Nine Questions with Cassandra Reilly-Boccia
2/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama softball team present its first athlete for nine questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The second edition features freshman Cassandra Reilly-Boccia.
Rolltide.com: What was it like to put on the Alabama uniform for the first time and start in your first collegiate game?
Reilly-Boccia: Waking up every day and knowing I get to play for this team is an absolute dream come true. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by the teammates and coaches I have. Being able to wear that uniform on any day just reminds me of how there is not any other place in the world I think I'd be happier than with my team on a softball field.
Rolltide.com: You had a great weekend at the plate ... what do you think are some of your strengths as a hitter?
Reilly-Boccia: I feel my success at the plate this past weekend has everything to do with my teammates who are some of the best hitters in country and my coaches who in my opinion are the best at what they do. I feel one of the most important aspects of hitting is the mental part and having their knowledge and support throughout all the practices and games has helped me feel comfortable at the plate.
Rolltide.com: Being a freshman, what is it like to be able to learn from the likes of all the All-Americans on the team?
Reilly-Boccia: It is definitely an honor to be able to play on the same field with my teammates. I still remember the first time I came to watch Alabama play in 2007 and how I thought to myself how amazing it would be to play on such a talented team. Every single person on the team has helped me tremendously and has always been there for all of the freshmen since day one. It didn't take long for me to realize that they were not only All-Americans because of their softball abilities but because of their character and leadership as well.
Rolltide.com: What do you expect from the freshman class this season?
Reilly-Boccia: I feel so grateful to be a part of this freshman class. We have taken on every new challenge together and I love the fact that I get to continue to grow with them for the next four years. We have all worked so hard throughout our training and practices I can only expect us to continue to work and play hard throughout our careers.
Rolltide.com: Being the only New Yorker on the team ... what has that been like?
Reilly-Boccia: Although it seems far away, the transition from New York to Alabama was made easy because I always felt like I was a part of a family. My team still thinks it's funny how I still can't believe we get to play softball outside in February.
Rolltide.com: Do you have a favorite professional baseball team and why?
Reilly-Boccia: My favorite baseball team is and always will be the New York Yankees. Things haven't exactly been going their way for them lately but I still have strong memories of their 1996-2003 seasons when they made it to the World Series six times. They were the perfect team to root for growing up.
Rolltide.com: If you could play another sport in college what would it be?
Reilly-Boccia: I really can't imagine playing anything else other than softball. When I was younger I played basketball but never really had a passion for it. I think the only reason I played was to keep myself busy in the winter until all the snow melted and we could start playing softball again.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start playing the game of softball?
Reilly-Boccia: When I was three years old my grandpa introduced me to the game of softball. Everyday we'd be in the yard playing until it got dark. He didn't just teach me how to hit and field, he really taught me to love and respect the game. Ever since then I don't think I've ever looked back, I've always known that no matter what I'd want to have softball apart of my life.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to go to the University of Alabama?
Reilly-Boccia: If you would have asked me three years ago where I was planning on going to college I would've have told you a small school that was close to my home. I never would have thought that I'd come this far away. But after visiting Alabama and being introduced to the coaching staff and the team I fell in love with the softball program and the school. Now that I'm here I can't imagine myself anywhere else.
