The Youngstown State Softball team is struggling to win games, but the overall product is so much more polished than it used to be. Credit Coach Campbell and his staff for the great work to make this program more respectable than it has been in years.  One of the cogs in the new machine is Haley Thomas. Haley is a Phys Ed Major from Southern California who aspires to teach and coach when her college days come to an end.  As the Penguins head into tournament play this weekend, Thomas will be doing what she has all season, batting leadoff and playing CF for Youngstown State.  Just a Sophomore, Thomas started all 48 regular season games.  In those games, she has racked up eight home runs.  She leads the team in runs (40), total bases (105), walks (23), on-base percentage (.453), and batting average (.376).  I recently caught up with Thomas to discuss her future, getting homesick, and realizing her potential.

Paneech: How many years have you been playing softball?

Thomas: I just finished my tenth year.

Paneech: Have you always been an outfielder?

Thomas: No.  I started playing in the outfield.  I tried catcher and did that for awhile, and then when I got to YSU, I went back to the outfield.  I play some first base also.  I can play all three of those positions.  I have never pitched in my life.  I don’t really know how.

Paneech: What do you credit your big numbers to this season?

Thomas: I wouldn’t be leading the team in total bases and runs unless somebody was batting good behind me.  The team motivates each other to work hard.  Last year, I didn’t have a whole bunch of extra base hits.  I have worked on just trying to hit the ball hard without swinging harder, I use my natural swing.  Same swing every time – see the ball and try to hit it squarely.

Paneech: Do you prefer the 80 degree weather that we are having now, or were you more content when it was 45 degrees?

Thomas: I like the hot weather better for softball.  I grew up in California, so I was used to the hotter weather.

Paneech: Why Physical Education for a major?

Thomas: It is something that I am involved with every day, as well as something I can see myself involved with in the future.  I want to be happy doing something, so if I am not going to be happy there is no use in doing it.  I want to get involved with teaching and coaching.  I am not sure if I would accept a position as a volleyball coach somewhere, I don’t know enough about it.  I did play soccer though, so if I couldn’t coach softball, soccer would be okay.

Paneech: Are you homesick at all?  When will you be heading back West?

Thomas: I do get homesick sometimes.  I am taking a class in the Summer, but I will make my way home in July.

Paneech: Explain this season to me.

Thomas: The team has made a lot of improvement since last season.  We fought hard and played more consistently this year.  Although it may not show on paper, the quality of the team is so much higher than last year.  We don’t always get rewarded in the win column, but mentally we all know that we are striving to make a difference.

One Word Answers

Favorite Breakfast Food: A bagel with peanut butter and jelly.

Biggest Phobia: I don’t know.

Favorite TV Show: Survivor and Grey’s Anatomy.

Sport You Watch Other Than Baseball: Football, I’m a Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Favorite Movie: Shooter, Band of Brothers.  Any war movies.

Snack You Can’t Stop Eating: Chips.  All kinds, BBQ, Salt and Vinegar.

Worst Habit: Second guessing myself.

Haley and her teammates start Horizon League Tournament play this weekend, where she claims they will “try to win one game at a time, not the whole tournament at once“.  Best of luck Lady Penguins and congratulations on an outstanding effort this season.