University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Q&A With Shelbee Rodgers
1/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
What do you like to do for fun outside of softball?
I like to play with my dog Lucee (spelled with two E's like me). I like to read. I like to ready anything about sports. Mainly now, I like to play with Lucee. I got her over Christmas break. She was my graduation present.
What is your major and why did you pick it?
I graduated in communication studies. Originally, I wanted to do sports broadcasting. Now, I am in grad school for sports management because I really want to coach and want to go into the administrative side after coaching.
Describe your most embarrassing sports moment...
It wasn't in a game. Whenever I had just transferred and they wanted me to play some outfield and slap. I was extremely scared to get in the batter's box. I didn't want to wear a helmet without a face guard, but that was all they had. I took one pitch and didn't move. My knees buckled and I was scared to death. The next pitch I made someone give me their helmet. I put on a helmet with a face guard and the next pitch, I got hit in the head. Right after that, they told me to play center field. It was we and we were in turfs. I completely busted my butt. It was bang-bang, one after the other.
What other sport would you compete in other than softball?
I played volleyball growing up and I really like that. I was a libero. I was not a big spiker or anything. I played libero and I served a good bit. I think I might also like track or cross country. I like to run.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?
My first collegiate game, I threw a perfect game. That is probably it. It was against Rhode Island. I remember we played them in a doubleheader. Christina (Hamilton) threw one and then I turned around and threw one. She made history for being the first freshman to do it in her first game. Then we both did it. (NOTE: Rodgers finished the game with 5.0 innings pitched, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 0 walks, 7 strikeouts - W, 20-0)
Since you have already graduated, what are your plans after softball?
I want to coach, but I am about to get married. I will still be in school. My plans will be to move wherever my fiancé Ben gets a job and hopefully get a GA position.
What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
I am expecting a lot. I think we brought in a lot of talent with our freshmen group. I think more importantly, people are stepping up and realizing that you either win or you don't want to win. I think there is a lot more passion around here. What I expect in two words is - win conference.
What has head coach Wendy Hogue meant to you? To the team?
I know for me, I can tie my faith to Christ and softball more so than with previous coaches. She is true role model and exactly what I want to be whenever I get into the coaching aspect. For the team, I think she has brought a sense of reassurance because she is very positive. I think the girls feed off of that, which allows them to succeed. She is like a mom. That is the best way to describe it. She is very mom-like with us and I think that is what a lot of us on this team need.
What does it mean to you to be the "ace" of the pitching staff in your final season?
It means a lot. It means that all the work and time and broken bones and fingers and money spent is all worth it in the end. This is what I used to dream of when I was eight years old and would tell people to get off of my mound. Here I am doing it.
Who has been your greatest influence on your softball career?
I have three. Number one is my dad. If it wasn't for him being my first catcher and my first pitching coach then I wouldn't literally be pitching. Number two is Billy Stears. He lives across the street from me. He was my pitching coach while growing up. I get the chance during the summers to coach with him now. Number three is Ben Guidry who was one of my pitching coaches. He played fastpitch softball and is one of the best pitchers I have ever seen. If I could throw like one person, it would probably be him. Those three.
What does wearing the black and gold mean to you?
A fresh start. A new beginning. It sounds cliché, but it is exactly what I wanted. It was like, "finally, my dreams have been able to come true." I have always wanted to be a leader on the team and I get a chance to do it in black and gold.
