North Carolina State University Athletics
Wild, Wild West: Jen Chamberlin Takes on the Big City
6/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
June 30, 2004
RALEIGH, N.C. -
What team are you playing with?
Salinas Storm
What type of team is it?
18 gold travel ball team
Are you enjoying it?
It's always fun to be playing ball.
How has your experience been in the Bay area?
Well it's the same for me...been here done that.
How have the workouts been going?
Let's just say that this is one of the most eventful summers that I have ever had. The workouts are very intense and difficult. I am very happy that I have my two best friends here with me to get me through it.
What are you doing in your workouts?
The first 4 weeks of training seems to be all long distance running. I am very happy that we got that part of the workout over with in the beginning of the summer. We spend about 2 hours in the gym 2-3 times a week "cranking it out" as Wright would say.
Have you improved your skills because of the additional playing time out there?
I think I have improved my skills. It doesn't hurt to get extra ground balls every once in a while. It is also good to see some extra balls at the plate also. I think that I have gotten more comfortable in the box and I am seeing the ball really well. There is definitely a drastic change from me last year at this time.
Are you missing NC State, Raleigh, the coaches?
I'd have to say I do miss Coach Navas and all the other coaches. It's weird seeing someone everyday for so long and then not having them there to instruct you. I do hear her in my head though when I know I am doing something wrong!
What has been your favorite tournament or game?
Las Vegas was my favorite tournament just because we got to walk down the strip. I think it was more exciting this year for me because I knew the twins were seeing all of it for the first time.
Anything big happen during one of your games?
such as a grand slam, no-hitter, etc. Shaina pitched one of the best games against one of the top teams the California Cruisers. We ended up losing 1-0 in the ninth but she was definitely the better pitcher and the winner in my book.
What do you miss most about North Carolina?
I miss all the trees! You don't see much of them here in California!
What do you miss least about North Carolina?
The humidity. I do not know how I am going to handle it when I get back.
What do you like most about the bay area?
I like being around my family and friends. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I got back and was with them. I think it is going to be a lot harder leaving them for the second time.
What do you like least about the bay area?
Traffic. I hate that it takes forever and a day to get anywhere. You do not have to worry about that in NC!
What are you looking forward to next season?
I am looking forward to growing into a stronger team. I think that we have all learned and grown a lot from last year so it is going to be interesting. We have good girls coming in next year that will help us out drastically which is cool.
What are some team and personal goals for next year?
Win and grow at the same time. I am interested in being a team leader and a clutch player. I want to be in the player in the tough situations that comes through.
What did you learn after your first year as collegiate athlete?
It is tough; they didn't lie. There was a lot that I wasn't doing to help my game. Now that I am aware of all these things it is up to me to do my job and get better with each day!
GO PACK
