Senior Profile: Shelbee Rodgers
4/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
by Megan Minnix, Media Relations Graduate Assistant
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The 2015 Southern Miss softball season is coming to a close, which for senior Shelbee Rodgers means the celebration of a great softball career.
"It has been a wild ride, but I loved every minute of it. I can't thank God for it enough every day," Rodgers said.
Rodgers, from Central, La., began her career at Louisiana-Lafayette, playing two seasons with the Ragin' Cajuns.
"I was fortunate to spend my career at two different schools with very good programs," Rodgers said. "I was fortunate to play with some very good coaches and meet some awesome teammates that are some of my best friends."
Although she faced adversity after transferring schools, Rodgers has accomplished an incredible amount in just two seasons at Southern Miss.
"It was tough. I appealed not getting released, but I didn't win," Rodgers said. "At first, it was like someone took my heart out and stomped on it. Come to find out, it was a blessing in disguise."
With five double-digit strikeout games during her career for the Golden Eagles, the right-handed pitcher has certainly never let that hardship, or her size, hold her back.
"I think I have always grown up with a chip on my shoulder," Rodgers said. "I only stand 5-2, where others are generally much taller. When I was being recruited, I always told coaches that I might be small, but if you give me a shot, I'll prove everyone wrong. If I was taller, I don't think I would have the heart or determination or the drive I have standing 5-2."
Rodgers' stellar junior year performance ranks her fifth in single season strikeouts and sixth in single season wins as a pitcher.
While it will be an emotional final home game, Rodgers is looking forward to standing next to her teammates on Senior Day, which is Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m. against Florida Atlantic.
"Some of these girls will be standing in my wedding," she said. "They are lifelong friendships that I will never forget. Not being able to wear that jersey with them will be tough, but I will be back to watch some games."
Rodgers will especially miss playing alongside fellow senior Priscilla Burns, whom she grew up playing against throughout her childhood in Louisiana.
"I remember when Priscilla was thinking about coming here, I got a phone call from her and her dad," Rodgers said. "Just being able to share something so special to the both of us and being able to wear the same colors. I knew exactly what kind of player she was and she knew exactly what kind of player I was. We knew together we could build something powerful here. That is what we have done."
With her playing days coming to a close, Rodgers has realized that softball molded her into who she is today.
"I have learned how to handle success, and I have learned how to handle failure," Rodgers said. "I have learned how to fight through adversity. I have learned how to lead. I have learned how to sit back and take things in. I have learned patience. There is so much that this game can teach you. The competition and art of this game is so satisfying in so many ways."
Rodgers, who plans to pursue a coaching career after graduation, says she is forever grateful for the opportunity to play college softball.
"It has meant everything," Rodgers said. "It is exactly what I dreamed of when I was little. It is exactly what I have worked for. It is what my parents sacrificed so much for. It is everything I have ever wanted."