The second in a three-part series, Jeremy Jjemba of goUTSA.com sat down with senior shortstop Aimee Murray to discuss pre-game rituals, the experience of playing in two NCAA Regionals and her future plans. Murray, a three-time all-conference selection, ranks as one of the program’s all-time leading hitters as she appears on several different UTSA career record lists including hits, runs, doubles, home runs and runs batted in. A model of consistency throughout her career, the Cypress, Texas, native is hitting above .300 with double-digit home runs and more than 30 RBIs for the fourth consecutive season entering this weekend’s series at McNeese State.
Has it always been a dream of yours to play on a college level?
“Yes, it has always been a dream of mine. I grew up watching my sisters play, so in more than one way they influenced me to play and go as far as possible. I made it a goal of mine as a young player to play in college, and I have been one of the few lucky ones to be able to compete on this level. To do it here at UTSA with great teammates and coaches has been a great experience and something I always dreamed of.”
How good do you think the softball program is here at UTSA?
“The program has grown a lot and has improved tremendously compared to when I first got here as a freshman. Over the years we gotten new uniforms, we now have lights on the field and they’ve added restrooms. Overall, the program is getting better every year, on and off the field. I want to see the program continue to grow over the years, so that UTSA is known more for the talented group of players the program has and not for the what the field used to lack.”
What are some of your pre-game rituals?
“On game day, the team meets early in the locker room to talk about what we hope to accomplish by the end of the day. After hanging out, we head out to the field and do our warm-ups as a team, and then minutes before the game begins we get together for a quick prayer.”
What is your secret for being such a dynamic player at shortstop?
“I do well because I have always trained myself to get good reads on the ball. My style of play is really an instinct that I have always had with me. I am able to read and see where the ball goes, but for the most part I just go with my first reaction which most of the time ends ups being the right decision.”
How do you explain your knack for retreating into the outfield to steal base hits on short fly balls?
“That has been another one of those things that I have always had with me. To be honest, whenever I do it I hope that I don’t get hurt. When I’m going for the ball I don’t think about getting hurt, I do it for my team because we need the play. If it means for me to dive in that manner to make the play I do it without worries of getting hurt.”
How did it feel to play in the tournaments in both Waco and Austin?
“Playing in Waco my freshman year was a unforgettable experience for the team and our school. UTSA had never played in an NCAA Tournament before, so to be part of the first team to go that far is something I will always remember. Playing in Austin last year was great. We had a tough break and fell short of winning, but hopefully we can do better this time around if we are fortunate enough to advance.”
This team lost a big senior class to graduation last year. How did you prepare yourself to take on a leadership role this season as a senior?
“It wasn’t only me that had to step up. The other seniors on the team also knew that they had to step up and help be leaders on the team. We also have other players that aren’t seniors step up as leaders and their leadership has helped our team a lot.”
How would you compare the schedule you’ve played this year verses the schedule you’ve played in the past?
“The schedule this year has been one of the toughest our team has seen in the years. At the beginning of the season, we were on the road playing a lot of good teams like Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M. The schedule has been tough and we had a losing record at the beginning of the season because every weekend our team was faced with playing some of the toughest teams in the region. Overall, I have to say having a tough schedule has helped us become a better team.”
UTSA has won the last three Southland Conference regular season titles and two of the last three conference tournaments. Is there any added pressure on your team as a result of that success within the league?
“I think the other teams play extremely hard to win against us. We did have some added pressure this season. We lost a lot of seniors last season and being a young team this season, we knew that everyone is out to get us. That’s the way things go if you win conference three years in a row. The other teams want to be the ones that knock you off.”
You are in the record books in several different categories. Do you pay any attention to records when you’re playing?
“No, I don’t play to set records. I just go out there and do my best every time. If the home runs or the RBIs or anything else that goes on the record book come, it is just a plus I get for working hard. Setting records is proof that if you work hard, good things happen.”
How does it feel to be part of a successful program as your college career comes to an end?
“When I first got here, I did not expect everything that has happened to me as a player or as a team. I came here with a positive attitude, to work hard and get a spot on the field. Having a successful career is something every player wants and plays for.”
How do you want your season to end?
“I would love to go to the NCAA Tournament again and possibly even the Women’s College World Series. If we cannot make it that far, I just hope we play well for the remainder of the season. I see good things happening for us over the next few weeks, though. More than anything, I would love to win the conference tournament and make a Regional again. That would be the fitting ending to my career.”
What you are going to miss the most after playing your last game?
“My teammates for sure. I came here not knowing anyone, but unlike other students that come to UTSA, when I got here I had 20 instant friends. Throughout the years, these people become like a family to me. We all care and watch out for each other, so I will miss that a lot. I am definitely going to miss having all my teammates and my coaches there for me when I need then.”
When you’re not playing softball, what do you do in your spare time?
“Most of my time is spent at school or doing school work. During the spring, I haven’t had any time to do anything but go to school and play softball. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends.”
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
“I still have another year of school before I graduate. I have to do my student teaching here in San Antonio, but when I’m done with all that I want to coach and teach. Eventually, I would like to go back to school to earn my master’s degree, because I want to become a principal someday.”
