Douglas Named 2007 Ohio State Softball Captain – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 14, 2006
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State softball team has elected senior first baseman Christina Douglas as its captain for the 2007 season, head coach Linda Kalafatis announced this week. A native of Mesa, Ariz. (Dobson H.S.), Douglas will be in her third year as a starter in 2007 and is a three-time OSU Scholar-Athlete.
Annually among the team leaders in doubles and runs batted in, Douglas received the team’s Buckeye Spirit Award as a freshman and was named the Most Improved Player as a sophomore when she made the move from right field to first base and made the spot her own.
“Christina has had an increased sense of determination ever since her senior year began,” Kalafatis said. “She has taken on more of a leadership role, which is why she was selected captain by her teammates. I am very proud of the way that Dougie comes to work every day, her work ethic and intensity have always been a part of who she is. I know Dougie will use her fellow seniors as resources to make certain that distractions are kept to a minimum so that the 2007 Buckeyes can perform at our very best. I’m counting on them.”
“This is an honor, especially since it was my team that put their faith in me,” Douglas said. “It’s a big responsibility, but we have a very good team and we already have very good direction. We have a lot of good leadership from a lot of people already, so I know I don’t have anything to be worried about. This is just a huge honor for me.”
Coming off a 39-23 season and trip to the NCAA regionals, Douglas and her teammates began preparing for the 2007 season in August. Ohio State went undefeated in its fall schedule and the leadership Douglas displayed was apparent in all phases of the program.
“Dougie has the mental toughness of a warrior and has a never-give-in attitude,” Tom Palumbo, Ohio State strength and conditioning coach, said. “This means a lot because she is a standout on a team of Buckeyes who are dedicated in the weight room and on the field. Christina was the obvious choice for captain.”
The Buckeyes begin preseason practice in early January in preparation for their 2007 season-opener at the Arizona State Kajikawa Classic Feb. 9-11 in Tempe, Ariz., when they will face defending national champion Arizona, among others.
### GO BUCKS! ###
