Issue date: 4/12/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Matt Vanover

Media Credit: Matt Vanover

When a team has over twenty losses, it's hard to stay optimistic. But on the softball team, one player who still has hope is sophomore first baseman Jacqueline Macy.

"Even though we've lost twenty games we believe we can win our league still," said Macy.

Macy, a graduate of Middletown Madison, was a four-time All-Southwestern Buckeye League performer and was on the first team All-League each year in high school. She was also on the volleyball team and was the valedictorian of her class.

When Macy originally decided to come to Wright State she had been recruited by coach Sheila Nahrgang. She liked everything about the school and the people who talked to her as well. She thought the team chemistry was great and everyone seemed to get along.

But at the beginning of last school year, Wright State hired Mike Larabee as the new head coach. Despite having a different coach than the one who recruited her, Macy remained, and still is, optimistic about who is coaching the softball team.

"He's definitely intense," said Macy. "He's turned the program around."

Last year as freshman, Macy started 24 games and got a hit in her first collegiate at-bat against Georgia State. So far this season, she has started every game and batted .500 in the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic in February.

In the classroom, Macy is studying to become an athletic trainer. She also plans on attending graduate school either here at Wright State or in Tennessee, which is where she will be doing an internship later this year.

"I'll be involved in sports my whole life," said Macy.

As for softball after her college career is over, Macy says she doesn't really see herself getting involved as the coach of a team, but does plan on coaching her kids in the future.

"My kids will definitely play," said Macy. "As far as me staying around to coach, it's not (for) me."

Regardless of what her future is with softball, Macy and her teammates have just one thing in mind right now: getting on the winning track.

This past weekend the women added two slashes in the win column against UW-Green Bay, but still have a long ways to go before claiming any titles this season.

Profile

High School: Middletown Madison

High School Achievements: All Southwesterm Buckeye League

Why Wright State? Close to home and great people

Interesting Fact: Got a hit her first collegiate at-bat

Major: Athletic Training