Oct. 26, 2011
Samfordsports.com will be posting "Getting to Know..." articles about all eight newcomers to the 2011-12 Samford softball squad once a week beginning on Sept. 21.
This week, we're talking to infielder Casey Clark from Prattville, Ala.
Past Stories:
September 21 - Madison Dickey
September 28 - Abby Adams
October 5 - Taylor Pattillo
October 12 - Shelby Scott
October 19 - Caroline Seay
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Casey Clark, a Prattville, Ala., native, joins the Samford program this season as a transfer from Western Kentucky. The junior infielder tried many sports as a kid and was ready to give up sports altogether, but a little extra motivation from mom helped push Clark towards the sport that she loves.
How did you get involved with softball as a kid?
"When I was younger I tried all different kinds of sports and it didn't work out. My mom suggested softball and I said that I was over sports and wouldn't do it. She said she would take me to Dairy Queen after if I signed up, so we went and did it and I ended up loving it. I've been playing since I was eight-years-old."
When did you realize playing at the college level was a possibility?
"Definitely during high school. I got more serious with city league and travel ball, which was pretty tough. The competition level was a lot higher and it was a lot more fun and I knew then that I didn't want to stop after those four years."
How did you decide to attend Western Kentucky and what made you want to transfer to Samford?
"Right after high school, I was offered by a lot of junior colleges and Birmingham Southern, where [Head Coach] Mandy [Burford] was at the time. They were Division III at the time and Western Kentucky was Division I, so I felt like a DI school was the better option. I loved Western but I just felt like I wasn't really given an opportunity. When I found out Mandy had come here, I really wanted to play for them. You hear good things about them all the time."
What has college life been like for you so far?
"I was a little homesick at first, being five hours away at Western Kentucky. After a while, once you learn to manage your time and balance your classes with softball then you pretty much have it. Just make sure you find that balance. You'll be tired after softball but you have to make sure you get your work done. That's just how it is being a student-athlete."
How are you enjoying your time so far with the Samford team?
"I love it. We have very good team chemistry and that's going to take us far. If we work hard in the weight room, condition hard and practice hard, I have a good feeling about this year."
What are your goals for the season?
"I want to help our team to a winning season and then win the conference championship."
