, what would be the best way to finish off your career as a Lady Eagle in your senior year?
A: Finish the season strong. Knowing that I gave my all throughout my career and enjoying the opportunity to play with a great group of teammates. I have enjoyed all of my years playing at Southern Miss, and I will remember all of our great experiences.
Q: As a freshman, you hit the home run against LSU that put Southern Miss in the championship game of the NCAA Regionals. Last week, you hit your 30th career home run and now hold sole possession of the all-time record at Southern Miss. Does it amaze you about what you have accomplished?
A: It?s amazing when I sit and think about it, and it?s great that I have achieved that goal of getting the career home run record. When I broke the record, though, it wasn?t really on my mind, and I didn?t even know about it until later.
Q: Coach McNutt has described you as a ?sparkplug,? as far as the energy you create on this team. How do you look at yourself as a senior leader?
A: Coach McNutt is always talking to us about leadership. I think we have a lot of good leaders on our team, and it?s very important to have players to step up and be responsible in leading the team. Good teams have good leaders. As far as being a ?sparkplug,? I like showing excitement behind the plate, when the pitcher comes up with a big strikeout or we come up with a big out. It?s a motivation for me and hopefully for the whole team to perform well on the field.
Q: What goes through your mind you?re behind the plate and a hitter with major home run potential comes up to bat?
A: We want to keep the hitter off-balanced and not give them a pitch they will hit. I?m thinking about mixing up the pitches, not letting them be too familiar with what our pitchers throw, and being sure we are doing our best to get the hitter out.
Q: How would you describe the pitching staff that you get to work with this year?
A: All of them are great. Felicia (Gonzales) is throwing hard. Melissa (Cundiff) is coming off her freshman year, and she pitched well last year and doing great this year. Jessica (Holaway) is a great addition, and all three of them are working hard and pitching great. I?m glad I have the opportunity to work with all three of them.
Q: Does this team have what it takes to return to the Women?s College World Series?
A: We have what it takes, as long as we keep working hard, doing all the right things every day and get better every day. If we have the right mindset, there?s no limit at how far we can go.
Q: What teammate, past or present, always motivated you?
A: Melanie McMains. I always enjoyed watching her play. When she played, she played like it was her last game ever to play. You can tell she was always giving her all, with the way she hustled and played defense. She motivated me a lot.
Q: We mentioned the game against LSU where you hit the two-run home run to advance to NCAA Regional championship. Is that your favorite memory as a Lady Eagle?
A: There are so many memories. All of the road trips have been great times. I remember most of the times I?ve had being with my teammates. I have enjoyed all of my years in college, and I believe these are some of the best times of my life.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate?
A: I will miss graduation in May because we will be in Tampa for the conference tournament, so I?m planning on walking in August. I?ll be doing my internship in the summer, and then I?m going to graduate school. I?m getting my degree in exercise science, and there are so many options to consider in that field. I?m just going to explore those options and see what I want to do.
