Feb. 1, 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 freshman infielder Amanda Barrs.

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 approximately a week away and each of Samford's 15 softball players will have their turn to be featured in the inaugural edition of "Bulldog Talk".

Barrs, a native of Harrisburg, N.C., is the 13th Samford softball player to be featured this season. She heads into the 2007 campaign as one of the Bulldogs' three highly-touted freshmen and should see significant playing time this season.

In leading Central Cabarrus High School to four-straight conference titles and a pair of North Carolina state championships, Barrs led the state in runs batted in as a junior. She ended the 2005 season with 46 RBIs and finished the year ranked third in the state in runs scored (38).

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

Technically you are still a freshman, but you played in every game this fall. How did that help you?
"To be quite honest, the fall games have been a tremendous help to me this preseason. I feel that the only way a person can truly test their skills and abilities is to be put in actual game situations. Playing in the fall games helped me to fit into the routine of the Samford softball program. I learned how my teammates play and how they react during game situations.

"I think playing in the fall also gave my teammates a better understanding of what I bring to the game, and it gave me a chance to see what each player's role is on the team. After experiencing fall ball, I think I have grown and learned a lot as a player. Now I am better prepared to fulfill my goals and expectations during the spring season." Describe how you want your first official collegiate at bat to go? "That's an easy question. I want a lead-off home run. On the first pitch, I want to crank it out of the park."

Are you excited about this year?
"Yes, I am really looking forward to this season. I think we are going to be really strong. I believe that this year is going to be a turning point for Samford softball. I am just really excited about playing. I can't wait to actually play some real games. It feels like all this hard work has finally paid off and should be put on display."

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
"Other than the fact that we are going to be playing actual games, I am excited about the road trips. I like visiting different places. I know that the bus rides will be long but at least it will give the team a chance to bond even more. Also, I am excited to see how much the softball team has improved from last year. I know that last season was kind of rough and I cannot wait to see our team in action."

How have the upperclassmen helped?
"The upperclassmen have been very helpful during these past couple of months. Each and every one has given me help at one point or another during the preseason. You would think that most upperclassman would typically tell a freshman to figure things out on their own. Our upperclassmen however, realize that we are a team. They help everyone as if they themselves were the ones who needed help. I have to say that I respect all of our upperclassmen."

You come from a successful program in high school and travel ball; what would it mean to be a part of the first OVC championship team?
"I come from a highly successful program and that has made me used to winning. Our high school team only lost two games during the three years that I was on varsity. I do not expect this year's team to lose games either. If you want to win, you will win. I know what it feels like to win a state championship and I am going to find out what it feels like to win an OVC championship."

Check out next week's edition of "Bulldog Talk", as Samford softball's featured player will be senior All-Ohio Valley Conference performer Shelley Stanley.

Stanley, one of this season's team captains, is Samford's all-time home run leader with 25 career round-trippers. Last year, she set the Bulldogs' single-season home run record with 10.