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