Stephanie Shoup, SCF Softball

How many years have you played softball?: Since I was about 6. My older sister (Sara) actually played, and I would always be out there watching her and my dad (Kurt) coaching her. Actually, I started playing because they needed an extra player. They threw a jersey on me and threw me out in the outfield. That's how I started playing.

Do you have a favorite softball memory?: I was going through a really bad hitting slump last year. The coaches and I worked on a ton of different drills — both fundamental and swing-wise. Then, we played Central Florida Community College (in a doubleheader) and I ended going something like 4-for-7 with my first grand slam and another home run. It was just a great way to get out of a slump.

With a 4.0 GPA, is it safe to say that your parents emphasized books first?: Yes. School definitely comes first. When I talk to my parents every day, they ask me about my classes first. Then, I talk about softball. Schoolwork is very important to me because you do well here and it's easier to transfer (to a four-year college or university). When you have a high grade-point average, it's easy to get scholarships from other schools.

Do you have a four-year school lined up for next year?: I'm actually going to the University of West Alabama on a scholarship for softball.

What did you like most about the University of West Alabama?: (The softball program) has about nine graduating seniors and three of them are outfielders, so they really need outfielders. I e-mailed them and went up there for a visit. I loved it up there. It's a small town — a really small town, smaller than Bradenton. I like it a lot.

On the field, what is the most important lesson that you have learned over the past season and a half at SCF?: One person cannot win a game. Everyone must come together. Pitchers have to be on, defense has to be on and the hitting has to be on. Lately, we've been hitting the note really well.

What are your individual goals and your team's goals for this season?: Individually, I just want to keep hitting the ball hard. That's a major goal for me. Team-wise, I feel that we just need to keep building and take the little steps toward winning that state title. 

What is your major at SCF?: I'm going for biology.

Favorite course: I actually love anatomy, so anatomy and physiology is my favorite course so far.

When you prepare for games, do you listen to music?: Yes, I listen to my iPod. We also have an iPod here at the field.

Any particular song?: Just those pump-up songs like the Jock Jam songs. I'm a sucker for those.

Who's your favorite athlete?: Troy Polamalu from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm a Pittsburgh fan — Steelers, Penguins and Pirates even though haven't done very well.

Have you been to any Pirates' spring training games this year?: I went when they played our baseball team. They beat (SCF) by quite a bit (21-1), but it was still fun to go watch.