April 20, 2006
Twice in one year. That's what the Aggie Softball team did when it went on to beat Arizona and Texas who had both been ranked #1 before they met up with the Aggies.
Not only are they good enough to beat teams ranked in the top 5, but one of their softball players is in the NCAA record books for the most bases stolen in one season. (She was at 36 consecutive bases when I interviewed her).
I had the chance to talk to Joy Davis about being on the team and some of the things she is doing differently for this season and this is what she had to say.
Okay, so I see that your one superstition is to never play hacky sack before a game. How did that come around?
"I guess I started last year and the team always played before games, and I wasn't good at it, so I just quit doing it. Then, I just made it a point to not participate since we were winning our games."
 Joy Davis, second baseman, slides into 3rd base against Texas at San Antonio. |
What has been the best play or hit you have had so far this season that left a lasting impression on you and made you glad you are playing college softball?
"(Loud sigh) Man that is a tough one. I really don't think I could narrow it down to just one moment cause there are too many that I think were awesome."
It also says that you got to play against that US Olympic team when you were 15, how was that and how did you get that chance to play against them?
"With my summer team that I was on that year and our coach worked it out somehow. It was during the Sydney tour, I think, and they traveled around playing college and travel teams. I was very nervous, but once I got out there, I realized they were just people like me. They were also my idols and once I got out there I didn't have them on a pedestal anymore. After I realized that, I went out there and did pretty good."
In the media guide, your coach is quoted as saying you are now working on hitting from your left side, how has that been working out for you?
"I have my ups and downs just like anyone else and I think I'm getting better at it. I usually bat right handed and I have only played around with hitting left handed in the past, just in the cages, so it's definitely a different experience."
 Starting second baseman, Joy Davis, playing during the game against Texas at San Antonio. |
It was also noted that you are one of the fastest runners and are currently in the top 20 of all time in the NCAA record books for bases stolen (36 consecutive at the time of our conversation). That has got to be a great feeling to know especially since the fastest runner on the team has been dropped. How does it feel to be at that level of play?
"I don't really think about it. I just go out there and think about one base at a time and don't worry about anything else at that time."
I have also heard that you are the character of the team. How did you get that title and do you think it fits you or is there someone else on the team that it should actually be?
"(Laughing) Whoever told you that was probably just teasing because I am not sure how they came up with it. In my opinion, that would go to Rhonda Smith. She is crazy, funny, and always has comments on everything that we are doing. I am more of a quiet person who is laidback, focused, and does my job."
Whatever it is that she is known as, there is one thing for certain, she will always be known as one of the top base stealers for A&M. And if you don't believe her, she'll race you for the title.