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Jennifer Mrozek is Minnehaha Academy softball's speedy leader

By Star Tribune, 05/14/13, 6:13PM CDT

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Jenn Mrozek

Fastpitch softball is an intimate game, with the bases only 60 feet apart. Infielders often play on the infield grass and bunting in the first inning — a baseball no-no — is a common practice.

It all suits Jenn Mrozek, a slap-hitting sophomore shortstop at Minnehaha Academy, perfectly. Using her combination of hand-eye coordination and sprinter’s speed, she is hitting .659 in the leadoff position for the Redhawks. She also leads the team in stolen bases with 13.

“A lot of the time, it comes down to bunting the ball and forcing the defense to make mistakes,” Mrozek said.

She spoke with staff writer Jim Paulsen about her strong start to the season.

 

Q: Do you play anything other than softball?

A: Yes, I play tennis and basketball.

Q: Got a favorite?

A: Softball. I’ve played it since I was young and I’ve loved it ever since.

Q: You’re hitting so well right now. Any specific reason?

A: I did a lot of work in the offseason with batting coaches on keeping me eye on the ball and making contact whenever possible.

Q: Sounds simple enough. What makes that so successful for you?

A: Because I’m a really fast runner. I bunt and slap-hit a lot, and I usually beat them out.

Q: Are you surprised by your fast start?

A: Kind of, considering that we haven’t been able to practice outside very much.

Q: With all of the time spent hitting in the batting cages, do you think the hitters are ahead of the pitchers right now?

A: Yes. In the winter, the pitchers haven’t had the advantage of being able to get out and pitch on dirt. They have to adjust. Batters have been in the batting cages for a long time.

Q: Got a batting tip for younger players?

A: Don’t get discouraged. Focus on keeping your eye on ball. Just make contact. You don’t have to have huge hits. Sometimes the little hits are the most important.

Q: Must-follow on Twitter?

A: I follow Oprah for her inspirational quotes.

Q: Got a role model?

A: I’d say my older sister Elizabeth. She worked hard at everything to become a great softball player.

Q: Best softball memory?

A: When I playing [10-and-under] traveling softball, we made it to the state championship game. Even thought we lost, it was our best game of the season.

Q: What is one thing you must have before every game?

A: I have to have my hair in a French braid.

Q: Season goal?

A: My goal is to reach the 100 career hit club. I’m in the 60s for hits right now.

Q: Can you get there this season?

A: That’s what I’m hoping for.

Q: What do you do when you need to get away from softball?

A: I spend time with my friends and I do yoga. I like yoga. It helps calm me down and works on my balance and concentration.

JIM PAULSEN

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