University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Q&A with Baseball Senior Jake Winston
2/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- With the 2016 season just around the corner, Golden Eagle fans have the opportunity to get to know senior Jake Winston. He is a Vidalia, La. native who is a three-year letterwinner for the Southern Miss baseball team.
What brought you to Southern Miss?
My mom is an alumni of Southern Miss, but that wasn't much of a factor in my decision making process. I would probably have to say the way I was treated throughout the recruiting process. Coach Fed really made me feel wanted.
What is your favorite home cooked meal?
Grilled steaks
During your career as an athlete, do you consider one person as your mentor, maybe a coach?
My dad has everything to do with where I am today. Even though he isn't coaching me anymore, I still do things that he taught me. Simple things to like how to play and respect the game.
What drives you as an athlete?
Competition. I love to compete no matter what I am doing.
What type of player do you consider yourself to be?
I tend to be very locked in a focused during games. Most people like to play relaxed and talk with teammates while I won't even say a word.
How has Southern Miss impacted your life since you started here?
It has taught me a lot of life lessons for sure. I thought I knew a lot back in high school, which now I laugh at myself four years ago for thinking that.
Favorite thing to do outside of athletics?
I love to hunt.
How did you manage to get into your sport?
My dad was always a big baseball fan and I just took after him.
Biggest difference between High School and Collegiate Athletics?
Speed of the game.
Where did you get the passion for your sport?
I developed a passion at an early age because I knew that I was pretty good at it. I remember playing and working hard since I started.
What was the deciding factor that made you choose to come Southern Miss?
The fact that the coaching staff here showed the most interest in my ability and wanted me to have an immediate impact.
Outside of electronics, what is your most important possession?
My guns or my cowboy hats.
You walk into a convenience store and can only buy one item, what is it?
Pretty lame, but probably just a bottle of water.
Where would you want to go on a vacation if money was no option?
Anywhere out west. I would love to camp out and hike through the Grand Canyon.
What would you consider your trademark, something that only you do, athletically or outside of athletics?
I wouldn't say I have one.
Last song you listened to:
Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Top 3 songs you play in your music?
No particular songs, but I listen to Hank Williams Jr., Wiz Khalifa, and ACDC Pandora most often.
What was the most adventurous thing you have done in the past year?
I did a 6-mile hike at Yellowstone National Park with an elevation of over 10,000 feet.
Funniest thing that has happened to you at a game?
I really can't think of anything that has happened to me, but last year in the 17-inning game against South Alabama, Cooper "Bones" Jones, put his uniform on upside down and ran around. It was funny enough to be put on the news that night. Haha.
If you could choose a super power, what would it be? Why?
I would definitely want to fly. Not a real big super hero fan, but I do like Peter Pan.
The Southern Miss baseball team begins the 2016 campaign at The Pete on Friday, Feb. 19 as the Golden Eagles host Eastern Illinois in a three-game weekend series.
