By Ryan Rogers
LSUsports.net
Fresh off last season’s final four finish at the Women’s College World Series, the LSU softball team is raring up for another chase at the national title.
LSU has reason to be excited, the team sports what should be a much-improved hitting lineup and added a second All-American pitcher in Kristin Schmidt (Notre Dame transfer) to compliment celebrated All-American Britni Sneed.
Britni Sneed is a name on LSU’s campus that has become synonymous with greatness. Sneed, the two-time All-American and returning SEC Player of the Year is prepared to lead her troops into battle.
“This team will go as far as Britni takes them,” said head coach Yvette Girouard at softball media day.
That’s quite a bit of pressure to put on an athlete, but in this case, Sneed is has the tools and the capability to fulfill the task.
“You could tell at times she was trying to do too much,” added Girouard. “We talked about it and she calmed down. I know she feels a little pressure. But all we can do is ask her to just be the best she can be.”
Sneed’s numbers are astonishing to say the least. She posted a 21-0 record last year in the SEC. She did not give up a single run at home in 2001. She had consecutive scoreless streaks of 51 and 41.2 innings. Sneed’s 36 wins were third best in the nation. She threw five no-hitters and she set a WCWS record with 19 strikeouts en route to defeating Oklahoma 2-1 in 13 innings.
“She’s very good. I’ve had four first team All-Americans, and unquestionably she’s the best one I’ve ever coached,” said Girouard. “She just has so much natural talent. Look at her build. She has those long leavers and she just makes everything look so effortless.”
Sneed has an incredible repertoire of five different pitches that she uses collectively to frustrate batters.
“I try to capitalize on all five pitches,” said Sneed. “Some days one of your pitches is going to have an attitude and its not going to work. You’re going to have days like that. I just have to fight through them and make all of my pitches work. When I’m on my game I feel very comfortable on the mound.”
If Sneed is comfortable on the mound, that usually means trouble for opposing hitters.
Sneed’s comfort zone on the mound has led to a list of awards that you have to wonder if she still has enough wall space in her apartment to hang all of the plaques. Besides being named NFCA All-American as a senior, Sneed received honors such as Louisiana and SEC Player of the Year, NCAA Region III MVP, WCWS All-Tournament Team, All-SEC, All-Region and All-Louisiana First team. To top all that off Sneed is another LSU athlete that shines in the classroom being named to the SEC Academic honor roll.
“I just take everything in and try not to let it affect me,” said Sneed. “I just worry about winning the next game. I am honored to receive the awards, but I can’t lose focus on what we’re trying to do.”
So the question must be asked, is Sneed even better heading into her senior season?
“Yes, I think I am better than last year, but only because of the experience under my belt. Just getting to know a lot more about the mental game. Last year I learned a lot from going to the World Series.”
An even better Sneed is bad news for the rest of the SEC. But good news for her teammates who along with Sneed are very excited to get the season rolling.
“Everyone is excited. Everyone is ready to build our team. This year we will be tested and we want to see what we need to improve on and if we are ready to challenge for the title.”