BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford Athletics is bringing back the Student-Athlete Spotlight series, presented by Coca-Cola, which will highlight senior softball standout Whitney Hinton in this week's episode.

Hinton is now in her fifth season at Samford after being allowed to return due to a COVID canceled spring 2020 season. The Alabama native discussed her reason for choosing Samford and what attracted her the most in the process of becoming a Bulldog.
 
"I actually came to a couple of softball camps here at Samford and automatically fell in love with it, the traditions of the program, and Coach Mandy," said Hinton. "The program was like a family and the beautiful campus caught my eye, so when I left camp, I knew that I wanted to come here."
 
After the 2020 season was canceled, Hinton was one of the first seniors to say she was coming back for another year of Samford softball. She is one of three seniors to return, including Kathryn Jackson and Taylor Decelles.
 
"At the end of last year, it was super devasting, but there was obviously talk about getting another year to play. I knew the whole time in the back of my head that if I get this opportunity, I am going to take it," said Hinton. "I talked to Kat and Taylor about it and they were huge factors in my decision with them being my best friends. When they decided to come back as well, it just made me more sure about my decision and Coach Mandy was super encouraging."
 
Coming into this season, Hinton was one home run away for tying the program's all-time record and two away from breaking it. After an inside of the park home run against Troy University, Hinton is now the new record holder for the softball program with 38 home runs total so far this season.
 
"I actually thought the ball was foul, so I was halfway jogging down the first baseline. Then I look at coach and she was waving me on. So, I thought 'oh oaky' and I started running home and I scored," said Hinton. "I get in the dugout and everyone was saying I just broke the record, so it was awesome and my teammates were super supporting and encouraging."
 
She then went on to discuss how the season is going and took a look back on the first couple weeks since the softball team's first game.
 
"It was really fun going 4-0, it has been a minute since we have done that, and it has been super fun and exciting to see what this group can accomplish. I think we are really good group, our pitching staff looks awesome, and we have some incredible freshmen," said Hinton. "This is probably the best team chemistry that I have been a part of here and I think we are going to do some really big things."
 
FULL INTERVIEW:


 
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