MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball freshman infielder Holly Stewart sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss how she got involved with the game of softball, her adjustment to South and what type of player Jaguar fans can expect to see when she takes the field, among other topics.

Stewart joined the program at the beginning of this semester after transferring from Pensacola State College where she began her collegiate career this last fall. Prior to starting out at PSC, Stewart earned all-conference, all-state and all-Arkansas Preps honors in 2017 at CHS where she hit .545 with 48 hits, 23 doubles, five home runs, 41 RBI and 24 runs scored. She as originally part of Central Arkansas' signing class out of high school and is the daughter of South Alabama defensive coordinator Greg Stewart.

How did you get involved playing softball?
"I have three older sisters and my whole life has revolved around sports, especially softball. My dad's dream is to be a college softball coach one day. I just got into the game when I was younger and had great role models, my sisters, who played softball. I was at their games all the time and it just became a part of life after that."

At what age did you start playing softball?
"I know I've had a ball in my hand since the first day I could throw, so I would say it was at a real early age."

You had a little bit of a different type of path here to South Alabama in that you first signed with Central Arkansas out of high school and then ended up starting out at Pensacola State College this past fall, before transferring here to South before the start of the spring semester. Talk to me about that journey.
"It has definitely been a crazy one and I didn't think I would end up here, but I know everything happens for a reason. I had worked out here at South during the summer and I just knew that this was the place I really wanted to be with the atmosphere of the campus and with my dad coaching [football] here. I've always wanted to go to a school where my dad's coached at because he's been my best friend. It would be hard playing far away from him. I'm glad it worked out for me to end up here at South because I feel it was the right thing for me."

What kind of an impact do you hope to make on the team?
"I want to have as much impact as I can. I want to be a good teammate, as well as a good person and a leader both on and off the field. I want to bring an energy to this program and a play-hard mentality, because this program can be great and it is going to be great."

How has the adjustment here gone for you during these first couple of weeks?
"It's gone well and been tough. I've been out there grinding, but that's the type of mindset I've always had. Here the atmosphere is to just go hard, and that's something I grew up with. My dad told me that all the time. Now that I'm here, I just want to keep it going."

What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the program?
"I bring a fun energy to the team and I think I have a great personality. I think my mindset of just playing hard can help our team."

What is one area of your game that you are looking at improving in this season?
"I would probably say hitting. That's the main thing in softball. You always need people to be able to hit. Being able to hit at this level is something that is hard to learn; some people have it and some don't. You just have to get better every day. That's the hardest thing, because you can hit well one day and then not the next. You just have to keep working that craft."

What type of player can fans expect to see out of the field?
"Someone who plays hard. Someone who tries their hardest after every ball and expects ever ball to come to them. Someone who is very unselfish on the field and someone who is making sure everyone is backing up the pitcher. We have to make sure the pitcher knows we have her back."

What do you plan to do after graduation?
"I want to be a college coach. Being a coach's kid and seeing the impact my dad has on the players he coaches is awesome. I can't imagine my life without sports or softball in it. I just want to make my coaching career as good as my dad's has been. He's obviously the one that has had a big impact on my desire to go into coaching and he makes me want to be a good coach like him."

What is one interesting thing that Jaguar fans may not know about you?
"I'm really good at ping pong. I can beat anybody on our team."

What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"It means the world to me. To be able to play with these other girls and at this level is a dream come true."

What is your favorite type of music to listen to?
"Probably rap."

What's your favorite meal?
"Spaghetti."

What's the best advice you've ever been given and who gave it to you?
"To play hard, to be humble in everything you do, and be a good person on and off the field. All things from my dad."

What's your favorite form of social media?
"Snapchat."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"Hang out with friends. I also like working out."

What advice would you give to younger players who are wanting to play softball collegiately?
"To work hard and always play hard. There are a lot of things you can do to get better at softball, but the one thing you can control is playing hard and having a 100 percent work ethic. You're going to go where you need to go. God's going to take care of you."

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

Join the Bullpen Club, the softball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund.  Members have access to purchase parking passes and receive Jaguar Softball gear.  All donations to the Bullpen Club go directly to support the South Alabama softball program.  For more information on how you can join visit:  jaguarathleticfund.com/bullpenclub.

—USA—