University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Q&A with Softball Junior Danielle Block
2/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- With the 2016 season just around the corner, Golden Eagle fans have the opportunity to get to know junior Danielle Block. She is a native of Phoenix, Ariz. and a starting pitcher for the Southern Miss softball team.
After pitching so much last season, what kind of confidence does that give you heading into this season?
Quite a bit. I feel really comfortable out there in the circle. My freshman year I didn't get a whole lot of playing experience. Last year, I did get a bunch. I feel like I came into my own. I am really excited for the season. I feel like I learned a lot last year being on the field so much. I am definitely planning on carrying that into this season.
How much did you grow and mature as a pitcher last season?
My freshman year, I didn't play a lot but we did play two Pac 12 teams. We played Arizona State and the University of Arizona. I pitched in both of those games. That was a big learning experience, playing such a big-time team. I learned a lot from that. This past year, being in the circle so much, I feel like I definitely matured, physically and mentally. Physically, I had to get my pitches breaking better, throwing a little faster. My mechanics had to be sound. Mentally, being in those games so much and having so much pressure on me every weekend, upped my game a lot.
What does a win against a nationally ranked opponent at the end of last season do to your confidence this season?
It was a payoff. We struggled through that season and to end on a higher note than we had been on the past few months was definitely good. Not just for me, but for the whole team. It was probably the highest point of the season. I think the confidence of our hitters coming in so clutch and defensively playing such a sound game. I gave up some hard hits that game. They are a good team. The defense was there every play.
What kind of a difference has there been with new pitching coach Coy Adkins?
It has been great just having guidance. Some pitchers do better with it than others. Some pitchers can just do their own thing and be totally fine. Others need someone there to direct them a little bit. We have both types of those pitchers on the team. But it has been good for all of us. It has been good to be able to throw ideas back and forth, `I think my rise ball is doing this and I don't know why' or `I have an idea why, what do you think?' It is nice to have somebody there to give guidance and have questions answered instead of wondering. It is definitely more structured and I really like it. He is a great coach.
As a pitcher, what does having such a potent offense do for your confidence?
It is a huge plus. I cannot wait to start playing. In scrimmages, the pitchers have been pitching well, but no matter where we put it, the hitters are fouling it off or going deep in counts. They are hitting hard balls. It gets frustrating during scrimmages because you are like, `Come on. Let me get you out.' After the fact, I am excited to not have to play against the Gold Team or the Black Team. We are going to be Black and Gold. We are going to be facing other teams. Seeing what they are doing in practice against us as a pitching staff, and I think we are a strong pitching staff, it is building a lot of confidence. I am really excited to put it into game mode and see how it goes.
How do you think facing these hitters will help you this season?
I think it is great. It is tough and gets frustrating, but after every time we throw live or scrimmage if as a pitcher I can get Lauren Holifield out, if I can get Sarah Evans or Katie Cleary or Tori Dew out, who can't I get out? We have some of the best hitters in conference, I think personally. Going up against them every day in practice, it is making them better and making me so much better. My pitches have to be on. My spots have to be right on location. My speed has to be up to. It is definitely a challenge both ways. I think it is great.
How difficult is it to balance academics and softball?
It is difficult. All the girls on the team want to be the best they can be on the field, in the classroom, just in general. It is hard because you want to put so much effort into softball and hitting and pitching and defense. Then you also know that you have to put that same amount of extra effort into your school work. It is definitely a lot of time, but it is so worth it. I think everyone on the team has a similar mindset for that. Everyone knows it's a grind and a struggle, but getting recognized makes it worth it.
How difficult is it to be so far away from home?
It is difficult. I miss my parents and my brother and sister, and the rest of my family. It is a little easier with the coaching staff and the girls. Everyone at Southern Miss made this truly a second home. I miss my family back in Arizona, but I really don't get homesick. I just miss them.
What changes have you see in the team from last year to this year?
I think the leadership. All four of our seniors have stepped up and been incredible with attitudes and with the way they have been playing. All of them have stepped up their game on the field and being leaders. It is really awesome to see. For the past three years, I have known these girls and to see how much they have changed, and matured, and grown. It is pretty incredible. I am really proud of them. That is definitely one thing I have seen change. Underneath that with the rest of the team, everybody is working towards the same thing and making sacrifices. We are working really hard and it is evident it is going to pay off.
The Southern Miss softball team is scheduled to play a 55-game schedule that includes 26 games at the Southern Miss Softball Complex. In addition, the Golden Eagles will play 19 games against 11 different teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season. Southern Miss begins the 2016 campaign at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Feb. 12-14. The Golden Eagles host Alabama State in a doubleheader at the Softball Complex to open up the 2016 home campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
