Senior Reflections: Jessica Shults

May 9, 2013

With Senior Day scheduled for this Saturday, SoonerSports.com is sitting down with each member of the 2013 Oklahoma softball senior class to reflect back on their respective career. Our fourth and final installment features catcher Jessica Shults.

With the regular season and postseason, there's about a month left in the year. Has it sunk in at all?
"Now it has--just kidding. Kind of, but not really. I feel like it's come so quickly; like I just got here and now I'm already done. It's kind of weird."

In this last month, what do you hope to accomplish?
"Obviously, first of all winning the Big 12. Ending the senior year winning the Big 12 would be an awesome honor. And then getting back to the College World Series; it's just the coolest atmosphere. And winning a national championship. I don't think anyone would want to end the season any differently."

What areas do you think you've grown the most in in your time as a Sooner?
"I think maturing and growing up a little bit. When I came in here, I didn't really have any idea of what college softball was, and now I'm leaving a woman. So growing up, learning time management and realizing how much I love the game."

Are there any plays or games that stand out from your time here?
"Probably making it to the national championship game last year. It was the craziest crowd I've ever been a part of, and even though we didn't win, it was probably the best experience of my life.

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If you could go back to your freshman self, and knowing what you know give her advice, is there anything you would tell her?
"Play the game and play hard. Leave it all out on the field, because it goes really fast."

What does it mean to you to be finishing your senior year with this senior class?
"It's an honor. We all came in together and I think it's the first class to leave together. We've grown up so much together and they've become like family. We've become great friends over the years, and I'm really excited to see what the future holds for us."

What do you hope your legacy is when you leave here?
"That I was able to influence others, show my love for the game, play the game the hardest that I could and be a leader."

With the team but off the field, are there any memories from traveling that stand out to you?
"We dressed up as famous couples once, and it was pretty funny. Georgia [Casey] and I were Juno and Paulie Bleeker [from the movie Juno]. Coach Gasso was Austin Powers, and Lindsey Vandever was Beyoncé's character from Goldmember. That bus trip was really fun--it was real funny. It was a good time with everyone dressing up and getting into it."

What do you think you're going to miss the most?
"Everything, from the coaching staff to the friends that I've made. It's going to be weird not coming to the field every day and putting on a Sooner uniform. I'm going to miss everything."

Are there any personal accomplishments you're most proud of from your time here?
"I think being captain is what I'm most proud of. It shows my team saw something in me."

Players Mentioned

Jessica Shults

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