Jan. 25, 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 junior catcher Tracey Deaux.

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

Deaux, a native of Collierville, Tenn., is the 12th Samford softball player to be featured this season. She heads into the 2007 campaign as the Bulldogs' starting catcher and will also be expected to help lead the team offensively as well.

As a sophomore in 2006, Deaux started in 28 games and finished with an impressive .986 fielding percentage. She also played in 37 contests and concluded the season with the team's third-highest total in putouts (131).

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

Describe this year's team?
"Wow! This team is absolutely one of a kind. Each girl has truly been such a blessing to me. It is neat to see the way God has hand-picked each and every girl to be on this team. We have worked so hard, constantly encouraging and pushing each other to persevere through everything. Besides being solid athletes on the field, these girls are absolutely hilarious and always seem to put a smile on my face. I would not want to spend my 20 hours a week playing softball with any other group of girls."

How well do you and the other members of the battery (pitchers and catchers) work together?
"I believe the pitchers and catchers work extremely well together. We are like our own team within a team. Although they are way too hard on themselves, the pitchers are so much fun to catch and encourage. It is nice to be able to let them know that they are so much better than they give themselves credit for. Because we have developed a strong connection and trust in each other's ability, we know, without a doubt, that we have each other's backs and will do whatever it takes to get the job done."

What would you rather do and why - throw out a base stealer or drive in a run?
"Although I absolutely love throwing out base stealers, there is nothing like making great contact with the ball and driving in a run. As a catcher, it is expected of me to throw out base stealers. It is one of the major perks with the catching position. If a player on the opposing team happens to get on base, it has always been my mindset that I will do everything in my power to not let that player advance to the next base."

Which "big" game are you looking forward to and why: Florida State, Alabama, Ohio State, Mississippi State or arch-rival Jacksonville State?
"I am definitely looking forward to playing Alabama this season. We always put everything on the line for Alabama. We are in every pitch, every play and every moment. This year I want us to take the same intensity and excitement we have for Alabama and use it in every game we play, no matter what team it is that we play. Alabama is our first home game this season and I am really excited to play on our own home field with our own fans coming out to support us."

How has helping a freshman catcher improved your game?
"I am so blessed to be on a team where you can always find encouragement. It has been wonderful getting to know Whitney Terry as a catcher and as a friend. Showing her the ropes has helped improve my game by pushing me to work hard every day so that my actions will speak much louder than my words. It is truly a win-win situation with Whitney. I show her some tips that have helped me succeed over the past couple of years and she shows me some tips of her own. What's best about our relationship is that we take criticism well and push each other every day to be better."

Why should people come to the inaugural Groundhog Day Dinner?
"Everyone should come to the Groundhog Day Dinner because all the proceeds raised will help our softball program and 10% will be donated to Jessie's Place, a charity in Birmingham that helps battered women and children. Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Leah O'Brien-Amico will be the featured guest speaker. Also, who doesn't enjoy food? If you are looking for a great time of fun and getting to know our team firsthand, you should definitely look forward to coming. Did I mention that there is going to be really good food there?"

Check out next week's edition of "Bulldog Talk", as Samford softball's featured player will be freshman infielder Amanda Barrs.

Barrs is entering her first season at Samford and was a standout performer at Central Cabarrus High School in Harrisburg, N.C.