Feb. 9, 2007
#9 – Caitlin Lever – OF
What are your goals and outlook for your final season at Georgia Tech?
“Every season, I feel I have gotten better, so I would like to end my career with my best season yet. I am just anxious to get started. Once we begin playing games, I will be able to project what we are going to do. I personally want to go to a Super Regional this year.”
Is team chemistry something you have to get into the season to figure out?
“I think so this year. We have a new coaching staff, new attitude, and new atmosphere. It is just very different than last year; it will be very interesting to see how everyone comes together.”
Your first season, you hit over .300 but was more of a singles hitter. Last season you hit 10 home runs and became a power hitter. Is it a different mind-set, do you come in thinking I can hit 20 home runs or do you look to just get hits and the home runs will come?
“I think I have to have the mentality of trying to just get base hits. My first year at Tech, I was just trying to get some hits. During my second season, I got too much into the power-hitter mentality. This year should really be more of a combination of reading the defense and utilizing my skills at the plate. As far as hitting goes, it will be trouble if I try and hit home runs that would really mess me up. I am just going to try and get the ball in play.
Whitney Haller had a tremendous season last year and you will be hitting behind her. Is that exciting to know that some teams will try and pitch around her to challenge Caitlin Lever?
“Yes, I love it. Teams are going to have trouble with me and Savannah (Brown), someone is going to get a big hit.”
When you saw the ACC preseason poll, what did you think?
“I don’t think ranking pulls too much. Anyone can win the ACC. You can’t really pay too much attention to it.”
When this season is done, where do you see Georgia Tech?
“Definitely a growing team, we have the new coaches and new philosophy. This season will really breed a new generation of Georgia Tech. Pitching is going to grow. They have been crazy with recruiting. I can’t see anything but Georgia Tech going up.”
Do you think we will be in the World Series this year?
“We always have a chance. Our offense can sting anybody. It is just how much our pitching and defense does. We always have a chance and you can’t count us out.”
Is defense a major focus this year?
“Yes, it is probably the biggest system change from the new coaching staff. Coach Earleywine was very offensive-minded. It will be interesting to see if we change from offense being our strength to pitching and defense being our strengths. The concentration on defense was something we needed.”
