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Sophomore Marcy Bowdren and the Virginia softball team open the home portion of the schedule this weekend by playing host to the UVa Invitational. Games begin at 1 p.m. Friday with a doubleheader against Ohio. Bowdren, a native of Fairfax Station, Va., recently caught up with VirginiaSports.com to chat about the season, her versatility, the team chemistry and her major.
Question: Through the first two weekends, what is it like to be off to a 6-2 start?
Bowdren: I think it’s amazing. We’ve already started better than we did last season. The team chemistry is better. Our hitting has definitely been a strength. We have been keeping up with our conditioning and are pretty fit.
Question: What did you work on most during the offseason?
Bowdren: I would have to say my mental game. Last year it was hard for me to distinguish between softball and all of the schoolwork I had to do. I have been trying to separate school and softball. I hit a lot too.
Question: You have already played three different positions at UVa. Which is your favorite?
Bowdren: Last year was the first time I had ever played second base so that was an experience. It was fun. I have a new appreciation for that position. My first love has always been catching. I have also played third base and that is fun because you don’t have to think; the ball just comes at you so fast. You have to play loose there.
Question: What do you love about catching?
Bowdren: You are always involved and I like to frame and work with the pitchers.
Question: How would you describe the team chemistry?
Bowdren: Everyone is just hilarious. Everyone has their moments, and we let everyone have their moments, if that makes any sense. We spend a lot of time together and are a sassy bunch.
Question: What kinds of things do you do for fun as a team?
Bowdren: We all hang out. Eating is a big deal. Movies. Just normal hang out stuff.
Question: Who is the funniest person on the team?
Bowdren: Good question. I don’t know! Alexa, Taylor and Erica, I would say are the top three.
Question: Why did you come to UVa?
Bowdren: It is close to my family and has a great reputation. Those were the main reasons.
Question: What is your major?
Bowdren: I am hoping to do education but my bachelor’s degree will be in sociology. In the Curry School (of Education), you have to get a bachelor’s degree in something different and then you will get your master’s degree in education. I want to be an elementary school teacher and maybe coach high school softball.
Question: What are the benefits to playing at home?
Bowdren: We can sleep really well in our own beds. But I think playing at home is tougher because you always want to win at home and there are some distractions. I think we can have a good weekend. I am really confident about this team this year.