Dec. 15, 2006

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 catcher Whitney Terry.

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

Terry, a native of San Jose, Calif., is the seventh Samford softball player to be featured this season. She heads into the 2007 campaign as one of the Bulldogs' three talented true freshmen and was a highly-touted standout at Leigh High School.

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

How did your first semester go away from home?
"It was rough at times. I'm really close with my family so it was hard not seeing them everyday and to talk with them about how things have been going. My parents always kept me on track at home and now I've got to hound myself to do the same."

How is your game better now?
"I think everything about my game is on its way to getting better. If you want to play for Samford you really have to step up your game. My swing has changed and now I have more power. My defense is quicker and more efficient. My mental game is tougher and I'm even learning how to let go of my mistakes."

What is it about softball that keeps bringing you back to the field?
"Everything! The thrill of making a great play, the adrenaline from hitting the ball hard, the scream of the fans, the dives, the slides, the catches, winning, and reaching for your goals (Ohio Valley Conference Champs 2007). Softball is just a way of life."

What is it like playing on a Division I softball team?
"It really is amazing! Since I started playing I've always dreamed of getting a scholarship somewhere and being able to play at the highest level. It was just a dream until about July of this past summer when I was recruited and started living it. I feel blessed for this opportunity and I'm definitely going to try and make the most out of it!"

How has playing behind a veteran catcher helped you?
"I don't know what I'd do without Tracey (Deaux). She's been wonderful with helping me understand what to do in certain situations and how the Bulldogs run the field. During practice we always watch out for each other and make sure we get the techniques down. Even when I get frustrated with myself, she's there to tell me to relax and say that I'll eventually get it. It's a constant reminder of how much I need to step up before I can really play on the field."

What has been the best part of the year to date?
"The best part has been going through the fitness tests and seeing how far I've come along since the beginning of the school year."

Check out next week's edition of "Bulldog Talk", as Samford softball's featured player will be senior first baseman Jenna Dempski.

Dempski is one of the Bulldogs' four seniors this season and will enter the 2007 campaign as one of the team's top power hitters. Last year, she scored nine runs, tallied seven RBI and finished with a perfect 6-of-6 performance in stolen bases.