Story Links
Sophomore Lauren McCaskey and the Virginia softball team continue their current homestand with four games this weekend at The Park. On Saturday, the Cavaliers will play host to Rider in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Action continues Sunday at 1 p.m. with a doubleheader against Lafayette. McCaskey recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to chat about her versatility, why she should be Virginia’s newest pitcher, what she likes to do for fun and her favorite class at UVa.
Question: Are you excited to be playing at home for a little while now?
McCaskey: It’s really exciting to play at home. It works to our advantage and it’s great to play in front of our fans. We got off to a good start at home last weekend so we just want to keep that going.
Question: What is your favorite part of the Park’s renovation?
McCaskey: The infield because it is so much better than last year. The bounces you got last season were just awful. And I love the dugouts and the new scoreboard. The whole field is so nice.
Question: What do you think is the biggest difference between last season and this season?
McCaskey: The first-years have had a positive effect on our team. They have the drive to win. Karla (Wilburn) has really stepped up and when she pitches we are all there to back her up. Last year we were all fed up with losing and we don’t want to go through that again. This year we are closer. There is no negativity. We are all here to win.
Question: You’ve played all over the infield. Is that you just being versatile?
McCaskey: In high school I started in right field, then third base, then short stop. On my travel team I played first and some in the outfield, so I’ve always played every position. But I love the middle infield, I would rather play there than a corner. I feel like I can do more at second. I’ve always been stronger on the defensive side.
Question: If you could play any position, disregarding any talent or skill, where would it be?
McCaskey: If I could play any position, I would definitely be the pitcher, because my changeup is sick-nasty. Coach (Schmidt) doesn’t understand that if she needs a pitcher I am legit ready to come in. Coach, I am ready to come in! Seriously though, I always wish I could pitch. It’s the only position I can’t play. But I have the changeup down.
Question: Being one year removed from your freshman season, what kind of advice do you give the first-years?
McCaskey: They are solid players, so I don’t really have to worry about them too much. But coming from high school to college, that in itself is a big change. The most important thing is telling them to shake it off when something isn’t going well. We have so many games so there will be more opportunities. But they are adjusting a lot better than I did.
Question: How do you work your way out of a hitting slump?
McCaskey: You have to work hard. Last week I was in three extra times to hit. You have to know you are going to come out of it. You have to believe that and have confidence. Coach Hirai always says hard work is going to pay off, even if it’s not next game or next week. As long as I still play solid defense, it’s going to come around.
Question: What do you like to do for fun?
McCaskey: Does sleep count? I try to catch up on sleep because I have no immune system. I like to shop and watch movies. I am addicted to coloring books. They are the best therapy ever. I have the huge box of crayons. It has four different silvers and 10 different blues. It is awesome.
Question: Why did you choose to come to UVa?
McCaskey: Driving in to Grounds for the first time, I remember turning to my mom and telling her I wanted to come here. This place is the exact idea of college, the way everything looks, the feeling. This school has everything the academics, the atmosphere, the tradition. Now the softball team is going places and it is exciting to be a part of.
Question: Have you thought about what you want to major in?
McCaskey: As of right now, it’s sociology. I don’t really know what I want to do. It might change 10 times before tomorrow. But it’s broad, so that is a plus. I maybe thought about doing sports broadcasting, but now I am not fully into that. I really like kids and I am going to be a camp counselor this summer. So I am hoping that sparks some interest.
Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa?
McCaskey: Right now I am taking History of the Circus. I love it. We have it twice a week, there is a lecture, then we watch the different types of circuses. Our class went to the circus in Richmond, but we left that day for a trip so I didn’t get to go. The elephants are so cute and I have become obsessed with them.