NPF Q&A - Alison Owen
July 13, 2015 | Softball
Throughout the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch season, former Mississippi State softball pitcher and current graduate assistant Alison Owen will submit journal entries on her second season as a member of the Akron Racers. Stay tuned to HailState.com for all of the entries and follow @HailStateSB on Twitter and Instagram for more information.
Entry Three – July 13, 2015
What is it like getting paid to travel around the country playing the sport you love?
It is like a dream that became a reality. The National Professional Fastpitch league takes good care of us. With the money aspect aside, this league hires fantastic managers that in turn hire great coaches who have coached at very successful programs. Being able to travel all over the country and play the sport I love at the highest level possible is such an honor. Getting paid is a bonus!
Before signing with the Racers, when did you think playing professional softball in NPF could become a reality?
Many of my former teammates were either drafted into the league or went in as a free agent. I talked to a few of them about what it took to become a player in the NPF and if they thought it was a possibility. I began making it a goal my last few years of college and worked very hard with coach (Vann Stuedeman) to help make that goal more attainable. I was SO excited when I heard from (Akron Racers Owner/CEO) Joey (Arrietta)!
When was the first time you had to pinch yourself and make sure you weren't dreaming?
This question is great ... I believe the fact that I was a professional athlete set in when I was in the car with my dad driving to Akron for the first time. Mississippi State went to the 2014 NCAA Tournament and I missed the first few days of practice with the Racers. After the 15-hour drive I got out of the car and hopped right in at practice! I was so nervous but very excited to meet my new teammates and get the opportunity to learn from them. Getting to be on a pitching staff with some of the best pitchers was very nerve-racking, but very exciting!
What do you do when you aren't at the field for practice or games?
I play with my hedgehog (who has an Instagram) :-) @Charlieknox_hedgie! I also hang out with my awesome roommates, Megan Low from UTSA and Griffin Joiner from Kentucky! And yes, I said Kentucky and she's from Kentucky so you know people up north can't understand her half of the time. JK GRIFF!!!! Some days we get creative with our activities, but more than likely we are all just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.
What has been the best moment of your career & the worst?
The best moment of my professional career thus far would be earning a win my rookie year against Monica Abbott. She is one of THE BEST pitchers in the world so it was pretty cool as a rookie.
The worst moment of my professional career would be my very first hitter in the league, Tammy Williams (Chicago), hit a home-run to start my NPF career off.
How do you look at the game of softball differently after having spent the 2015 season as a Graduate Assistant coach at MSU?
It's a completely different perspective being on the opposite side of the foul lines. As a coach, you see everything that happens on the field. It's a very clear view at practice and at games. I feel like as a player sometimes you may not understand why you are doing a certain drill consistently or asked to pump your arms EVERYTIME you run anywhere. As a coach you are always looking on what can help these athletes for the future and what can I do today to help them become better. It was a great opportunity for me to learn and grow. I am very thankful for that!
What do you miss most about Starkville?
I MISS NEWKS, STROMBOLLIS, STRANGE BREW, THE JUNCTION, FOOTBALL, OUR FANS, VANNTASTIC and the beautiful north farm! :-)
What are your personal goals for the remainder of the NPF season?
My personal goal is to do whatever is asked of me to the best of my abilities. To embrace any role I may be given and do whatever I can to help the Akron Racers bring home the Championship. Not just for my teammates but for the Racer organization, our wonderful fans and for former Akron Racers who worked so hard to build our legacy.
What are your plans after graduating with your masters from MSU?
After I gain my master's degree in sports administration, I'm going on a long vacation ... And THEN I will continue my coaching career and see what opportunities await.
What does it mean to you to be able to see young fans & make their day when they ask for an autograph or a picture with you?
I mean, I was a young fan at one point. If you play softball, you looked up to at least one player growing up. It is easy to appreciate fans, especially our young “softballers” because they make us who we are. They watch us, cheer for us and simply smile at us when we go through the line. It's a great feeling when someone says, “you're my favorite player” or even, “I love your eye black!” That means they are watching, learning and growing as an individual. Watching our league at such a young age is so exciting for our league and the future of softball. We can't thank our young ones enough for the constant encouragement and love! SOFTBALL IS A GREAT GAME!!!
