Meet the Freshmen: Rachel Scott
Nov. 30, 2012
Alex Hubbard, Texas Media Relations AUSTIN, Texas - Rachel Scott was a four-year starter, along with fellow freshman Holly Kern, at Plano East High School. Scott made the All-District 8-5A First Team as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was the District 8-5A Defensive Player of the Year her final campaign. As Plano East's Golden Glove recipient her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons, Scott helped lead the Lady Panthers to University Interscholastic League (UIL) 5A State Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2012. Earlier this week, Scott spent some time with TexasSports.com to talk about preparing for her first season on the Forty Acres, and her plans for the holiday break. What brought you to Texas? I loved the program here. I never really thought or considered Texas as a possibility before. Then Texas got interested in me. I thought it was a big deal and I would love to look at them. When I came here, I fell in love with Austin, the coaches and all of the girls. And the academic side of it was really important for me. Also, my grandfather is a UT alum, which was a big deal for me to be able to continue in his footsteps. So that meant a lot to him, and me as well. Were you a Texas fan growing up? Yes, actually. For a long time because my grandpa was. And it is cool now to be here. What has been the best part of Texas Softball so far? The camaraderie and the atmosphere. I just love having these teammates. Being able to be a part of Texas athletics and Texas Softball and just the atmosphere is really interesting and fun. How has academic life at UT been different than in high school? I think it is pretty comparable. In high school, I did all AP [Advanced Placement courses] work, so I felt prepared coming in.
But at the same time, college is definitely a step up. It takes a little time to get used to that, but I enjoy it. With my AP credits, I am in some of my major classes already so they are throwing me in the heat of it. How has the UT Academic and Student Services staff helped? Krista [Academic Counselor Krista McKenney] really pounds the pavement to make sure something doesn't fall by the wayside. So, even if I don't really need it, I know help is there to make me better and make me improve in everything that we do. So we take advantage of it. What have the coaches been like so far? I love the coaches. Coach [Jennifer] McFalls is very similar to my high school coach. That has been cool. They are like a spitting image of each other. So, it's like a little piece of home there. We joke around with her all the time. Coach [Connie] Clark really keeps the team on track. She helps you make sure you know what you're doing and keeps us accountable for everything that we do. And Coach [Corrie] Hill has done the same thing as well. She is a blast, too. I am so glad they are my coaches. How do you like Austin? I came a few times growing up, but I didn't really appreciate it. But now that I am here, I absolutely love it. I love the music scene here and I love the variety of restaurants and people. What has it been like playing at Texas with high school teammate Holly Kern? We often joke about how we started on the same team together and now we get to finish on the same team together. It's really fun to have her here. I love playing with her. Especially as my roommate, she can remind me of home. How have the veterans and returning players helped the newcomers? They really made us feel welcome right when we came and made us feel a part of the team. As far as softball goes, they offer to go hitting with us all the time. They also offer to go workout with us just to guide us along. As a freshman, I know I have a lot to improve upon. I don't mind taking advice from them because I know that they have the experience. What was it like playing in the UIL State Tournament at McCombs Field? It was kind of surreal. We actually played in it twice, once my freshman year and then in my senior year. My freshman year I was floored. I had never seen the softball field here before. I remember actually standing in left field and peeking over the fence and seeing the stadium for the first time. I was just thinking, "Wow, this is awesome. I would love to play here." Coming back my senior year, we had a different mindset. But at the same time, Holly and I knew this is where we were about to play so we wanted to leave a legacy. It was fun to get to play here and then know I would be back here and be a part of Texas in three months. To get a little preview, that was a lot of fun. What is it like to finally get to wear the Texas jersey? I don't think it has sunk in yet, to be honest. Getting all of our apparel, the helmet was a big deal, and the bat and the glove were great. Being able to put the uniform on and be a part of the team were great. More so than just the team, being a part of Texas and knowing that you were recruited out of many girls, and you were one they wanted. And now you have to live up to that, and try to rise to the challenge and rise to the occasion. How much has Coach Hill helped with your hitting? Defense is my favorite part. I love it. I would rather take groundballs than hit any day. But keeping that in mind, I know that I need to work on my hitting. So, that's what I have been working on most is hitting. Hitting, hitting and hitting. She has helped a lot. She has broken down my swing and helped me work on each part. So that has really helped. And also, hitting with the upperclassmen. They just want to make you better and everybody wants to make the team better. What was your favorite part of the Thanksgiving break? I love seeing my family. Family is a huge part of my life. Just getting to go to my grandparents' farm, be with the family and t have a blast. That was my favorite. Over the holiday break, what kind of softball things are going to work on? Taylor Hoagland, Holly and I all live really close together. So, Taylor said we are going to be hitting together a lot. I'll hit with my dad and go field groundballs at our high school field. I just want to get better and make that final push before the season starts. What are you looking forward to most about the break? I think I am going to a couple concerts. I will get to read - for my pleasure and not class. Just the chance to do some fun stuff with my friends and family. |
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