MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball freshman catcher Paige Holmes sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what drew her to USA and her swift adjustment to life behind the plate this season.
 
Holmes, who has started in each of USA's 14 games this season, forewent her senior year at The Bolles School, a private college preparatory school located in Jacksonville, Fla., where she lettered three years in softball and basketball and two years in volleyball. Her father, Tim, played tennis at Jacksonville.
 
 What brought you to South Alabama?
[In high school], I played with a girl who plays basketball here, and when she committed, my parents and I started looking into it. I immediately started to fall in love with the program, and I contacted [head] Coach [Becky] Clark about coming on a visit. When I came on my visit, I knew it was the place for me.
 
I started sending coach some film of me, and she came to watch me play in Atlanta. After that, we talked on the phone and figured everything out.
 
Talk about graduating early.
I skipped my senior year of high school, because I had the grades and the GPA that allowed me to leave early. Only two other people did it at my high school and we were the first class to do it. I took some high school classes in middle school, so it was easy to leave.
 
How have you adjusted to college life and being a Division I student-athlete?
It's definitely lived up to the expectations. I love it, though. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Being on the field every day is my getaway; it's great. All the girls are like my family; I love it here. I went to a very prestigious high school, so the classes haven't been much of a change for me. The biggest change was 5 a.m. weights. I am one of the most sociable people you'll meet, so it's easy for me to acclimate anywhere.
 
Have you enjoyed staying near the water in Mobile?
Yes, I've always told my mom that I've always wanted to live near the coast. South Alabama is right on the water like I'm used to. In the fall, I could go to the beach when I wanted.
 
How has your experience been playing with fifth-year senior and former catcher Alex Breeden?
"Whenever something happens in a game, she explains what I should have done or what I did right. Things like how I need to talk to the pitcher. She tells me that sometimes you can't just be the nice catcher – you have to get on them sometimes. I can go up to her with any question in the bullpen, or at practice or in a game, and she really helps me. With all her experience, she really knows what she's doing.
 
How quickly have you had to adjust to this level, after earning a starting spot behind the plate in your first year?
I had to adjust really quickly when I first got here in the fall, because the pitchers I caught in travel ball didn't have the movement like the ones I catch today. I really had to learn how to beat the ball to the spot. Once I got adjusted, it became easy; it just took a couple weeks.
 
What goals have you set for yourself in your time here?
I want to take it step-by-step. My first goal is to graduate a year early. My second was to get a starting spot. Next would be all-conference, NPF and the USA Women's Team.
 
What about your academic goals?
I'm double-majoring in exercise science and athletic training to go to physical therapy school.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).