Jan. 3, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Each week heading into the 2007 Samford softball season, a different player will be highlighted in an edition of "Bulldog Talk", a question-and-answer session with one of this year's players. This week's featured player is sophomore infielder Kylie Harmon.

The Samford softball team will begin play in its 2007 season Feb. 9-11 at the prestigious Florida State Tournament. The opening date is roughly seven weeks away and each of Samford's 15 softball players will have their turn to be featured in the inaugural edition of "Bulldog Talk".

Harmon, a native of Matthew, Ala., is the ninth Samford softball player to be featured this season. She heads into the 2007 campaign as one of the Bulldogs' key utility players and will be expected to see significant playing time this year.

As a true freshman in 2006, Harmon played in 43 games and finished the campaign with Samford's fifth highest batting average. She scored 11 runs and was one of two Bulldogs to have a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

The following is a transcript from Harmon's edition of "Bulldog Talk".

What is your New Year's resolution for Samford softball?
"My New Year's resolution for Samford softball is to be completely prepared for any and all situations both physically and mentally, and to do my part in winning an OVC championship for the Bulldogs."

Are you ready for the season?
"I am so excited about this season. We've all worked so hard this off-season and I believe it is really going to show at game time. If it's true that you play the way you practice, then we will definitely have a winning season."

What part of your game have you worked on the hardest this year?
"I've tried to work on my entire game, but I've probably worked hardest on my hitting. I'm hoping that it's going to make a big difference. I'm never satisfied with where I am though, because there is always room for improvement."

Why should people come out to watch Samford softball?
"People should watch Samford softball because this is going to be a very exciting season for both fans and players. I feel we are going to be very competitive and I guarantee this team is going to play hard in each and every game. The coaches have put a lot of time and effort into preparing us and each one of us will contribute tremendously toward a winning season. This is definitely the year of the Bulldogs!"

What is it like earning a scholarship this year after being a walk-on last season?
"Walking on and earning a scholarship at a great Division I school like Samford was absolutely a dream come true. This has reaffirmed my belief that hard work does pay off and I appreciate (Head) Coach (Beanie) Ketcham giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a great team."

How would it feel to host the OVC Tournament at Samford?
"Hosting the OVC Tournament at Samford would be great, but winning it would be even greater -- and I think this team is capable of just that."

Check out next week's edition of "Bulldog Talk", as Samford softball's featured player will be sophomore utility player Jessica Owens.

Owens is a talented competitor who started 46 games for the Bulldogs as a true freshman last season. She played primarily in the outfield and finished second on the team in batting average. The speedy Owens was also 15-of-18 in stolen bases and scored a team-high 24 runs.