Dec. 23, 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 sophomore infielder Katie England.

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

Katie, a native of Birmingham, is the eighth Samford softball player to be featured this season. She heads into the 2007 campaign as one of the Bulldogs' seven returning starters from last year. As a true freshman in 2006, England played in 41 games and finished as one of Samford's top power hitters.

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

You are the only player on the team from Birmingham. What is it like playing in your "back yard"?
"It's really an honor to play in my hometown. I love being able to have my family and friends come out and support our program almost every game. A lot of people will ask me `Didn't you play at Briarwood Christian School?' It's nice to be recognized like that and to have the support of my hometown."

What excites you about the team this year?
"I'm definitely excited about our focus and hard work this season. We have stepped it up in all aspects of our game, especially our mental game. With the way we are focused and working this year I believe we can take Samford softball to a whole new level."

What road trip are you looking forward to this year and why?
"I always look forward to the Florida State Tournament. I lived in Florida for 10 years and some of my closest friends go to FSU. It's something I look forward to from the beginning of the year. Plus, it's our first road trip so everyone will be pumped up and ready to play."

What aspect of your game has improved the most this year?
"I believe my hitting has improved a great deal. My focus and determination has grown tremendously since last year and it is showing. I'm swinging the bat more aggressively and am having better at-bats which improved my confidence a lot."

As a sophomore, how has your role changed from being a freshman?
"My role has changed a lot. Last year as a freshman if I messed up I could use the excuse `My bad, I've never played here before. It'll take a few times for me to get the hang of it'. But now . . . that excuse won't fly with Coach (Beanie) Ketcham. The coaches expect more out of me and I also expect more out of myself. They stay on me all the time because they know my potential and want to push me to become the best I can be."

Why should people come out and watch Samford softball?
"We're a great group of girls who work hard and play even harder. You never know what to expect from us but you can expect an awesome performance, some amazing plays and maybe a few laughs. We like to keep the game fun and interesting."

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.