10 Seconds with Whitney Roberts

By Justin Siewierski; For the Clock

On March 29, 2016

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10 SECONDS

With Whitney Roberts

Justin Siewierski

Editor-in-Chief

js2010@plymouth.edu

In college baseball, a regular season for a typical ace requires right around 50 innings a year, all things considered. Say this pitcher becomes your ace at the freshman level, which is pretty rare, but not uncommon. That would mean he’d have nearly 200 innings pitched over the course of his college career. Crazy, right?

Whitney Roberts has thrown over 349 innings in her career, and there’s still 26 games left in her senior year.

With a career record of 34-25, the Physical Education Major wants to stay the team’s workhorse for the remainder of the year. She currently sports a 5.40 ERA through the early part of the season, but don’t let that fool you. For her PSU career, she’s posted over 170 strikeouts with a 3.17 earned runs average. This week, I got to sit down with the Chocorua, New Hampshire native for our installment of 10 Seconds.

When did you first start playing softball?

I first started playing softball when I was in fourth grade, I enjoyed all sports at the time and it didn't really become more serious until I reached high school.

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

I transferred to Plymouth from a school in Florida because it was going to allow me to commute from home and begin a coaching career at the youth level as well. Attending Plymouth I was able to still play softball but also begin my career.

What's the hardest thing about being a student athlete?

The hardest thing about being a student athlete is managing to keep up a healthy lifestyle in season. You are on the road so much for games it effects both your eating, sleep, and workout habits. I've learned to do a better job of planning ahead for game days and adjusting my sleep, eating, and workout patterns during season. If you want to perform well you have to stay healthy and well rested.

What's your greatest memory at PSU?

My greatest memory at PSU as an athlete was probably sharing the conference title with East Conn in 2014. It was the first time Plymouth had ever won it.

How tough was the transition from pitching in high school to college?

Pitching in high school I was able to rely on my fast ball and I did not have use my movement pitches as much. In college I rarely use my fast ball and I have to transition more from pitch to pitch. I've had to develop my control of my movement pitches more because I'm constantly changing grips and release point. Developing consistency was harder at the college level.

What's your go-to pitch?

My go-to pitch is my curveball if I'm up in the count but my screwball if I need a strike.

"College athletics has improved my time management skills and surrounded me with many different types of people."

At what age did you decide that you wanted to play college softball?

As soon as I started playing on a summer travel team, which was just before freshman year of high school, I knew that I wanted to compete at the college level.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years I hope to be coaching softball at the collegiate level wherever that may be! I'm currently in the Athletic Administration grad program here at Plymouth and I'm going to start looking for job openings later this spring.

What's your pre-game routine?

Before every game I drink coconut water to help me stay hydrated and than I do our typical stretching routine before I start pitching.

What can you take away from college athletics?

College athletics has improved my time management skills and surrounded me with many different types of people. I've learned to be more flexible, patient, and versatile.