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Softball's Rogers welcomes pressure of leading role

(Photo by Jessica Weisel)
(Photo by Jessica Weisel)

Junior center fielder Lesley Rogers is currently batting .359 with three home runs and 18 RBI on the season and is a perfect 21-for-21 on stolen bases. Rogers sat down with The State Press to discuss softball, her reputation as a comedian and Glee.

The State Press: So, I hear you’re kind of the comedian of the team? Lesley Rogers: I would definitely agree with that. It’s not an act. I’m definitely different. I just like to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh.

SP: And you do impressions as well? LR: Before every game I do impressions of a lot of the top pitchers in [the NCAA]. I do a good Danielle Lawrie [of Washington]. Everyone loves that one. I do impressions of everything. It’s embarrassing, but I practice. All the girls egg me on. They always want me to do it and they just laugh at me.

SP: What does that light mood do for this team’s chemistry? LR: When you get too serious, team morale is low and it’s kind of just boring. We’re all very funny people. We have a lot of good personalities on this team. I think that we all just come out here and have the same goals and the same ideas about what we want to accomplish. And we’re all really good people. So I think just all of that mixed in one is a good match.

SP: You’ve said you have a carefree attitude. How does that alter your approach to the game? LR: I have a really short memory. So if I fail or something bad happens, I just think “OK, it’s over. You can’t change it.” When I’m too serious, I think too much and things don’t go my way.

SP: How do you like the role of leadoff hitter? LR: I think any spot is a good spot, but I definitely like having the pressure on me to start the game and getting our team rolling. Even if it doesn’t work out in my favor, I know everyone behind me has that potential.

SP: What quality of yours do you think best suits you to play center field? LR: I’m a good thinker. I have a good mental approach out there. I may not be the most vocal, but I like to set an example. I’m just a smart player and I think that helps control the outfield. And I’m fast. That helps too.

SP: How special is it for you getting to play in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation? LR: I’ve wanted to do it since I was little. I didn’t know what team I wanted to play for, but I’m so happy I picked ASU because it’s a great school with great tradition. I don’t mind playing against the best players in the country. It’s a challenge, and I love challenges.

SP: What do you and the other outfielders talk about in center field during pitching changes? LR: Honestly, I don’t think it’s ever anything softball related [laughing]. Sometimes, it’s just too much softball and we need to lighten up the mood a little bit. Sometimes we like to pull some dance moves out there. I hope no one’s watching.

SP: I also saw you’re a big fan of Fox’s show Glee. Excited about a new season? LR: Yes! Me and some of the girls always like to get together and have Glee parties. That sounds lame, but we like to get together and have Glee night. A lot of us like that show.

Reach the reporter at tyler.lockman@asu.edu


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