Meet the Tide: Sydney Booker
1/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Alabama welcomes six newcomers to the 2016 team. We will be posting Q&A features with all six leading into the season. Our first Q&A is with sophomore transfer Sydney Booker from Madison, Ala.
How did you get your start playing softball?
"I've always been into sports. I've played soccer, basketball, football and softball for a long time. I dropped soccer after a year but everything else, except for football, I played up to high school. I liked softball more than the others. It's my go-to."
When did you think that you could take softball to the next level and play collegiately?
"I'd say pretty early on. Around sixth or seventh grade, going into middle school. I just stood out compared to the other kids and I was really into it more than the others. We started playing travel ball and it went from there. Playing in college was a pretty big goal for me. I always wanted to go to a big school such as a D1 or SEC school. I really wanted to play somewhere so that was the main goal. Basketball was a side hobby for me."
Considering your family history, did you grow up an Alabama fan?
"Yes, we were die-hard fans. My dad had me holding a football and saying `roll tide' since I was little. I watched a little bit of Alabama softball on TV but I was really busy with all of my sports so I didn't really have a whole lot of time to watch."
When you were deciding on colleges, was Alabama in the picture initially when you went to Southeast Louisiana?
"No, I didn't have a specific place in mind. I was just trying to find an offer from anyone. Southeastern Louisiana were there and Jacksonville State was also trying to get my attention too. My choices were basically those two. When Alabama came in the picture last summer and Coach Murphy was interested in me, that was a lot to take in. I received a text from my dad and he asked if I would be interested in going to Alabama. I called him back and said I would love to go there. I got my release from Southeastern Louisiana so that I could come and talk to Coach Murphy about it. Then I came down for a visit and it all happened from there."
How has the adjustment been for you in Tuscaloosa?
"It's a dream come true. It's been a great experience and I've learned so much already from being here. They took me in as if I was always here and I feel like I'm part of the family. It's a great family atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. It's perfect."
How would you grade your fall season?
"I think we did pretty well. We have stuff that we have to work on, but what team doesn't? I think we were pretty solid. I'm really excited to see what all we get to do during the spring."
What are some of your team and individual goals going into the season?
"Obviously to win the National Championship. Also to grow as a unit and be a more tight-knit group so that we can play together and work together as a whole to get things done."
What's the best advice that you would give to a young aspiring softball player?
"One you get a vision, you need to take it and run with it. You need to work hard. It's harder at a young age to understand that you need to work hard but you need to instill that when you're young so that it will make things easier for you. Work at it all the time and it will all work out if it's supposed to."
