North Carolina State University Athletics
Getting to Know: Junior Leah Jones
1/31/2013 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 31, 2013
RALEIGH, N.C. -- NC State's 2013 softball season begins next Friday at the Florida International Panther Invitational in Miami, with a new excitement as the fast-pitch program enters its 10th season, now under the guidance of first-year head coach Shawn Rychcik.
The squad returns three seniors - Caitlin Dent, Katie Mansilla and Bethaney Wells - as well as 2012 ACC Rookie of the Year Renada Davis, a shortstop who set a school record last season with a .362 batting average and a .450 on-base percentage.
On this year's roster of 14 players are five juniors: Scout Albertson, Kirsty Grant, Leah Jones, Hayley Stowe and Chelsea Tate.
Jones, in her first year as a regular in the lineup, made 40 starts at first base and played in 45 overall games during her sophomore season. She hit .250 on the season, with a .330 slugging percentage. She had five extra-base hits and 11 RBIs.
Leah Jones
Stedman, N.C.
Cape Fear High School
First Base
Human Biology
PERSONAL
Favorite movie: “She’s Out of My League”
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated Body Issue
Favorite song/band: Britney Spears, of course
Favorite class/subject: RECESS!
Favorite flavor of ice cream: Strawberry
Your ideal fast food meal: #10 combo from McDonald’s with sweet tea
Favorite meal at a full-service restaurant: Steak
Favorite “home-cooked” meal: My grans’ beef roast
Career ambition (outside of your sport): To be Britney Spears' manager.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned about Coach Rychcik, Coach Grimes and Coach Oliver? Coach Ry is so athletic, best player I've ever seen.
What specific things did you do between the end of fall practice and the start of the spring semester to improve your game? Just keep swinging.
What is your favorite training/practice activity? Front toss on the field.
What is your least favorite training/practice activity? [Strength and conditioning coach] Wright Wayne’s dynamic warmup.
When did you first start playing softball, and did you play other sports before it? I started at about 8 years old. I've played them all.
All sports you played in high school: Golf, basketball, and softball.
POP CULTURE
iphone or Droid? iphone
Song/artist most played on your MP3 player: Britney
Song/artist on your iPod that you are embarrassed to admit that you listen to: It’s all good.
ESPN/MTV/Food Network: ESPN
Favorite accessory in your wardrobe: North Face jacket
Give your dress style a nickname/explain: Stud
Celebrity doppelganger (celebrity you look like): Some say I’m a mix between Britney Spears and Eva Longoria -- I don’t see it.
Something that you cannot live without: My family
Besides NC State, what place do you like most in North Carolina: Good Ol’ Stedman, N.C.
YOU & YOUR TEAMMATES
Best dancer on the team: Kirsty Grant. She loves showing off her moves in the locker room.
Best cook on the team: Katie Mansilla, for sure.
Best dresser on the team: Caitlin Dent
Best jokester on the team: I'd say me or Wellsy, depending on the day
Best singer on the team: Probably me.
Most likely to be voted into NC State Athletics Hall of Fame some day: Coach Ry
Favorite (non-athletics) activity with your teammates: Nights watching “Family Guy” with Hanna
Based on your experiences, what advice do you have for this year’s three freshmen? It'll be over before you know it.
FAMILY MATTERS
Siblings: Two sisters. They are my best friends.
What/how many pets did you have growing up: a few puppies.
Favorite vacation location: White Lake
What’s the thing you miss most about home: Seeing everyone I know.
ALL SPORTS, ALL THE TIME
Sports idol as a child: Chipper Jones
Most famous athlete you have ever met: Russell Wilson
Favorite teams: Atlanta Braves
If you picked your “team’s song” for this year, what would it be: “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
Most memorable moment from last season: Beating Georgia
