Feb. 7, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - USC Upstate senior softball player Shay Slater has a certain, unmistakable manner every time she steps onto the field and walks with look of purpose and determination.

Slater, an outfielder for the Spartans, enjoyed a fine season in 2007, setting new Upstate softball single season marks in hits (89) and runs scored (70) to go along with a team-leading .454 batting average, 35 stolen bases and 49 runs batted in. Now, in her final season, she is determined to make this season, Upstate's first in Division I, a memorable one.

Recently, Slater sat down with Adam Walker of upstatespartans.com to talk about the upcoming season, football and her best friend on the team.

US.com: How much have you been looking forward to the upcoming season?
Shay Slater: I'm really excited since this is my senior season and I think it will be very interesting playing Division I softball.

US.com: As a senior on a team with several new players, how much have you and the other seniors tackled leadership roles?
SS: I've just tried to help them focus on the transition from high school to college, help them with all the things that coach (Chris Hawkins) wants them to learn and maybe they can watch the seniors, see how we do it and follow.

US.com: You finished with a pretty good season last year. How have you prepared for this season to build off of last year?
SS: I've just tried to keep doing the same things I did last year and listen to the feedback and help that coach gives me. I hope to continue to get better and finish this season the same way I finished last season.

US.com: What are your goals for this season?
SS: I want us to have a winning season, to prove to people that we can play Division I softball and finish better than what we were picked to finish in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

US.com: Who is your best friend on the team and why?
SS: Melissa Lockey because we've been friends since she's been here, she plays with me in the outfield and we spend a lot of time together.

US.com: What do you like to do when you are not studying, in class or playing softball?
SS: I like to hangout with my friends and watch sports. I love watching football, especially the New England Patriots even though they lost in the Super Bowl this year.

US.com: What is it like playing for head coach Chris Hawkins?
SS: I've really enjoyed playing for Coach Hawkins. I think he has a lot of knowledge about the game, he's a really good coach and he has a lot to offer if you listen to him.

US.com: Is being on the softball team like being apart of a sisterhood since most of you come from different places and different backgrounds?
SS: Absolutely. Everyone is really close and we play well as a team. I think that helps us to be pretty successful on the field.

US.com: What is your favorite movie and why?
SS: Just Friends with Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart. I've watched it about a million times and it is hilarious. It makes me laugh every time I watch it.

US.com: What are your plans after you graduate?
SS: I want to get my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and I want to do some sort of investigative work.