Haven Roebuck is dangerous and effective as a shortstop and with a bat, leading South Central’s softball team in no fewer than nine offensive categories: batting average (.600), on-base percentage (.692), doubles (14), triples, (4), home runs (10), runs batted in (40), stolen bases (17), runs scored (41) and hits (37).
“Well, she’s an exceptional athlete, and she works hard,” South Central softball coach Cotton Nicholson said. “She works at her game. If she has a flaw, she’ll work on it. She’s a perfectionist. Anything she wants to do, she wants to do it perfect. She just strives for that. That’s why she’s going to be great at the next level, too.”
South Central stood at 20-6, having lost Tuesday’s opener in a best-of-three semifinal series against South Brunswick in the NCHSAA Class 3A playoffs. Game 2 was Wednesday night.
Q: What has fueled your passion for softball?
A: I would honestly say the support from my family. They didn’t push me to want it. I had to earn it myself. Honestly, through everything, it just makes me enjoy it. I love every minute of softball. Just the passion and the friendships I get with everybody. God’s given me a talent, and I’m glad I’m able to show it.
Q: When did you realize that you would be fairly good at this game?
A: I would honestly say when I realized I wanted it. When I realized I wanted to go big, I pushed myself to lift more, to practice more. The more you practice, the more you get better and it showed.
Q: What do you think when a team intentionally walks you because of the .600 batting average and the high on-base percentage?
A: I just kind of go with it. It can be kind of frustrating, but I know I’m good on the bases, I know I’m fast and I can use my speed to my advantage even if I can’t use my offense.
Q: How cool is it to see teammates make opponents pay for walking you?
A: I’m so happy for Blaire (Adee, who hit two home runs on Thursday in the Falcons’ 8-7 third-round victory over Union Pines in eight innings, including a grand slam with Roebuck on base following an intentional walk). I’m proud of her, and I’m proud for everybody being there to back her up. It’s amazing to have everyone come and hit and want to win.
Q: What have you worked on most with your game? Is there anything that coaches or anyone else might have viewed as a weakness that you’ve turned into a strength?
A: I would say my mental. Over the years, I have gotten stuck with overthinking. Sometimes, when I was younger, I would get in slumps and it would be because of overthinking. So I just thought I know I love this game, I need to play to love it. I just relax. If I strike out, I strike out. I have another at-bat. I just try not to think about it. I go to bat and I think about nothing.
Q: Is that part of what gets you through a game (such as Thursday’s game. Roebuck was 1-for-1 with a double officially, but reached base four times because she was intentionally walked once and hit by a pitch twice)?
A: Yes, it is, because when we think about it, the pressure gets big. The more you think about it, the pressure builds on your shoulders and you start to freak out. When you just don’t think about it, you get through it and you just relax and have fun.
Q: Do you have a player you model your game after?
A: For shortstop, Sis Bates. I have loved her. She’s in the pros now. She’s one of the best shortstops I’ve ever seen. For offense, I love watching Georgia softball. They are amazing. I love their hitting mentality.
Q: Is anyone looking at you at the next level?
A: Yes, but I would like to keep that personal.
Q: What are your team goals? Your personal goals?
A: One of my goals — and I think a team goal — is to go to states and win. Ever since I’ve been here, we have not gotten past third round, so to get past third round is really big. And we haven’t won states since 2008, so for us to be able to do that would be amazing.
Most Popular
Comments / 0