MOBILE, Ala. – Last year’s Sun Belt Conference Softball Coach of the Year Becky Clark enters her sixth season at the helm of the University of South Alabama softball program looking to build on a record-breaking 2011 campaign.

Last season the Jaguars posted a program-high 37-17 overall record and a program-best 15-10 mark in conference play.

As a team, the Jags finished the 2011 season second in the league in pitching, hitting and fielding. South Alabama also recorded a program-high 15-game win streak from Feb. 20- March 13.

The Jaguars will return seven student-athletes from last season’s squad including the 2011 SBC Freshman of the Year, Hannah Campbell, and second team all-conference honorees Brittany Fowler, Haley Hopkins and Haley Richards. South Alabama welcomes eight newcomers to the 2012 roster.

Clark has the utmost confidence that this year’s team has the right mentality to be successful on the field.

"I keep a post-it note on my desk that says, '1) Dominate Pitching, 2) Timely Hitting, 3) Team Defense, 4) Intelligent Base-running and 5) Mental Toughness’,” said Clark. “If you combine these five components with a group of players who are willing to work, and who care about each other and the success of the program you will win games. I have no doubts about the unselfishness and mentality of this year's squad. They love to compete and are willing to work for what they want. For me, that means they’re already successful; now they get to go out this spring and play the game they love."

Clark recently sat down with USA Athletic Media Relations to discuss the Jaguars’ fall performance as well as her expectations for the upcoming season.

Recap the fall performance:

"I always look at effort first when evaluating and from that standpoint I was very pleased. We had our hitters and pitchers broken down from a mechanical standpoint for most of the fall so I think that they did a good job of working on the things we were asking them to focus on. We didn't start putting it together and speeding things up for them until the very end. Overall, I think they did a good job of executing what we were asking of them. One area that I think they need to be commended on is their work in the weight room. They have definitely worked to get stronger and build a great base of strength for the spring season."

How did playing international competition help prepare you for the spring?

"I think anytime you play a team with that kind of talent and that kind of experience you help your club get better. That game was one of the better ones we played this fall and I was happy with how we competed. I think it helped our players see that this year's team has a lot of potential and hopefully that will increase our confidence going into the spring."

Is there anything you still need to work on for the spring?

"Most of our work this semester was mechanical so we will focus mainly on execution in January and early February. We had things so broken down this fall which means we will need to come back in January and concentrate on speeding things up. It is imperative that our players get their work in over the Christmas break so that we are ready to hit the ground running when we get back."

What are your strengths going into the season?

"This group is extremely focused and knows how to work. They have taken ownership in this program and feel a real sense of pride about who they are and what they are working for. From a physical standpoint, we are athletic and have the depth we need to get through a challenging spring schedule."
    
Talk a little bit about what we can expect from your pitching staff in the upcoming season:

"In our game, success starts in the circle. We are fortunate to have more legitimate depth than we have had in the past. (Hannah) Campbell has a year of experience under her belt which I think will be huge for her. She knows what to expect and how to prepare for the upcoming season. As a senior, (Lindsey) Croft knows what to expect as well and has a tremendous amount of experience behind her. (Jessica) Dobson is new to our system but has worked incredibly hard to make herself an option for us in the spring. I think she will prove to be a huge addition to our staff. (Farish) Beard and (Kaleigh) Floore are both coming in as freshmen, but both have tremendous potential and the ability to shut down opposing team's lineups."

Who can we expect to see behind the plate this season and what will they bring to this year’s squad?

"We have three options behind the plate this spring. (Haley) Hopkins and (Katy) Neal were learning on the fly last year, and did an amazing job considering they were learning the toughest position on the field as they went. They have that experience now and know what to expect back there. (Alex) Breeden is a freshman, but has the ability to compete for a starting spot as well. It really will come down to who handles the staff the best, who can shut down the opponent's running game and who is hitting."

Talk about how the experience of returning players will help you this year:

"There is no substitute for experience. We have a tough schedule and a tough conference so I think that will be one of our strengths this year. At this level you have to know how to grind. Our season is long and challenging and to have people on your team who know how to navigate that challenge and who also help the young ones work through it is huge."

What kind of impact can we expect from the newcomers?

"The group we have coming in has the potential to have a major impact on our success this year. We added three pitchers and five position players so out of those eight new people there is definitely opportunity for them to make a difference. I think the key is for them to realize the opportunities they have in front of them and make the most of them."

What kind of offense can we expect to see in 2012?

"We will hit some home runs this year, but we will not be a team that lives for the home run.  I think our fans can expect to see an offense that works the gaps, but can drive the ball out at times too. We work to build as much balance as possible in our lineup mainly because those types of lineups are usually more consistent over the long-haul and, traditionally, have more success against the higher level pitching."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).