Feb. 5, 2008
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Leading up to the UCF softball season-opener against Illinois State on Feb. 8, UCFAtheltics.com will introduce fans to the Knights in a series of feature interviews. The series continues with redshirt junior outfielder Marquita Council. The native of Orlando, Fla., discusses her team's biggest strength and her game superstition.
With the season closely approaching, what are the team's goals for the 2008 season?
We definitely want to win the Conference USA Championship.
What are your personal goals for this season?
To be more of a leader on the team and just lead by example.
What do you see as this teams' biggest strength?
Our defense is pretty tight. We are really starting to learn each other's tendencies and we have great team chemistry. I think our defense is really solid.
What have you tried to improve upon since last season?
My attitude mostly. Last year when stuff was going wrong for me I would have a bad attitude and that wasn't really helping the team. I think this year I have really worked on that and I've gotten a lot better.
Which team on the 2008 schedule are you most looking forward to playing and why?
I'm looking forward to playing Houston because last year we got swept by them and I couldn't help the team because I was injured.
Do you have any game superstitions?
I have to wear a pair of colorful socks underneath my black socks for every game.
What is your most embarrassing moment on the softball field?
The pitch was coming and I was getting ready to do my cross over for slapping, but my cleat got caught in my shoelace and I ate it. What makes it worse is that my mom had it on videotape and it was a strike.
Who is the goofiest person on the team?
I would say it's a toss up between Breanne Javier and Ashley Van Ryn.
Who is the most motherly on the team?
Lexi Gresham, because when we were at team bonding she was handing out napkins and sweets to everyone.
If you could go on a date with any celebrity who would it be?
Plies, he's a rapper.
If you could be any T.V. show character who would you be and why?
I would be Buttercup from the Powerpuff Girls because she is amazing. Her outfit is lime green and black, which are my favorite colors and her attitude is just like mine.
What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
That I wake up in the middle of the night and eat meals. Like, at three in the morning I will wake up and make myself a full meal just about every night.
The UCF softball team will make its 2008 debut at the UCF Softball Complex when they host the UCF Tournament Feb. 8-10 facing-off against Illinois State, NC State, Kansas and Central Arkansas. Season tickets for the 2008 season are now available and can be purchased by calling 407-UCF-1000.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics. -UCF-