Softball Newcomer Q&A: Sarah Cornell
1/23/2019 10:21:00 AM | Softball
We will be posting Q&A's with each of the seven newcomers on this year's Alabama softball team heading into the 2019 season. The second is with junior Sarah Cornell, a pitcher from Westbury, N.Y., who arrived at Alabama following two seasons at Hofstra.
How did you get your start playing softball?
"My dad was a really good baseball player so he brought me into the sport and I loved it. I always wanted to be either playing or practicing all the time. I played other sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, field hockey and gymnastics just to keep myself active but I really loved softball and just stuck with it. It was always my favorite sport to play."
When did you realize you could potentially take softball to the next level?
"I was probably around 12 years old when I started playing with a better travel team. That took me to the next level and I was around so many good players. That made me think about playing in college."
Did you still play other sports or focus exclusively on softball?
"I was playing varsity-level sports in seventh grade and still kept myself active with other sports instead of doing just softball. Those kept me active and in shape."
What colleges were you looking at early on?
"I was really young during the decision process. I didn't really know what I wanted. It was all so new to me so when I was offered by Hofstra, I just went with it. I don't regret the decision I made but I felt like it was kind of rushed. When I decided to transfer, I made sure I looked at as many schools as possible because I didn't have that chance the first time. Hofstra was the only school I toured and I committed in the 10th grade. It was such a quick decision."
What was your decision-making process like after you decided to transfer?
"I always wanted to go to a big school and always wanted to come to Alabama specifically. I remember watching the 2012 national championship team and thinking that was where I wanted to go. I always rooted for them when I saw them on TV. Something stuck out to me about them. Their personalities were great. They used to make these funny YouTube videos and I would watch those. I just wanted to be at a bigger school with people I related more with. It was a breath of fresh air because I had been in the New York area my entire life."
Was there any hesitation to move far away from your hometown?
"At that point, I was ready to see something new and meet new people. It's so different from New York but I love it here. I love telling people back home about how it is here, it's one-of-a-kind."
Alabama was your dream school, but when did it become a real possibility you could play here?
"I picked schools that I wanted to go to and just emailed the coaches to see what would happen. I wasn't going to be upset if they didn't email me back but I knew I needed to try. I emailed Aly [Habetz] and she responded within the next day so that was a 'wow' moment. When I told my parents, they were so excited. It was like a childhood dream come true. When I got that response and even after I got here and started practicing, it didn't feel real. It felt so surreal. It was that 'I finally made it' moment."
When you got the email, did you know this was your top choice or did you have to temper your expectations?
"When I got the email I was trying to stay on the fence but my parents were like 'what do you mean you don't know?' I didn't know what I wanted but they kept reminding me that this was my childhood dream. After talking with them more I knew that I was going to go to Alabama."
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
"It was a lot to take in. It wasn't like being a freshman where you don't know what's going on but it was different coming from another school. Being here is a breath of fresh air and it's a great feeling."
How has the acclimation process been so far?
"The fall was just a process of getting to know each other. Now that we've gone through that and are back together in the spring, there's a good vibe to the team. I just look around and smile because everyone is in good spirits. We're all here for the same reason; we want to win and we want to succeed. There are five pitchers and it's cool because we're all different but we get along. We pick each other up and will never put each other down. We want success for each other."
What are your individual and team goals for the spring?
"Our team goal is to find a place where we're all comfortable with each other and trusting of one another. That will go a long way during the season. Personally, I just want to do the best that I can and just be there for my teammates and try and be one of those people who are 'in the game' even if I'm just cheering in the dugout."
What advice would you give to a young player that wants to play college softball?
"With the new recruiting rules, I think that's good for the next generation. That's a huge step in the softball world. It will give them time and a chance to really think about what they want to do. That's what I always wished I could have had. If they want to continue to play and succeed, just keep an open mind about learning new things. Don't get frustrated about what you're doing wrong but emphasize what you're doing right. Keep a positive attitude and don't' let negativity bring you down, whether that's on or off the field."
