Pitt Softball: Q&A with Hunter Levesque

The Pittsburgh Panthers are going to have to wait a little more than four months until they play in the UCLA Tournament in early February. While the team will certainly improve and add more polish to their overall game between now and then, they looked pretty impressive during their fall scrimmage season going 7-1 over the past two months.

Pitt certainly experimented with different lineups over their 8 games, but the one constant was junior Hunter Levesque starting every game in center field and leading off. It’s no secret that if the Panthers are going to continue with their recent success, Levesque will need to continue performing at an All-American level. She was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule in the middle of the scrimmage season to answer some of my questions.

Q1: What was your biggest takeaway, both individually and as a team, from the exhibition games on Sunday?

“My biggest takeaway from both games on Sunday was that we looked solid as a team. As half of us are veterans and the other half are new to the program, we are all getting to know each other as players and individuals. Though I think were at a great pace so far, we are all connecting well on the field. There is always room for growth, but I am excited to see what this season brings.”

Q2: How much more of a leadership role are you taking this season compared to your previous two?

“I am taking more of a leadership role as a junior this year. We have several underclassmen that are willing and ready to learn the ropes of Pitt Softball. I’ve had fun being a leader for them so far.”

Q3: With this being coach Hermanek’s second season, and first full offseason, do you feel the team is able to move in the same direction more seamlessly this year?

“I do believe that we will move in the same direction more seamlessly this year. We all want to achieve the same goals and know what it’s going to take to get there.”

Q4: What are you goals for this season, both individually and as a team?

“My personal goals are to focus on being a great teammate and leader for the team. Aside from having a good season offensively and defensively, I think this goal is going to important going into the season with new girls beside me. As a team, we have both short and long term goals. It’s important for us to understand that we must win each day whether that be at practice, in the classroom or in a game. In order to achieve our long term goals, it is crucial to focus on the small details.”