MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball freshman pitcher/infielder Bailey Murphy recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what type of impact she is looking at making this season, where she feels that she has improved since the start of the fall and her favorite memory from playing softball, among other topics.
Murphy arrived at South Alabama after lettering two seasons at Hewitt Trussville High School in Trussville, Ala., and five seasons at Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, Ala. Murphy earned first-team Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A all-state honors as a senior after batting .430. Of her had 37 hits that season, 13 were home runs. Murphy tied two Alabama High School Athletic Association records in a 20-2 victory over Mountain Brook during her senior season where she hit three home runs – the final one being a grand slam – while also recording with 11 RBI. She was also an all-state selection as a junior and named Birmingham News North/East Pitcher of the Year in 2013.
What kind of an impact do you hope to make on the team this season?
"I just want to have a positive impact. I just want to do whatever I can for the team and whatever is needed of me and do my job while I'm here."
What has the fall season been like for you?
"It's been pretty amazing because I've already learned so much in a short time. It's been energetic and fun the whole time. I've been able to get to know the process of everything, while still learning and figuring out some other things."
What was the biggest thing you learned this fall that you will take with you heading into the spring?
"Really trusting myself and knowing what I can do, and working off of that and not trying to do too much."
Where do you feel that you have improved since the start of the fall?
"I think I've improved as a pitcher, especially on the mental side of it. I've really focused in on that area. Whenever I have had questions, the coaches here have always had the answer and helped me out. Talking through things with them has really helped."
What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team?
"I have a really good positive attitude and a good work ethic."
What is one area of your game that you are looking at improving in this season and why?
"I still want to work on the mental part of the game and just be able to hone in and lock in on every pitch of every at-bat of every game and practice."
How has the adjustment to college life gone for you?
"It was a struggle at first, but after you get used to the classes and the time-management aspect, everything comes together."
Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to? If so, who and why?
"I would have to say Taylor Stevens. She's always giving 110% and I never see her slack off or anything. She always has a positive attitude. I don't think I've never seen her have a bad day. If she has, you can't see it when she does. I really look up to her."
Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
"I really just loved the campus and the coaches. They made me feel at home and I didn't feel like just another player. They made me feel like a regular person as well and that really made me realize that this was the place for me."
What type of player can fans expect to see out on the field when they watch you play?
"They will see a very energetic player I would say; one that is very focused and honed in and one that is always talking."
What are you majoring in at South Alabama and what do you plan to do after graduation?
"Exercise science with pre-professional physical therapy. I want to work with veterans who come home injured after their tours overseas. I want to work with them in their rehabilitation and help them return to a normal life."
What is one interesting thing that Jaguar fans may not know about you?
"I can juggle."
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
"I like going to the cafeteria after practice."
What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"It means giving 100% everyday, working hard every day and making sure that you are giving your best every day and letting that work for you."
What is your favorite type of music to listen to?
"I would probably say country music. I like a lot of the artists, but I would probably say Rascal Flatts or Carrie Underwood are two of my favorites."
What is your favorite memory that you have had so far playing softball?
"It happened a while back, but I would say when we won a state championship when I was a seventh-grader in high school. I was able to play on that team with two former South Alabama players – Blair Johnson and Alyssa Linn. That was pretty exciting."
What's your favorite form of social media?
"Instagram."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I usually just study, but I also like to chill on the couch and watch TV. If we have a home football game, I'll go to that or another home sporting event."
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
"I would probably say my parents, because they've always pushed me to be the best person I can be. They are always there for me and have my back 100%."
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).
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