The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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18 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK NC State sophomore pitcher Courtney Mirabella is getting the chance to learn from one of the best, in preparation for possibly becoming the Wolfpack's ace next year. The one-two punch of senior pitcher Emily Weiman and Mirabella combined for a 31-19 record through the Pack's first 50 games this season. The 19-year-old Mirabella was 6-5 with a 2.79 ERA, and she had struck out 112 in 90 1/3 innings. She had held opponents to a .204 batting average, due in part to a fastball that can reach 66 miles per hour. The Bradenton, Fla., native recently took some time away from throwing in the circle to talk with The Wolfpacker and answer some questions about her season and long-range goals. When did you start to become a pitcher? "I didn't start pitching until I was 12. I had actually caught before and was a catcher when I first started. "On my younger travel team, our pitcher got hurt. They kind of forced me to pitch and I was stuck with the role for a while. Then I started to like it and having the ball in my hands every play, being in charge and controlling the pace of the game." At what point did you realize at Bradenton (Fla.) Braden River High that you could be a college pitcher? "My sophomore year, I had a pretty standout year. I switched over to a good travel team, the Golden Hurricanes, and started to get recruited a lot heavier." What was the recruiting process like for you, and how did you end up picking NC State? "It was really stressful at first. I didn't feel pressured by NC State, but just pressured in general. I commit - ted at a young age and I was a junior. I loved NC State and the atmosphere, like all the football games and basketball games, and the school spirit. "North Carolina was a new state for me and I like trying something different. The softball team came off as a big family." How would you describe your pitching rep - ertoire? "I like to pitch really confident and go after batters. I just go out with the attitude that I am the best. I'm not really cocky, but how I pitch, that is how I go at it. "I'm mainly a rise ball pitcher. I'm working on de- veloping my changeup a little better, but it is getting there." What has it been like to learn from senior star pitcher Emily Weiman? "Emily is a really good role model and a good leader. I look up to her. She knows how to win, and that is what I take from watching her. "Every game she goes out there and thinks, 'I am go- ing to win no matter what.' She and I have a good re- lationship and we know we'll have each other's back." What will the adjustment be next year if you end up the main pitcher? "I'm definitely going to take some of the stuff that Emily does and help out our younger pitchers, too. She has a good work ethic, and learning that from her will help me next year." Was the Central Arkansas game Feb. 6 with 14 strikeouts in a 7-0 win the most dominating performance this season? "Statistically, probably, but one of my better games was against [No. 1-ranked] Florida [three innings of shutout ball in a relief appearance in a 3-0 loss Feb. 15]. It was good to play Florida [Feb. 13-15] and see my old teammates. It was a good challenge, and they are a good team, but we competed well against them." What is your major at NC State and what are your long-term goals? "I'm majoring in sports management and I want to work for an NBA team in public relations. My sister and dad both played [college] basketball, and I played basketball from the time I was 5 years old. I love watching basketball. My dad, Tony, played at a junior college and my sister Heather at Weber International. "Basketball was my first love, but I was a little too short." Do you have a favorite NBA team? "I don't have a favorite team, but I have many fa - vorite NBA players. Chris Paul [of the Los Angeles Clippers] is my favorite player in any sport. He is small but is such a good competitor out there. I like that he has a lot of assists. I like players like that." Who inspires you? "My family will back me in anything I do. My [24-year-old] sister is the logical one who pushes me in everything. We used to fight when I was little and she'd bully me, and that made me a lot tougher. She still supports me and we are best friends. She pushes me in everything I do. "My dad is my No. 1 fan and best supporter. My mom, Kris, has always been there to get me every- where on time and wake me up in the morning, and get my uniforms ready. It has been a whole family ef- fort to help me get where I am." — Jacey Zembal Through April 26, Mirabella had a 6-5 record with a 2.79 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 90 1 ⁄3 innings. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS Getting To Know: Courtney Mirabella ■ Softball Quick Questions What is the go-to place to eat in Braden- ton, Fla.? I like everywhere, but there is a place called Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers that is right across the street from my house. It has really good french fries. If you didn't play softball in college, what sport would you want to play? Basketball. Who is another athlete at NC State who isn't a softball player that you enjoy watch - ing? Krystal Barrett on the women's basketball team before she got hurt. Team iPhone or Android? iPhone. Who would you like to see in concert? Nicki Minaj. Favorite class at NC State? Fitness walking was a really fun class online. We had to walk two miles really fast and it was kind of fun. It was harder than jogging. Any superstitions? In softball, I have so many. I have to put my socks on the same way every game. I don't do the typical don't step on the lines. In-between every pitch and every inning, I have the same routine that I have to follow. Any special meaning to having the No. 3 jersey? My grandmother wears No. 3, my dad wore No. 3 and my sister wore No. 3. It's a family thing. Last good movie that you watched? "Fast & Furious 7." That is my favorite movie ever. If you didn't go to NC State, where do you think you would have gone? Florida.