The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/223560
tracking the PACK Getting To Know: Senior Right Fielder Scout Albertson ■ Softball NC State senior Scout Albertson is one of several starters back for Wolfpack's softball team, which enjoyed a resurgence last year, posting a 35-20-1 overall record and a 13-7 conference mark, winning the ACC Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Championships. Albertson personally enjoyed a comeback season at the plate. She hit .282 with 12 home runs and 35 runs batted in last year, and ranked third on the team in home runs and RBI, fifth in batting average and sixth in runs scored (24). The right fielder also had nine assists. Albertson, who hit .199 with five homers and 32 RBI her sophomore year, enjoyed a renaissance under new head coach Shawn Rychcik. She managed to hit four home runs during a doubleheader against Kansas and North Carolina A&T March 2 and then against Boston College April 27, with two homers apiece in the four games played. The Archdale, N.C., native, who is majoring in sports management with a minor in business, recently took some time to talk with The Wolfpacker and answer some questions about the upcoming softball season. What was it like to hit two home runs in both games of a doubleheader twice last year? "It was a great feeling. It's something I had never really done before or experienced. The first time I did it, it felt surreal [against Kansas and North Carolina A&T]. "The second time I did it [against Boston College], it was almost more funny than anything. It was one of those things that doesn't happen very often." What do you credit for the jump in batting average from your sophomore year to your junior year? "Our whole hitting philosophy with the new coaches was a little bit different. Going from the fall season to the preseason, I just had the confidence that I could do it. "I never got into a lull. It showed with the entire team, especially me with that kind of hitting production." Did you have power in high school at Trinity (N.C.) High or has it developed over time? "I've always had power, but in high school I played on a really big field. I never hit those kind of home runs. I'm not very big [5-4], but I've always been a power hitter. "I never put up those kind of numbers for sure. Last year was a new step for me." What has the offseason been like for you? "We have lifted a lot and stayed strong in the weight room. We've been going through the hitting drills and mental routines. When January comes, we'll be ready. "We are starting off at a pretty big tournament with Last year, Albertson ranked third on the team in home runs (12) and RBI (35), fifth in batting average (.282) and sixth in runs scored (24). photo courtesy nc state media relations some really good competition. We have to prepare early to be ready." Do you have any personal goals this season? "I just want to stay consistent at the plate, hittingwise, like I did last year. We had a special season last year with the home runs and everything that we hit." How is the team looking so far? "We only lost two starters from last year. All the returners had all the achievements from last year. "The freshman and new people, we are trying to get them to buy into everything that we bought into last year because we have been so successful." What are your plans for the future? "I'll be graduating in May, and I did my internship in Buffalo, N.Y., this past summer. I worked at a professional athlete-branding agency. After graduation, I am planning on moving back up there and starting my career there. "I knew I wanted to get away from Raleigh for the summer. I wanted to expand my horizons a little bit. I found my supervisor, and she is very well connected in the western New York area. She has an event planning business and an athlete-branding agency. They go hand-in-hand, and I pretty much worked as her righthand man all summer. I made a lot of connections and learned a lot. "I really didn't want to work for a team, but this is a way for me to stay around an athletic mindset and help other athletes." Who has inspired you? "My grandmother, Gerry Croker, is probably my biggest inspiration. She battled and beat breast cancer when I was in high school. Her husband, my grandfather, passed away when I was a senior in high school. "She has stayed strong and kept the whole family to- gether. She has always supported me in anything I have ever done. She is a very unselfish person. She sees the good in everything and that is what I strive to live by." — Jacey Zembal Quick Questions What is the place to eat in Archdale, N.C.? Probably Archdale Barbecue. Who would you like to see in concert? Jay Z. I know some of my teammates are going to see him [in Greensboro Jan. 5], so hopefully I can make that happen. If you didn't go to NC State, where would you have gone? I love NC State, but South Carolina was also kind of in my eyes too. What athlete at NC State do you enjoy watching play? Dontae Johnson in football. He is one of my best friends, and we go back to freshman English. He is like family to me. Most memorable class at NC State? I'd have to say probably my business and economics finance class that I am in right now, PRT 466. It's a lot of fun, and I love my professor. Android or iPhone? iPhone. Most memorable Niagara Falls moment from your internship last summer? It is just breathtaking. I went to the American side and the Canadian side. On the Canadian side, it just takes your breath away. It is a gorgeous atmosphere. Western-style N.C. barbecue or eastern style? Eastern style. Favorite road ballpark? Florida State, I love their facilities. How did you end up with No. 6? I've always had the nickname six. My dad has always called me Six since I was 6 years old. It is my favorite number ,and I've held on to it for so long. 16 ■ the wolfpacker 10,12,14,16,18.Tracking The Pack.indd 16 12/5/13 3:27 PM