Indiana University Athletics
Behind the Scenes: First Baseman Rachel Terry
1/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 25, 2006
Under the direction of second-year head coach Stacey Phillips, the Indiana softball team is ready for the 2006 season. With a tough fall schedule behind them, junior first baseman Rachel Terry the team is confident and ready to work toward Big Ten prominence.
"The two new assistant coaches, Coach [Tarrah] Beyster and [Michelle] Puls, are just fantastic," Terry said. "They have been working hard with us before and after practice, and they are extremely positive influences. They have helped to institute an entirely new attitude on the field."
Terry is going to be a factor in the way the Hoosiers perform on the field. Her vocal leadership is what Phillips calls a key to setting a positive tone for the infield.
"Rachel is a huge vocal leader on the field," Phillips said. "We are just stronger with her moving to first base this season. No matter where she is on the field, she is always talking. This is something that is important for us every game, especially with a very young infield."
Terry moves to first after serving most of 2005 at third base. Her efforts played a key role in setting a team school record for the lowest errors in a season with 63. In 2005, Terry started and played in 52 games and tied for third-most starts for any Hoosier glove. The Palatine, Ill., native batted a team-best .300 in conference play and a .261 overall. An asset to the Hoosiers at the plate, Terry also connected on 35 hits and tallied in 14 RBI, 11 runs, five doubles and three long balls.
While Terry has shown her ability to lead by example, it is her vocal leadership that has kept this Hoosier at her best.
"Since we only have three seniors, the juniors really have to step up too," Terry said. "It is our responsibility to convey to the rest of the team how things run, what it takes to win and overall what this team expects of them."
A third-baseman-turned-utility player, Terry will see some time at third, first and even behind the plate for the Hoosiers this season. Her versatility to play multiple positions is invaluable.
"My role, no matter where I am, is to constantly be talking," Terry said. "I let the infield know where the play is and help keep us sharp for the next batter. If the team gets a little rattled, we call timeout and regroup. Especially with a young team this year, I'm there to let our team know that in a tough situation, say a winning run on third, we can pull through it together."
Terry is not the only Hoosier that might see time in multiple roles. The 2006 roster boasts a pool of talented student-athletes that can handle any challenge from any position.
"Our coaches have the luxury of being able to generate a number of lineups." Terry said. "With the talent on this team, we are never going to be a in a position where we are stuck with a lineup. There will be a lot of mixture this year."
The positives of this year's Hoosier softball team have Terry thinking that they are more than just a revitalized force. The 2006 Hoosiers' depth is going to be even more important during Big Ten play.
"This year, we are ready to contend in every game," Terry said. "My overall goal is to make the Big Ten Tournament and compete day in and day out. Our three seniors have just worked so hard, and I would love to give them a good run in the postseason. "
While the wins and losses are a benchmark for a successful season, the 2006 Hoosiers possess a quality that allows them to look past the results and challenges, and be a contender every time they step out of the dugout.
"We just love the game," Terry said. "We are there to compete and win of course, but we come and show up for games and practice every day because we love it."
Terry and the Hoosiers look forward to a successful season.
"The best part of the game is when you step onto the field and there is that intimidation factor you impose on the opponent," Terry said. "It is all about letting them know that you are here to win and are in control."
