Feb. 6, 2013
NORMAN, Okla. -- Freshman outfielder Kady Self is one of seven Sooner freshmen this season and all have the distinction of being natives of Oklahoma. Hailing from Edmond, Ellis was named all-state as a senior and was the conference player of the year in her junior season when she hit .536 with 44 runs batted in and seven home runs.
Self spent five seasons playing for the Oklahoma Force on the travel ball circuit. She was a part of a team that won the 2011 16U Hall of Fame championship and placed second at the 2010 16U July Boulder Tournament.
Q: What has your experience been like so far?
KS: “I’d say it’s been challenging, but rewarding. I think I’ve learned more in this short period of time than I learned my whole life playing softball. Everything here is really fast paced and you learn a lot really fast.”
Q: What’s been the adjustment been like just being a college student?
KS: “Managing time. There's so much going on you don’t much have free time. Time management and organization. That’s been a major adjustment.”
Q: Were you a Sooners fan growing up?
KS: “Of course. Ever since I was little I’ve been watching them play. I would go to games, like the College World Series and the Big 12 Championship when it was still around.”
Q: When did it become a reality that you might be able to play for OU?
KS: “I think it was my sophomore year going into junior year. I went through the recruitment process and was actually planning on going to a smaller school, but I had a really good summer worked hard and ended up here. There wasn't any hesitation either; this is my dream school.”
Q: Who are some of the upperclassmen that you’ve learned from?
KS: “Erica [Sampson] and Lauren [Chamberlain] and [Jessica] Schults. Even though Erica and Lauren are younger, they're still loud voices and good leaders. Same with Shults, of course. She's such a good leader. It’s really easy to look up to them.”
Q: How has your experience so far matched up with your expectations heading into it?
KS: “By far exceeded. I feel like I’ve learned so much and that’s all you can ask for. Coach [Gasso] really helps you know the game, so that’s been really good.”
Q: What are your expectations for this season?
KS: “Honestly I just want to do whatever I can to help us reach our goal of winning a national championship.”
Quick Hits with Kady
Name: Kady Self
Hometown: Edmond, Okla.
High School: Edmond North
Height: 5’8”
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Parents: Gene and Jill Miles
Siblings: None
Pregame ritual: Pop my back and knuckles
Favorite hangout: Movies
Best place on Campus: Fuzzy’s Tacos
Favorite Vacation spot: Red River, New Mexico
Favorite Movie: Pitch Perfect
Favorite TV Show: Nashville
Favorite Music: Country
Best thing you ever ate: Nanny’s Fried Chicken
Favorite Sports team: Minnesota Vikings
Favorite Pro Athlete: Kevin Durant
Favorite Class: Psychology
Favorite Actor: Channing Tatum
Road Trip necessity: Books and iPod
Hidden Talent: Ping Pong Master
