Caroline Pollock, a senior outfielder on GCUS’s softball team, was named Zaxbys’ Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 2.
In the two-game series against Young Harris College, Pollock batted .400 including a home run and two RBI that would come in the season opener. She also showed patience at the plate, drawing a walk in the second game.
“I think there’s always room for improvement in all aspects of the sport, but I’m pleased with how I’ve done thus far,” Pollock said.
Since her award-winning performance against the Mountain Lions, Pollock has performed well at the plate, now having seven hits in 21 tries, including a double to sit third on the list for OPS on the Bobcat softball team (.941) OPS. She’s remained patient at the plate with a 3:2 walk-to-strikeout ratio.
In a doubleheader against the Newberry College Wolves on Friday, Feb. 14, Pollock continued her impressive season, notching two hits to help lead her team to a win to split the series, one of those hits being an RBI single followed by a three-run home run from junior outfielder Maddie Todd to give the Bobcats a four-run lead in game two.
“Caroline’s one of my best friends,” said Jacy Singleton, a freshman pitcher. “I think she’s such an inspiration to me; she’s lighthearted about the game, but she’s also so determined to get things done and win.”
While performing on the diamond is considered the most crucial part to fans, being a senior comes with an added responsibility: leadership. Leadership happens behind the scenes, preparing the next class of players to perform at that next level.
“I’ve told several people this, that this is one of the best teams that I’ve been a part of, just for many aspects, it’s not just a softball team,” Pollock said. “We have a bond that I haven’t had with most other teams that I’ve ever played with. They’re like my sisters.”
While many fans see the team on a game-to-game basis and view them for a few hours every week, this team has clicked on another basis. Working behind the scenes to create a fresh and exciting dynamic that, according to Pollock, is few and far between.
“Everyone looks up to her,” Singleton said. “You could probably ask anyone on the team.”
Coming into the season, the Bobcat softball team gained a new coaching staff. While that may have affected many other athletes, the new coaches and the bond that these players had previously formed carried them well through the transition.
“I’ve only been playing for them for a couple of months now, and I feel like I’ve developed as a player and person because of Coach Johnson and Soza and their influence on us,” Pollock said.
The softball team opens a four-game weekend on the road at noon on Saturday, Feb. 15, in Greenwood, S.C. The road-stand begins with a doubleheader: game one against Lenoir-Rhyne University and two against Carson-Newman University. The Bobcats look to extend their three-game winning streak.