Courtesy of South Alabama Athletics
MOBILE, Ala. – Former University of South Alabama left-handed pitcher Hannah Campbell made her National Pro Fastpitch debut last Friday, May 30, for the Akron [Ohio] Racers. Before making the 14-hour trip last week, Campbell sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss her excitement about being the first Jaguar softball pro.
Campbell, a graduate of Satsuma High School, exits the South Alabama program as the all-time leader in wins (83), appearances (149), saves (16), complete games (93), shutouts (28), strikeouts looking (180), batters faced (3,232) and fewest walks allowed per seven innings (1.24).
Last Wednesday, the Racers announced that Hannah’s twin sister, Lannah, had also signed with the Akron club. Both sisters made their first professional appearances last Friday versus the Chicago Bandits, Hannah earning the start and going 3 1/3 innings.
How has the process of transitioning to a new place with a new team been going?
“It’s been easier than I imagined, thanks to the help from [Owner/General Manager] Joey Arrietta, who has been very helpful. She’s been almost like a mom, texting me to let her know when I make it to Birmingham to stay with Lannah on the way.”
What players are you excited about playing with?
“I’m really excited about playing with Rachele Fico, because she’s a successful pitcher from LSU. I know I could probably learn a lot from her, especially with her experience last year [at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional].”
You’ve just completed a full season, and now you’re going right back into it. No rest for the weary?
“I’m excited about it, because I’m really just starting to hit my peak. I don’t want to be done yet. It’s going to be a long season, but, as of now, I know that there are four or five pitchers, so it’s not like at South Alabama, where two pitchers do most of the work. It won’t be as demanding, I don’t think.”
“There’s only one veteran that I know of, and the rest of the pitchers are rookies, so there’ll be a learning process with our staff, since we’re all really young. But, it’ll be nice to share the load and give the ball to someone who’s been successful. You won’t be worried about them not performing.”
Is there any aspect of your game that you’re looking to improve?
“Eventually, I’d like to learn more up-ball stuff. I’ve had a rise ball in the past, and I still have one, but it’s just not as effective right now. It’s more just kind of for show. I think in the future I want to add that dynamic, because I’ve definitely got the change in speeds and the down stuff.”
Have you watched much professional softball?
“I actually went to one game between my freshman and sophomore years. We watched the Chicago Bandits and the USSSA Pride play in Orlando, Fla. I don’t remember a ton about it, but I remember it was a tight game, and you could tell the pitching was good, and the hitting was obviously good.”
What kind of adjustments will you have to make to succeed at the professional level?
“They take the best players from each team. [In college], you play teams that have a full lineup of good hitters, but you can take care of the bottom of it. Now, going to the pros, all nine of them were the top players at their previous teams. It’ll work my body more, I guess, because I’m really going to have to compete against every single batter. There’s not going to be an easy out. I have a strong mental game, but I’m going to have to enhance it even more in this league.”
How did Becky Clark and your experience at South Alabama prepare you for the highest level?
“They helped me set a foundation. I’ve learned who I am through this program as a pitcher: what my strengths and weaknesses are. Having experienced this program, I know what I’m capable of. Coach Clark has also taught me real-world lessons. I’ll be more independent out there, and having that foundation is going to help me a lot.”
How stands your legacy at South Alabama?
“I definitely feel like I’ve done what I came here to do. I wanted to come here and help make a change in the program. Seeing the recruits that are coming in the next few years is exciting; just to see that we’ve set a first-class example for the people coming up.”
Are you ready to leave Mobile?
“I’m a little bit nervous, but I never went home much anyway.”
Are you ready for your mom to call you three times a day?
“I sure hope she doesn’t do that. I’ll probably be too busy to answer.”
