Victoria East will look to continue her success in 2015. The Pensacola, FL native was a NSCA All-American in 2014 and is already a two-time All-ACC player. East was second on the team in doubles (12) while batting .264 with 31 RBI.
Let’s learn more about East in our 7 inning feature.
Victoria East
FPN: What is the first thing you look forward to in the off-season, why?
East: During the off-season I look forward to being able to break down my fundamentals and mechanics. During the season you don’t really get the chance to work things one-on-one, so the off-season is the best time to do so. I also look forward to some of the down time because our schedule gets hectic with traveling and the length of the season.
FPN: What difficulties did you encounter transitioning from high school to college? (– softball or just college wise)
East: One of the main difficulties I encountered transitioning from high school to college was time management. I had to get used to balancing classes, homework, weightlifting and practicing. Another was getting used to waking up bright and early at 5 in the morning for 6am workouts and conditioning. I do not consider myself a morning person, but becoming a student-athlete made me change my ways.
FPN: At what age did you decide that you wanted to become an elite/college softball player, why?
East: Growing up, I was always around the softball/baseball community because my siblings played. The sport runs in my family so I was bound to play as well. I figured out that I wanted to become a college softball player when I was in middle school when my older sister went to start her college career as a softball player. I made a promise to myself that I was going to play on TV one day and wear a uniform that made my parents proud of me.
FPN: When did you hit your first homerun? How did it make you feel?
East: My first homerun was actually very memorable for me. It happened the first game of my freshman year in high school. I was a freshman on the varsity so I had to prove myself to all the upperclassmen that I could do the job. The bases were loaded and I remember being super nervous, but I hit a grand slam! I remember instead of doing the homerun trot around the bases, I was running because I couldn’t contain my excitement.
FPN: Who or what inspired you the most to pursue your dream?
East: I definitely have to say my mom for this. She was always the one convincing me that I could be the best and go far in this sport. Growing up, I was very stubborn towards her being a typical teenage girl, but if it wasn’t for her going out on the field practicing each day and encouraging me, I would be nowhere as close to where I am today. I don’t think there is any way I can repay her for the countless hours spent on the softball field or the money she invested in me.
FPN: What is your favorite type of bat to use, why?
East: My favorite type of bat to use is the Louisville Slugger Xeno. I am very happy that Florida State is sponsored by Louisville Slugger because their products are amazing. The Xeno has a huge sweet spot and a lot of pop, and not to mention the cool colors they have.
FPN: Some advice to people who want to follow your path; what are three things you should do to help yourself improve as a player?
East: The biggest piece of advice I can give to someone who wants to follow my path is to work hard even when no one is watching. To improve as a player it is encouraged to diversify where you can play on the field. Be that player that can be put anywhere when given the chance. You should always treat practice as if it was a game. I know coaches are always saying that cliche line, but it is very true if you want to play at the next level. The last piece of advice I can give to improve as a player is don’t ever get frustrated with yourself. Know that being coachable is very important and getting frustrated can get in the way of improving.
Extra Inning
FPN: What is the best movie you saw this year?
East: The best movie I saw this year was definitely Transformers: Age of Extinction. The whole Transformers series are my favorite movies. My favorite actor is Mark Wahlberg, so it was a huge plus that he was the star in this movie
