The University of Mississippi Athletics
SPOTLIGHT: Perry Ready To Help Pitch Rebels To Next Level
10/7/2010 | Softball
Oct. 7, 2010
By Morgan Adams
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations
As summer begins transitioning into fall and the weather starts turning cooler across campus, things are just starting to heat up at the Ole Miss softball complex. With practices and exhibition games in full swing, the Rebels are ready for the new season.
Ole Miss senior pitcher Lindsey Perry is excited about the upcoming season and says the team has high expectations for the year.
"We want to make it to the SEC tournament and play well," she said. "After the SEC tournament, we want to make it to an NCAA Regional. That is our overall goal this year."
Perry, a Madison, Miss., native, fell in love with the game of softball at a very young age.
"I started playing softball when I was nine, and I really got excited about it when I was 12. I played basketball too, but being a pitcher allows me to be in control. I like that. I get to set the tempo and be a leader. I get the glory and take the fall. I like the pressure."
Perry has been a strong player and has handled the pressure well for the Rebels since her arrival on the team. In 2008, Perry appeared in 20 games with seven starts. In her collegiate debut, she pitched a complete-game shutout striking out seven against Middle Tennessee. In that same season, Perry pitched a complete-game victory and struck out a career-high 10 batters against South Alabama. In 2009 she played in 24 games with 19 starts and posted a 6-9 record with 61 strikeouts in 97.2 innings of work. Perry pitched a complete-game shutout and struck out six against Alcorn State.
She is not only a well accomplished athlete on the field, but in the classroom as well. A secondary education major, Perry would like to be a high school coach one day as well as teach history and math. She is a regular on the University Honor Roll.
When asked why she chose Ole Miss she said, "I just really loved the history, atmosphere and the campus. My sister was already here and that helped with the decision some. It was between here and Mississippi State, because all of my friends went to State. I am very glad I chose Ole Miss, I love it here and wouldn't have it any other way."
This year Perry will get to be a part of history in the making as the University of Mississippi will host the SEC softball tournament for the first time ever. With the tournament in their backyard, the Rebels expect to play well and continue on towards the school's first NCAA Tournament appearance.
"I am so excited, Ole Miss has never hosted before. It is a privilege and an honor," Perry said. "I feel like we will have a home field advantage."
Lindsey Perry loves Ole Miss and loves softball. She is grateful for the opportunities that she has been given. Perry said she encourages kids to not give up when they get frustrated with the game.
"It does not always come easy and it is a lot of work. If you put in the time and effort, you will get to where you want to be. It's worth every minute of it."
