Haley Long Q&A

Haley Long is a sophomore outfielder from Brenham, Texas. Long played her freshman season at Blinn College, where she hit .355 with 10 triples, 33 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. Long made the decision to become a Husker this past summer and is currently competing for a starting spot in the outfield.

 

One of four newcomers on the 2007 roster, Long is excited to be a Husker and anxious for the season to begin. Below is a question-and-answer session with Haley.

 

How have you enjoyed your time at Nebraska so far and how are practices going for you?

"At the beginning it was a little rough with being sick, but ever since then it has been wonderful. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The practices are going great. Everyone is very focused and working hard for the big goal come June!"

 

How excited are you for the upcoming season and is there any trip you are really looking forward to?

"I can’t really explain the feeling that I have for the season...just very anxious and excited. I’m ready for us to get out there and show everyone that the Huskers deserve to be one of those last eight standing."

 

What are your personal expectations and goals for the upcoming season?

"One major goal of mine is to execute when I’m called on. I love to be in pressure situations, I love to be that clutch player. I’m going to keep working hard and contribute everything I have to the team."

 

You’re a sophomore transfer. Why did you decide to make the jump to the Division I level?

"I knew I always wanted to go to the next level, I just had no idea it would be so soon. There are very few times in life that this kind of AWESOME experience is given to you. I figured God has opened doors for me, and I needed to jump on. When I came on my visit, right away I knew I had to be here. The team and the coaches all felt like my second family, and I wouldn’t trade this for the world."

 

How do you see your role on the team this season?

"I see my role as an execution player. To move runners, hit it to the gaps; wherever coach wants me to hit the ball, that’s where it's going. Defensively, just make the plays that come to me, and back up the ones that don’t."

 

Without having played a regular-season game yet, what would you say has been your toughest adjustment to competing at the Division I level?

"The toughest adjustment is probably the much faster pace (of Division I ball) than the JUCO level. The pitching is a lot better and the hitters are a lot stronger. But with the more the coaches prepare us, the more confident I get."

 

What made you want to attend Nebraska?

"Right away it felt like my home away from home. I’m very comfortable here, which is very important to me. Also the tradition, the team and the great coaches had a huge influence on my decision."

 

You had a great season at Blinn last year. How do you think that year will help you prepare for this Husker season?

"It has given me a lot of confidence in myself, and I think confidence will help me do a lot of positive things this season."

 

What do you think fans can expect to see out of this team this season?

"The fans will see a lot of fight out of the Huskers this year. We have a lot of great chemistry, talent, focus and determination to really win, and win big!"

 

What is the thing you like most about being a Husker?

"What I like most is being part of a team where we all are working toward Don E. Porter field (home of the Women's College World Series). Anything less than that is unacceptable. One other thing would be the amazing community support."

 

When you’re not playing softball, what types of things do you like to do?

"Usually hang out with the teammates, go to the movies, out to eat or watch Law & Order marathons!"