USA softball newcomer Clara Bowen, of Jasper, Ala., sat down with USAJaguars.com to explain how she grew up on the diamond and what drew her to South Alabama.
 
In 2010, Bowen led Sumiton Christian School (Sumiton, Ala.) to a class 2A championship title where she made the all-tournament team. She also picked up an all-state nod in 2011 and 2012 and all-county honors from 2009-12. She hit .362 with 10 home runs and 63 RBIs in 2011 and had an on-base percentage of .480.
 
Bowen’s oldest brother, Ricky (25), pitched at Mississippi State and is currently playing for the Fort Myers (Fla.) Miracle, an affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins.

Said USA head coach Becky Clark of Bowen, "Clara comes from a very athletic family as well. She is a high-character kid with a tremendous work ethic. She will be behind the plate for us and has great ability handling a pitching staff as well as receiving the ball. She understands the catching position and has the perfect mentality for it. She is a right-handed hitter with gap-to-gap potential. She is an unselfish player and will do whatever it takes to contribute to the success of our program. Clara is the type of player who makes your program better in a multitude of ways."
 
Talk about what it’s like to have a brother that played Division I baseball and is currently in the Minnesota Twins’ minor league system.
“It’s been awesome. He’s been helping me get my head wrapped around everything. We’re really close; we got to hang out all (fall break) weekend. We have a lot of athletes in our family, so the whole family is crazy with sports right now.”
 
When did you start playing softball? What do you enjoy most about the game?
“I started playing softball when I was six, but I played baseball with the boys for a few years before that. I grew up on the field, since my brothers were always there.”
 
Why did you choose South Alabama?
“There’s a real family atmosphere. The coaches are great, and the people are great. When I came down here this summer, everyone is asking how you’re doing and being really nice. When we came to some tournaments down here, Coach (Jimmy) Kolaitis came to watch me, and he was really supportive.”
 
What’s been the biggest adjustment for you in moving to the college level?
“Time management is huge. You have to make time to get everything done on and off the field.”
 
What are your goals for the upcoming season – both individually and for the team?”
“We always talk about doing the little things, and when everything comes together for us, we’ll get that next win or that next ring.”
 
Favorite Athlete(s): Josh Hamilton, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning
Favorite Pro Sports Team: Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins
Favorite Academic Subject: Mathematics
Favorite Movie: “Million Dollar Baby”
 
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).