Troy University Athletics
Meet the Trojans - Michelle Phelps
12/28/2013 4:33:00 PM | Softball
Meet the Trojans - Mackenzie Kayler | Facility Upgrades
TROY, Ala. – With the 2013 Troy softball season fast approaching, TroyTrojans.com will introduce you to a newcomer from the squad every week, leading up to the season opener in February.
Michelle Phelps joins the Trojans after playing two seasons at Northwester Florida State College. There, Phelps was twice named to the all-conference team. She hit .311 with four home runs and 34 RBI as a sophomore and went a combined 24-9 in the circle over her two seasons. The Pace, Fla., native had a tremendous prep career as well at Pace High, hitting .338 with five home runs her senior season.
1. Why did you choose Troy to continue your education and softball?
"I chose Troy to continue my education and softball because I had a lot of friends from home that attend Troy just for academics and they did nothing but say good things about Troy and especially telling me about their athletic programs knowing I play softball. I also heard nothing but good things about the academic program at Troy and how friendly everyone is and how administration knows you by name."
2. How has the transition been from NWFSC to Troy?
"I would say the transition from NWFSC to Troy has been rather easy. Going from a college that does nothing but teach and going through the learning process of playing college ball to just playing because we know how has been a huge transition but I have enjoyed it and I would say I have handled it pretty well."
3. What would you say are the key differences in your preparation for the season ahead?
"The main differences in my preparation for the upcoming season would be that I work a lot more on my own than I ever did. I just take what my coaches have given me and when I can't have them on the field with me I run with it and go with the information they have given me and recite it to myself over and over again hoping to create great habits to bring to the field."
4. How have your practices been and what do you see as your biggest improvement so far? "Practices this year I would say have been great. I have given it everything I could and I honestly would say I have gotten much better fundamentally. I've done drills I couldn't even dream of doing that have helped me tremendously. I would say I have gotten a lot faster and a lot more consistent playing my position."
5. What do the new facility upgrades mean to you?
"I couldn't be any more excited about the new facility and field. I feel that this is going to show so much class for our program and bring in so many fans. I also believe it will help us as a team perform so much better knowing we can train rain or shine and we will also have a treatment room right on site to get whatever treatment needed to help us perform at our best."
6. What are your personal goals for the spring season?
"My one and only goal is to train as hard I can to be the best that I can and bring it to the field to help my team be successful."
7. When you finish college what would you like to do?
"When I finish college I would like to get a teaching job at a high school where I can coach softball as well. I would like to settle down, get married and have kids, but my ultimate goal is to one day be a head coach for a college program or be a recruiting coordinator for a college program as well."
8. In one word, describe this year's team.
"Family"
Skylar Meade Postgame - Alabama State
Wednesday, April 01
Dontae Wright - Spring Practice
Tuesday, March 31
Adam Howard - Introductory Press Conference
Monday, March 30
Player Postgame Press Conference (Ella Cunningham, Abby Lovell) - Southern Miss
Sunday, March 29