Kaleigh Floore (Mobile, Ala.), a freshman pitcher on the University of South Alabama softball team, recently sat down with USA Athletic Media Relations to discuss her expectations for the season as well as life off the field.

When and why did you start playing softball?
“I started playing ¬t-ball when I was six. From there, I just had to choose whether I wanted to play with the boys or play with the girls. I chose softball and played at West Mobile Park.”

Why did you choose South Alabama?
“I was already going to South and it was better for my major, better for my daughter Reece and just better for me all around. The coaches and the team were just great too so that helped.”

You’re from Mobile; did that have anything to do with you choosing South Alabama?
“Yes. My family is all around so they can help me with Reece. I’m a homebody. I’m really close to my family so it’s good being around them.”

What are your expectations for yourself this season?
“I just hope to make an impact on and off the field. I, of course, want to get some wins.”

What are your goals for the team?
“Hopefully, we’ll win conference, and maybe go further.”

How is playing college softball different from high school so far?
“It’s a lot more time consuming and everyone takes it more seriously. It’s not just high school ball anymore. It’s something that everybody really wants to do. Everyone really wants to win and they really want to be here.”  

What do you think will be your biggest adjustment to the college game?
“The competition is going to be a lot tougher. It’s not just a few batters that can hit. It’s all of them.”

What do you do to get pumped for a game?
“I listen to music and dance around.”

What have you tried to accomplish in the offseason?
“I’ve been working on my timing and getting all my pitches perfected. My specialty used to be my curve ball, but now it’s turning out to be my drop ball. It’s actually working better right now.”

What do you enjoy most about playing softball?
“I like being part of a team and the game situations. It’s a lot of fun.”

What career path are you thinking about going into after graduation?
“Right now I’m pre-med so I’m hoping to go to medical school. If not, then I want to be a physician’s assistant or a nurse. I want to be a surgeon. I liked dissecting frogs and stuff in high school. The smell bothered me, but I liked doing it.”

Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your life, either as a person or as a player and why?
“I’d have to say my parents, Reece and my old coach Brad (Cooper) who passed away. He had a brain aneurism so we all stopped playing summer ball mid-season. It was really sad. Reece has just really put things into perspective for me. She’s helped me get my priorities straight.”