Tori Stamper is a senior softball pitcher from Williston, Florida, majoring in general studies. She has season highs of eight strikeouts, 12 hits and four assists. 

Tori Stamper

The Lion’s Roar: How did you become a Lady Lion?

Tori Stamper: My junior college coach got a phone call from a former coach from Southeastern and asked if he knew any pitchers, and he recommended me. 

TLR: What made you want to start playing softball?

TS: My older siblings played, so it was a family thing. 

TLR: Did you always want to play softball?

TS: My parents never had to force me to play. It was always something I loved doing. It’s fun. 

TLR: What’s different for you being in Louisiana compared to at home in Florida?

TS: They’re really similar. I guess I would have to say the water. In Florida, there are beaches, clear lakes and rivers. None of that is here.

TLR: What do you enjoy most about softball? Why?

TS: [I enjoy] the friendships you make with the people and being part of a team. When you’re on a team, especially a team like we have, there’s just good chemistry and everybody gets along. It’s just fun. You’re a family away from home. 

TLR: What do you miss most about being away from home? 

TS: My family for sure. I’m really close with my dad, my sister and her kids; my niece and nephew.  

TLR: What do you like to do when you are not on the field? Do you have any hobbies?

TS: I like to relax and just hang out with my friends and catch up on my studies. I like to watch my TV shows. I like “Revenge.”  

TLR: What do you find is most difficult when it comes to balancing school, playing on the field and everything else?

TS: It’s difficult putting school first. I always do, but that’s the most difficult because if you want to be successful at your sport you have to put the time in, but you also have to make sure that you put school first and get that done.

TLR: What are some goals you have as an athlete?

TS: I just want to win. I want to win for my team. I want our team to be successful, and I want to contribute to that however I can. 

TLR: What are some goals you have as a student?

TS: I want to finish my time here at Southeastern with a 4.0. I transferred from a junior college, and I’ve had a 4.0 since I’ve been here.  

TLR: Who inspires you to be a better athlete?

TS: My team, my dad and the coach that got me here. My team in that I want to be better for them because the better I am, the better we’ll be. My dad is always there for me; he’s the one who paid for my pitching lessons and supported me in making this choice to be a collegiate athlete so I feel like I owe it to him.