As someone who has started more than 200 games at Florida, Aja Paculba knows playing for a big-time program can be nerve-wracking for a freshman.
Paculba, the team’s most experienced player, has opened the season on a tear with a .500 batting average and two home runs. The senior second baseman has also been a steady presence for a starting infield that features two freshmen in Kasey Fagan and Cheyenne Coyle.
“I’m seeing the ball really well,” Paculba said. “The biggest thing is that I’m staying calm in the box and staying positive. And not letting negative things affect me is really helping.”
While Paculba and the Gators are looking forward to continuing their undefeated start with their first home series of the season this weekend, they will first have to hit the road Wednesday to take on Jacksonville at 6 p.m.
Paculba’s ability to contribute in different ways on and off the field has paid dividends early. The senior has taken Coyle under her wing and said she is already one of her closest friends on the team.
Paculba said developing a close relationship with the freshmen, and letting them know it’s OK to make mistakes or be nervous, is important to overcoming their nerves.
That advice has been particularly helpful for Fagan.
The 2010 National Gatorade Player of the Year has stepped in as the starter at third base, and although she admits she didn’t have the best performance last weekend, the atmosphere around the team is very positive.
“We’ve been rolling through pretty much everyone our first five games,” Fagan said. “A lot of that has to do with how good we all work together. We love being with each other on the field and off the field, and that has a big impact on how we play.”
Adjusting to the college game has been easier than expected for Fagan.
While she knew it would be much different than travel ball, the tough opposition has presented Fagan more of a challenge than getting used to her new team.
“The higher level of competition is pretty intense,” Fagan said. “But you can feel at ease if you don’t do your best because the rest of the team is way better and they can pick me up.”
