Farish Beard (Fairhope, 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.
Beard signed with the Jaguars in 2011 after a stellar prep career at Fairhope High School which included 1461 strikeouts, an ERA of 0.78 and 23 no-hitters. She was also named the 2011 Mobile Press-Register’s Player of the Year. During her high school career, she was a four-time 6A honorable mention all-state selection, Mobile Press-Register Super 12 honoree, and a first-team all-county selection.
When and why did you start playing softball?
“I started when I was really young playing t-ball. I played every sport. My parents were really hands-on in my sports, so I played a lot of different sports. Softball was just the one I stuck with.”
Why did you choose South Alabama?
“I always said that if I was going to play anywhere, I would play here. I just loved it because it’s close to home. It’s a little ways from home, but it’s not too far. I loved the coaches and I just loved the atmosphere here.”
What are your expectations for yourself this season?
“I just want to better myself for the team so I can pitch and so we can win. I want to get a lot better. I know I can improve. I just haven’t pitched as much as I need to.”
What are your goals for the team?
“I want to be able to lead them to a lot of wins, and hopefully, be a starter.”
How is playing college softball different from high school so far?
“It is a black-and-white difference. It’s a lot more stressful. It’s harder, physically and mentally. It takes so many more hours and so much more time.”
What do you think will be your biggest adjustment to the college game?
“I guess it would be the pressure. There’s always pressure, but the level of pressure is a lot higher. Every hitter is going to be just as good as the best hitter on a high school team, so I’m going to have to step my game up.”
What do you do to get pumped for a game?
“I listen to music. It depends on the game, but it’s usually more upbeat stuff because it helps me get excited.”
What have you tried to accomplish in the offseason?
“This summer we had a workout plan that Jerry (Partsch), the strength coach here, gave us. It basically broke it down week by week what we needed to do. I just ran, worked out and pitched a lot. I didn’t play this summer though, which is a first.”
What do you enjoy most about playing softball?
“I love the pressure. That’s being a pitcher, being able to control the game and what’s going to happen. I just love the thrill of the game.”
If you weren’t playing softball, what is your next favorite activity?
“I guess it would be going to the beach. I love the beach. I don’t really do much other than softball.”
What career path are you thinking about going into after graduation?
“Right now my major is business with a concentration in marketing. I want to open up my own clothing store. I’m still not completely sure.”
Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your life, either as a person or as a player and why?
“I’d say my parents. They’ve been there for me through everything. They’re always there. It’s not like a best friend or a boyfriend who can leave you. Your parents are just always there for you. They always support me and never bring me down.”
