Feb. 3, 2011
="" alt="Knight Head" border="0" class="imported"> Read John Denton's Knights Insider | ="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported">Follow us on Twitter | ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported">Get social with the Knights on Facebook
By Carlyn Topkin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Spring is almost here, which means the UCF softball squad is getting back in the swing of things. The Knights are looking forward to a great season led by a few fresh faces, which includes junior pitcher Lacey Dinney (Binbrook, Ont.).
At 5-foot-11, she knows she has some advantages on the mound.
"As a pitcher, the longer leverage you have the harder you can throw it," Dinney stated.
An athlete most of her life, Dinney started playing softball when she was nine years old and really got into pitching her first year of high school at Saitfleet High School in Ontario, Canada. After spending two years at a Junior College in South Carolina, Dinney is looking forward to an exciting season at UCF, while making it to the sunny beaches as much as possible.
What are the best and worst parts of being a pitcher?
"The worst part is that the weight of the entire game is on your shoulders, and the best part is probably the weight of the entire game being on your shoulders. I find my adrenaline going is when I am pitching, so I am very antsy during the game. You love it, but hate it at the same time."
How do you stay involved in the game when you aren't starting?
"When I'm not pitching, I just try really hard to support my teammates because I know what it's like to be out there in their shoes. Every team has a rotation. You can't pitch every game, so I just try to be motivational."
Why did you choose to play softball at UCF?
"As soon as I heard the name I was interested because I was like `It's in Florida.' I heard they were a great school and on my first visit I fell in love with the campus right away. It's like a resort. I liked the team, the coaches and the facilities. I thought it would be a great fit for me."
What does it mean to be part of the team and wear the Black and Gold jersey?
"It's an honor, but also a great experience because not everyone has this chance to play softball and be able to make friends, while also getting a great education along the way. If anything, I think it really helps create more life experiences."
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
"The UCF Softball Complex. There are a lot of other cool spots, like the Rec Center, but we spend so much time at the complex it's like a home away from my room and I really do like being there."
What are you looking forward to this season?
"I want to win conference and wear a nice big ring, and I really think we can. We are looking good. I want us to go as far as we can go. We have a lot of games to play and if we play hard and win we will make it to the World Series."
How does Canada compare to Florida?
"Weather is an obvious thing, but I do love Canada. They are way different cultures. Canada has the snow and hockey thing going on. I like Florida, just because everyone is so laid back and the culture is exciting and awesome. I like the beach. It just feels like you are on vacation here all the time."
Can you sum this year's team up in one word?
"Hardcore."
Season tickets for the 2011 season are only $40 and are now available for purchase online at UCFAthletics.com and Ticketmaster.com, or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000.
The Knights host their 2011 home-opener Feb. 16 against North Florida at the UCF Softball Complex. UCF head football coach George O'Leary will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the contest, while the first 100 fans through the gate will receive a signed 2011 UCF softball schedule poster.