VYPE: What grade are you currently in and how long have you been playing softball?
Jocelyn Hayes: I am a junior at Shawnee high school. I have been playing softball since I was five years old. I did other sports, but at the end of the day I always went back to softball and I will forever be grateful for the impact it has had on my life.
VYPE: What are your plans for after graduation?
JH: After I graduate highschool I want to continue playing softball in college, which has been a dream of mine ever since I went to my first college game about seven years ago. I’m not sure yet what career path I want to take yet but I know I want to do something in the medical field.
VYPE: What is your favorite school subject and who is your favorite teacher?
JH: My favorite subject right now is probably anatomy, because I like learning about the human body and it will help me a lot in my future medical career. All my teachers are great and I find them all very encouraging and helpful.
VYPE: Who has been a big influence in your life and why?
JH: My biggest influence has to be my mom. She has always pushed me to be the best version of myself in softball and in life. Anytime I look in the stands I know my mom will be there, even if it’s three hours away. She has put so much into my softball career and I can’t thank her enough for all the long car rides home from games and early mornings she has spent just to watch me play the sport I love.
VYPE: What position do you play and what position would you like to play?
JH: My current positions are outfield, pitcher and first base but if I were to focus on another position I would focus on catching. This season I have been asked to catch which was very new to me, but if I had more time I would like to excel in that position.
VYPE: What is your thought process at the plate?
JH: When I’m at the plate I try to think about all the things I have been taught and how I can help the team in my at bat, whether that’s bunting, walking, singles, or even an RBI. Trying to have a short term memory seems to help me best, and if my last at bat wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for, I try to let it go and think of what I can adjust to have a better approach the next time.
VYPE: Who is the loudest teammate in the dugout?
JH: The loudest teammate is probably our right fielder Aanyiah Lambert. She always makes sure the dugout is loud even if we’re down runs. Her attitude is always so positive and she is definitely a big part of our team.
VYPE: Who has the dirtiest uniform after a game?
JH: The one who usually has the dirtiest uniform is probably Alivia Grass. She always does whatever she can to get on base even if she has to belly flop on the ground to be safe. I don’t think there has been a game where she hasn’t gotten dirty.
VYPE: What opponent are you looking forward to playing this season?JH: The Shawnee area has a lot of really talented teams and we are always thinking about doing our best against anyone we play. Even if they have a better record than us, we always try to put our best foot forward and compete.
