The University of Mississippi Athletics
More than a Cheerleader
4/24/2003 | Softball
April 24, 2003
By Will Bardwell
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant
Julie Baumann may be the Ole Miss softball team's biggest fan. That's convenient, because her enthusiasm has helped turn her into one of the team's vocal leaders during the 2003 season.
The senior infielder from Memphis, Tenn., says when not in the game, it's the dugout's responsibility to make the Ole Miss Softball Complex as uncomfortable a place as possible for visiting teams.
"I guess it's a girl thing," said Baumann. "We like to be loud. It's kind of intimidating for other teams if they're quiet and we're loud."
That comes easy for the spirited Baumann, who has played in 28 games with nine starts over her career.
"It's just my nature," said Baumann. "I like to be loud and let everybody know that we're there and that we're going to fight."
Baumann, who has received numerous team awards over the past three years, has been a vocal presence for the Rebels throughout her career, but says the role has taken on new meaning during her senior campaign.
"Being a senior, I just wanted to be a leader to show the young kids what they're supposed to be doing and just help them out," said Baumann. "It's definitely been a learning experience."
Rebel head coach Candi Letts says the contrast between Baumann's easy-going nature and her determination on the field make her an effective leader.
"The good thing about Julie is that when she says something, she means it," said Letts. "She has taken a leadership role because she isn't one to criticize or moan. When she says something, it's for the betterment of the team."
Baumann's leadership has extended to the classroom, where she is preparing for pharmacy school. She has been a frequent name on the Chancellor's Honor Roll and was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll the last two years.
Baumann, whose family now resides in Oxford, lettered in three sports at First Assembly Christian High School in Memphis, and earned All-District honors in basketball and volleyball. However, the 5-6 righthander says her true love has always been softball.
"I was recruited by smaller schools, but I'd always wanted to come to Ole Miss," said Baumann. "I came to Ole Miss and figured I didn't have anything to lose, so I walked on. Luckily I got on, and it's been a great experience."
Letts says Baumann's unselfish nature has made her an invaluable part of Rebel softball throughout her career.
"Julie's a team player. She'll do anything to help her teammates," said Letts. "She's a fun kid she's very sarcastically funny, in a good way. She says what she feels, and the girls absolutely love her."
