NCSA caught up with softball standout Jessica Ignacio about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What's your pre-game ritual(s)?
Ignacio: I listen to my iPod a lot. Before the game I talk to myself while doing stretches. I like to be alone before my games.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Ignacio: I am looking forward to taking my game to the next level and being able to see talent other than my own. Also I can't wait to meet new people.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in softball?
Ignacio: Sports are my passion. Softball is one sport that is outdoors and you need to have concentration all through the game. It also keeps me busy until through the end of the year. It also keeps me out of trouble!
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Ignacio: Surprisingly, I did not think I was going get this many responses and be able to get to a level to tryout for a team. I have come to think I have built a strong relationship with one coach in particular. That is the head coach at Hawaii Pacific University. He surprised me with the opportunity to tryout.
NCSA: How is your team(s) doing so far? (Club teams, high school teams)? Any challenges this season? How are you excelling personally, how does that compare to previous years?
Ignacio: So far my high school team has grown a lot not just in size but in knowledge. My personal strengths have shown this past year in softball.
NCSA: What are your goals - athletically, academically and in your community - for the school year?
Ignacio: My goals athletically are to keep learning new things because there is always room for improvement. Academically, I want to reach the college expectations in the GPA aspect to make me more eligible. Yes I am looking to improve on everything, like I said there is always room for improvement.
NCSA: Tell us about what you've learned since being with NCSA.
Ignacio: I have learned how to communicate coaches on a college level. The most important rule I have learned is don’t hesitate to contact any college coach as that is the key to move up to the next level in sports.
