Q. What happened when you stole second base against Humboldt State?
Syd: From what I remember, I already had a sprained ankle and Marcy gave me the sign to steal second and I was kind of surprised running on my ankle, but I was ready to go. I stole second, thought I got a pretty good jump, but was completely out. According to my mom and everyone else on the team I was out by about five feet. I just remember going down and hitting something hard, but I don't remember anything else.
Q. Did you hit her knee or her foot?
Syd: Her knee and leg. She was blocking me pretty hard.
Q. Getting injured so early in the season of your senior year, how has this affected you?
Syd: I think it took me by surprise. Last year I got hurt in the first game and I was only out for a week and it kind of opened my eyes to something new because I have always been in the game, been a starter. It was hard at first, but it hasn't really hit me till I've been out here at the games. It's been hard because I want to be there, I want to help out the team, but I know I'm going to be back. I think it is hard but I am realizing there are other aspects of being a leader besides just playing.
Q. How long do you have to have your jaw wired shut?
Syd: The doctor said four to six weeks. So hopefully getting it off March 25th.
Q. You broke your jaw in two places, correct?
Syd: Yes.
Q. So you will be back hopefully by the end of the season?
Syd: Yes.
Q. Do you still go out to practice everyday?
Syd: Yes, because of my sprain I have physical therapy and it lasts about an hour. I miss a little bit of practice and then run out there late. But, I go to practice everyday and I just miss early morning weights because I need my rest. I sleep about ten to twelve hours every night. I tried sleeping six hours and I was miserable the next day and my jaw was sore.
Q. What aspects of being a captain do you like best?
Syd: I like that the girls look up to me. I think they would even if I wasn't a captain, but I just like having that expectation. It holds me accountable for every action. I can't throw attitude because they are looking at me. You just have to be careful about what you say because it has an influence on everyone and that is what I have learned from past years, that leaders have a huge affect on the team.
Q. So do you feel that coming out injured you are really bringing a positive atmosphere to the team?
Syd: I think so, and I am trying to remain positive. I'll have down days, but I am trying to stay positive because I know they are still looking to me even though I'm hurt. But, it's hard. I'm glad we have three seniors and they are awesome too.
Q. How did you get started in softball?
Syd: I started playing when I was about five or six. My brother and sister played baseball and softball. My mom and dad just encouraged us to be really active. They didn't care what it was, but be active and do something. The thing with us is that we did everything. It wasn't until my senior year that I picked between soccer and softball, because I loved both of them. I chose softball even though soccer was kind of my favorite sport. It's kind of funny, but I love softball and there are more opportunities and I fell in love with Santa Clara, so I think that was the main reason.
Q. Why do you like playing in the outfield?
Syd: I don't know. Probably just because you get so much room to run around. I know I would be horrible in the infield, I don't have great reflexes. I like diving and running so I think it is a good place. I tried infield and I was never good at it so they just kind of stuck me out there to be quite honest.
Q. Speaking of running around, do you think you are going to be hesitant about stealing bases and diving headfirst?
Syd: I should be running, no pinch runners that I know of, I just will not be sliding head first. If it were my choice I would be, but my dad said I wouldn't be and Marcy said the same. So, I'll take their word for it.
Q. What is your number and does it hold any special meaning for you?
Syd: Sixteen and it was the baseball number of the first boy that I liked in junior high, in seventh grade. So that's why and it stuck with me ever since because that was the first year I played travel ball and we had to pick our numbers and I thought hmmmm...oh I know.
Q. Are you superstitious or have any rituals?
Syd: Just little things. For example when I get into the batters box I do the same thing, the same routine. If something goes wrong, I don't feel comfortable, I'll step out of the box. I'm kind of superstitious about bats too. If I haven't got a hit all day then I will switch my bat for the next game of the doubleheader. And sports bras, ya know.
Q. What is the biggest difference you have noticed in the program from your freshman year to now?
Syd: When I came here my freshman year we had different coaches. The biggest change was the coaching switch. Marcy coming in, being younger is kind of like new tradition. I think it has been really good for the program. And this freshman class is amazing. They have made quite a difference in our offense. Two out of the three girls on our pitching staff are freshman also. She has done a really good job recruiting. So I think that has been a big change. We've had good players but now we are going for the best that we can get with what we have. Just great well-rounded girls are coming into the program.
Q. Do you have any plans for after graduation?
Syd: Right now I am sending my resume out. I would like to hopefully get my teaching credential or go into sports PR. I like to write.
Q. Who has been an inspiration in your life?
Syd: I think my family. Everyone in my family, but I really look to my mom and my sister because they are the women. My mom because she works so hard and I admire everything about her, and my sister because we both played softball and she was All-American, just so successful, so I just wanted to strive to be the best I could be and she always pushed me. It is cool because we are different kinds of players. She is a catcher, power hitter and I am slapper, outfielder.
Q. She helps out on the team with the catcher's right?
Syd: Yes, she has been helping out.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
Syd: I don't know. On the questionnaire that I filled out at the beginning I put Remember the Titans. Probably that movie. I like lots of movies. I usually like romantic comedies, but that one is more inspirational to me, just the whole team idea and coming together.
Q. Where is one place you would love to travel?
Syd: I've never been to Europe. I don't even know where I would go in Europe. I have a lot of relatives that are Irish so maybe Ireland.
Q. What is your favorite quick and easy meal?
Syd: Well, now I have to eat liquid so probably tomato soup. Before that, Jack in the Box. I am a fast food person and I eat really bad especially late nights. Anything fast food, I never cook.
Q. Do you live in a house with girls?
Syd: Yes, I live in a house with seven girls.
Q. Is there anything else you would like your fans to know?
Syd: It would be great if we could get some more people out at our games. I think that there are going to be some enormous steps, and big changes in the next few years that people are going to see. If they come out this year they are already going to see a different team from last year. I just wish I was a freshman entering now and had four more years.
