For one softball player, she had a strong freshman season with the Bobcats. Posting a combined record of 42-17 with a 18-8 home record for the 2017-2018 season, she hit a stellar .259 with 135 at-bats, while starting in all 57 games.
Bailee Carter, sophomore second baseman, is looking forward to the upcoming season and all the new challenges it will bring.
“I thought the team learned a lot,” Carter said. “We did really well but we are taking what we learned last year and using that to better ourselves.”
The infielder from Azle gained a lot of experience in her first season.
“I can just take what I learned last year as far as game situations,” Carter said. “Last year was kind of a feel-it-out-year coming from high school to college, and now I know what I’m expecting and striving for.”
Playing one of the most important positions on the field as a freshman was a bonus for Carter’s growth and maturation as a player. She excels because of her love for the position.
“I definitely prefer the infield,” Carter said. “There is a lot going on and there is something to do every play so I see a lot of action.”
Carter played more than one position when she was younger and believes this gives her an advantage over opponents.
Carter is not one for personal goals; she would much rather see the team succeed no matter what role she is playing.
“Our biggest goal this year is just trying to do better as a team than what we did last year,” Carter said.
One of the biggest games of the year for the Bobcats was an in-state rival that is located no more than 45 miles away: The University of Texas.
“We enjoy playing The University of Louisiana-Lafayette which is always a good game since it’s in the conference,” Carter said. “But the University of Texas game is always fun and it’s usually really close. They’re a big rival. We went 3-1 against them last season.
One of Carter’s favorite things about playing for Texas State is the coaching staff.
“One of the best things about the coaches is that they are really funny and make jokes a lot, but they always teach us about stuff outside of softball,” Carter said. “(The coaches teach) a lot of life lessons that we can take with us when we are done here. They are always here for us if we need anything.”
Carter plans on utilizing the lessons she learned from her freshman year in the upcoming season to strengthen the Bobcats.