There are many excellent pitchers in the Beverly Bandits organization including Taran Alvelo (Washington) and Miranda Elish (Oregon) and one that makes the list is today’s spotlight figure, a pitcher who led her Kentucky high school team deep into the state playoffs this year…

Name: JENNY CHAPMAN
Grad Year: 2016
Pos: pitcher
High School: McCracken Co. (Paducah, Ky.)
GPA: 3.5
Club: Beverly Bandits 16U                                                    
College: Louisiana Tech

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FullCountSoftball.com: You’re a lefty… what advantage do you feel that gives you in the circle in regards to your pitches and being an effective pitcher?
Jenny Chapman: I am a movement pitcher and I feel that gives me a lot of options on what pitches to use in different situations.

FCS.com: You had several other top club teams interested in getting you to play for this, but you stayed with the Bandits… what is it you and others find so attractive and valuable about Bill Conroy’s organization?
JC: The Bandits always play a very tough schedule and I need that to help get me ready for college.

FCS.com: Walk us through your recruiting process… how did La Tech coaches find you and when did you learn they were seriously interested?
JC: They noticed me in Colorado and invited me to a camp and visit. During the visit they made an offer.

FCS.com: When did you decide to commit and what led into the decision?
JC: I remember the date, it was December 15, 2013. I wanted to play in the south and I loved the campus and the coaches.

FCS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
JC: I called them after getting home from an unofficial visit.

FCS.com: Any concerns about being out of state for college? How far away from home will you be and was distance a factor in your decision at all?
JC: No, I have no concerns about the distance, which is nine hours. It was not a factor in my decision.

FCS.com: Let’s talk about you as a pitcher: what are your top go-to pitches and what would you say is one area you want to work on before you hit the college field?
JC: My rise and curve are my go-to pitches and I need to keep working on my drop.

 FCS.com: What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
JC: I believe my calmness on the mound during tight situations in the game is key.

FCS.com: What’s been a top memory or two for you in your softball career?
JC: Joining the Bandits and the whole summer of 2014 as we placed 3^rd in Colorado, 2^nd in PGF Nationals and 1^st in DeMarini.

 

Quick Hitters

What do you want to major in?
Business.

Fill in the blank… I’m happiest when:_______________
… I’m pitching!

What do you think is the No. 1 issue in the world today?
Poverty.

Favorite food:
Crablegs.

Least favorite food:
Butter beans.

Favorite place in the world:
Any beach.

What’s your dream vacation?
Paris.

Are you a cat or dog person?
Dog person… they’re friendlier.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
Naming my puppy I was four years old.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I have a raccoon.

How would your friends describe you in one word?
Funny.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
A knife to cut open coconuts.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
A LOT, too many to name.

In one sentence, what’s your motto in life?
If you’re going to be dumb you got to be tough. (laughs)