South Alabama softball newcomer Gwen Jones recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss her move from Northwest Florida State College and the transition from junior college to NCAA Division I.
 
Jones was named to the All-Panhandle Conference team in 2011 and '12. She batted .420 in her sophomore season, leading the club in hits (76) and stolen bases (34). Jones produced a .938 fielding percentage from center field for the Raiders last year.
 
Expected to contribute in the Jaguar outfield this year, Jones could prove a capable replacement for Britany Campbell, who finalized her eligibility last season after four years of solid play in the deep areas of center field.
 
What made you decide to come to South Alabama?
"Well, I contacted the coaches here and asked them to watch some video of me playing. Then, they decided to offer me a visit, and I decided then that I wanted to come here. When I first visited, I felt closeness in how the team was with one another."
 
How do you feel your speed and experience will benefit the team this year?
"I just want to use my skills to help my team. Playing at a junior college doesn't really amount to much on a Division I level, but it definitely makes me want to work harder to show that I can play at this level."
 
What's the biggest difference in the level of play in the transition to a four-year college thus far for you?
"Just the way the team works. At JUCO, a team comes in and half the team leaves, because a majority of them are sophomore and it's only a two-year program. A majority of the players here are around for a long time, so it's more of a team that's used to playing with each other."
 
Have you set any goals for yourself this season?
"Just to do the best that I can and try to go harder each day, so I can get to where I see myself being."
 
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