7 Innings with LSU’s Allie Walljasper & Carley Hoover
Over the last four years, LSU softball has been led in the circle by a combination of Allie Walljasper and Carley Hoover. Walljasper is ranked 15th with a 0.94 ERA and Hoover is close behind at 22nd with a 1.20, both are on the way to having another All-American season. LSU ranks 9th as a team among the Top 25 in the NCAA and looks to maintain their reputations as a top pitching staff in the country.
“They [Walljasper and Hoover] built on great existing tradition of LSU Softball and have taken it to a different level.” said LSU’s Head Coach, Beth Torina. When Torina appeared on December 21st edition of “In The Circle” she made a comment that Walliasper and Hoover, “understand they make each other that much better.” LSU is truly a product of what these two have been able to accomplish over the last few years. They have improved so much by playing off each other, working together, and supporting each other as well as their teammates.”
Walljasper and Hoover have a chance to go down as the greatest LSU pitching combination in program history. Consider this: Walljasper and Hoover have helped lead LSU to three Women’s College World Series appearances in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The two are just nine wins behind another famous LSU softball pitching combo, Rachele Fico and Brittany Mack. Fico and Mack totaled a combined 134 wins, while Hoover and Walljasper have a total of 126 and counting, as of Monday, April 16. Walljasper’s win against Northwestern State on Tuesday passed Mack who totaled 56 wins in her career. Hoover is only nine wins behind Fico who had 78 wins in her career and finished 4th place in LSU softball history. On this edition of “7 Innings“, we get a chance to chat with Carley Hoover and Allie Walljasper.
Eric Lopez (ELO)- How did you both get involved playing softball and who influenced you growing up?
Carley Hoover– “I started playing softball after my football career ended. My dad and football coach sat me down and told me they have to put me in a different sport that I can grow in. So, I picked softball. My dad is definitely my biggest softball influence. When I was younger, my dad drove me everywhere to see the best pitching coaches, paid for me to get the best training, and caught for me every single day we practiced. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without him.”
Allie Walljasper– “When I was three and a half, I got a wiffle ball bat and ball for a gift. I was at my grandparent’s house and took my papa to play with me outside. He tossed me the ball and I hit it so hard back at him that I broke his reading glasses. So when I turned four, I started softball. My dad was so excited to sign me up because he had played his entire life and loved the game just at much as my papa. My papa was my biggest influence and never missed a game in travel ball. Even if it meant we had to travel across the world, he always wanted to tag along. When I was 14 years old, he passed away from cancer and it hit me very hard. Now, I continue to live out my dream knowing how happy it would make my papa because of the love we share for the sport.”
ELO- You both had different roads leading you to LSU. What made you both decide to go to LSU?
Walljasper– “I chose LSU because of how family oriented it is. I am a huge family person and when I came on my visit, it was really amazing how nice and welcomed I felt. From the fans, coaches, and future teammates everyone was so nice. I also wanted to go to a school where I could make an impact and work hard towards a goal such as the World Series. I knew Coach Beth could really help me achieve that goal here at LSU.”
Hoover– “In my first go round of recruiting, I absolutely loved LSU. I went to Stanford my freshman year because that was always my dream school growing up for volleyball. I ended up there for softball and it’s also extremely hard to turn your ideal school down if you get in. After one year there, I decided LSU was the right move for me. I love the culture, the program, and the people!”
ELO- Do you remember the first time you both met?
Hoover– “Yes! Allie was my host during my summer visit, after my freshman year of college.”
Walljasper– “I met Carley for the first time when she came on her visit to LSU. I was actually her host and we got to get to know each other then.”
ELO- What is it like playing for Coach Torina and what have you learned from her?
Walljasper– “I learned how to become a smarter pitcher and to think each situation out, not become a robot on the mound.”
Hoover– “Coach Torina knows pitching very well. When I got here, I still had the mentality of blowing the ball by everyone. She has definitely taught me everything I know about pitching, mentality, and finesse. I’m grateful for her giving me the opportunity to play at LSU.”
ELO- Describe playing together and what you’ve learned from each other to help gain success both for the team and individually?
Hoover– “I love being teammates with Allie. I think a lot of our success is stemmed from one another. If she does well on a Friday night game, it sets me up perfectly for Saturday and vice versa. It’s also nice because, usually, one of us is always on. So between us, I think it’s hard for other teams to take a series from us. Also, I just love working with Allie. We push each other and realize we need one another for the team to be great. I know she has my back when I come out and she knows I will have hers when the roles are reversed. There is no one else I would rather shared duties with here. We have a bond that’ll last beyond the bullpen and beyond college.”
Walljasper– “I wouldn’t change these last four years with Carley any day. It is such a privilege knowing you have an all-american pitcher behind you when it’s not your day. It’s also comforting to know if it’s a close game and I’m starting to get hit, Carley can come in and shut it down. We are so different in everything we do but that’s what makes us so good. Her strengths in pitching are my weaker spots and vise versa. We are just so different in all aspects, it’s actually really funny. Even the small things like our majors, what we eat, what we do with our free time, and the way we are on the mound. Anything you think of, Carley and I are complete opposite.”
ELO- If you could take one thing from the other pitcher and add it to your game, what would it be?
Hoover– “I would LOVE Allie’s off speed! I’m very jealous of that pitch. Allie has attempted to teach it to me a few times in the bullpen. She’s so good with that pitch- it’s killer.”
Walljasper– “If I could take one thing to add to my pitching from Carley, it would be how hard she throws. It’s so much fun to watch her throw and how silly she makes people look. Batters are so late and have a look on their face that says, “wow, that was fast!””
ELO- Allie describe Carley and Carley you describe Allie as a player, teammate, and what they have meant to the team all these years.
Walljasper– “Carley is a competitor and never going down without a fight. She will pump the team up when needed and give all her energy every time she steps on a softball field. Having her along this journey these last 4 years has been something truly special. I wouldn’t be the pitcher I am today without her. Carley is a great teammate and an even better friend. You don’t find two players in the same position, much less pitching, who are truly friends on and off the field. We want the best for each other and we are each others biggest fans. We stand on the top deck cheering one another any chance we get.”
Hoover– ” Allie is really mine and this teams backbone. She’s reliable. She’s always there when you need her. She’s quiet and confident. Allie has the ability to pump you up but still have this cool confident presence that calms you down. You know she’s going to win every situation by attacking it with grace, preparation, and calmness. She is consistent and always exactly what the team needs whenever she’s on the mound.”
ELO- Allie describe what it was like pitching 19 innings in one game vs. Ole Miss. Carley, what was it was like watching Allie pitch those 19 innings? Did you think you may have to pitch the whole game the following night as Allie was was 0-0 going into bottom of 7th?
Walljasper– “Pitching 19 innings was something I’ll never forget. The game was so much fun and Katelyn Lee did a great job. It really was a pitcher’s duel and just a matter of time before someone scored a run.”
Hoover– ” Allie was amazing that night. CC (Caccamise) and I were running down to the bullpen every inning and preparing just in case. Coach and our trainer kept letting me know, “you’ll be in next inning with this pitch count and other factors.” But she was doing so well, I didn’t want to go in for her. I wanted her to finish it. Ole Miss couldn’t and didn’t touch her. I’m so proud of Allie for that moment but I also wasn’t surprised. I always know we are going to get Allie’s best whenever she is on the mound.”
While Hoover and Walljasper are hoping to lead LSU back to Oklahoma City for fourth time in a row. Legacies of both are already secured according to Patrick Wright:
“Allie and Carley have added to LSU’s legacy of top-notch pitchers” said long time LSU radio voice of Lady Tigers, Patrick Wright. “Brittni Sneed and Ashley Lewis, Kristin Schmidt and Emily Turner, Rachele Fico and Brittany Mack, Walljasper and Hoover, will all be thought of in terms of great pitching duos at LSU. When Walljasper and Hoover get the ball, you know that LSU always has a chance to win no matter who they are facing. They are wonderful compliments to each other, Hoover being overpowering and Walljasper being the master of the off-speed pitches. After one pitches, it has proven to be very difficult for teams to get their timing down when they have to immediatley face the other. They are also both warriors and no moment is too big for either of them. Allie and Carley have done everything the right way, putting in the work and being great ambassadors for LSU. They are always two of the most popular players when the kids get autographs after the games at home and will always be remembered as the two key pieces that helped get LSU back to national prominence.”
