MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball junior infielder Marissa Landrum recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what she wants to work on heading into the spring, why she chose South Alabama and what it means to her to be able to play close to home, among other topics.
Landrum comes to South Alabama after playing the last two seasons at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Miss. Landrum was named to the 2016 Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges All-State Softball team as a sophomore and led EMCC with a .385 batting average. She also topped the team in doubles (6), extra-base hits (10) total bases (64) and slugging percentage (.525), while ranking second EMCC's roster with three home runs, 22 RBI and 23 runs scored. In 32 games as a freshman for the Lions, Landrum hit .305, 82 hits, 13 RBI and 16 runs scored.
What has the fall season been like for you?
"It's been good overall. Things at this level go a lot faster than they did in junior college. It takes a little time to get used to the different speed, but great coaches get you to where you need to be. I feel that hitting-wise that I've gotten a lot better this fall. I just get in the box now and don't think about anything other than getting the job done. I've also become mentally stronger."
What do you want to work on heading into the spring?
"I want to be more consistent with my defensive play. I can sometimes get inside my head when I'm playing defense and I want to become mentally tougher on that side of the game. I also want to keep my feet moving more on defense."
What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"I would say just being a positive player. I never get down on myself during games. When things go bad in a game, I just try to pick myself up and move onto the next play. I feel that if I have a positive attitude it will help spread throughout the rest of the team."
How do you feel your time in junior college helped prepare you for Division I softball?
"My time in junior college definitely helped me adjust to the speed of the game at this level. Coming out of high school, the speed of the game was different at the JUCO level and it's a little bit faster at this level as well. Having that experience in junior college has helped me as I make this transition. My coaches in junior college always supported me and I have that same support here from this staff. They are tough on you, but they only want what's best for you and they see the potential you have and that has helped me a lot as well."
What kind of advantage does that experience give you over other newcomers?
"I think all of the newcomers are learning together. While I've made the transition, it's still different for me as well as the others. We all came in together and we are all learning together. We are just all in it together."
Are there any returning players you have sought out for any advice?
"I would say Kaleigh Todd and Kristian Foster. They are both great players and they are always positive no matter the outcome. They are always in the dugout cheering and they are always someone you can go to for help. They know the game so well. They have both helped me out. They are great people too."
Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
"I've always wanted to play Division-I softball ever since I was a little kid. That's a dream that I've always had. South Alabama is a great program with great coaches. I knew they help me reach my potential. It's a great place to be and it's also very close to home."
What type of player can fans expect to see out on the floor when they watch you play?
"They can expect to see an aggressive player and a positive player who is always cheering on her teammates."
What are you majoring in at South Alabama and what do you plan to do after graduation?
"I'm majoring in exercise science. I want to become a physical therapist. It's something that I've recently decided that I wanted to do, but I feel like it's a career where I can help others and still stay around athletes."
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
"All my classes are in one building so I don't really go to many other places, but I would say that I like to be around the softball player's lounge because that's where we're all at a lot of times and they are great friends."
Do you have any pregame superstitions?
"I always put my left sock on first and my left shoe. I also always wear red tape on my wrist with my uncle's initials that passed away when I was in ninth grade."
What is your favorite type of music to listen to?
"When I'm on a long trip, I would say country music, but before a game, I would say rap music."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love being with my family. I also have a little dog named Bella. She's a chow and I love her. I also like to visit with my friends from my JUCO team. I love being around them and they are great people too."
What is your favorite memory that you have had so far playing softball?
"I would say the first time that I hit a home run in a game, which didn't come until my sophomore year in JUCO. I had been waiting for that moment for a long time and it was a great feeling."
What's your favorite form of social media?
"I would say Twitter and Instagram."
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
"My mom and my dad. They have both supported me no matter what and they try to make it to every game possible. No matter the outcome of the game or whether I'm playing or not, they are always supportive of me and always there to hug me after the games."
What does it mean to you to be able to play close to home?
"It means a lot to me. In junior college, I was three hours away from home, but now all my friends and family are close enough to come see me play. My grandparents are also able to come see me since I'm just 45 minutes away. It'll be great to have them able to come watch me play."
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