10 Questions With ... Jaelyn Operana -- Softball

We kick off Softball Week, with a "10 Questions" feature on Pirate returner Jaelyn Operana. Playing infield, outfield and pitcher, Operana batted a team-best .382 for the Pirates last year and struck out 29 batters in 57-plus innings of work before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Do you remember when you first started playing softball? What is it about the sport you love so much? And … tell us how you made it here to OCC??

"I grew up playing lots of sports like volleyball and track and field, but I got into softball because my parents wanted to put me in a different sport. In the end, I thought softball was more fun, so I stuck with it. I was planning on going to a different college out of high school, but I realized it wasn't going to be a good fit for me. OCC was more local and my travel ball coaches knew Coach Jodie at OCC, so I came here and it's been a great fit."

2. Tell me about what it takes to be an effective pitcher for softball. Growing up in baseball, I understand the art of pitching, but I've never been able to comprehend what it's like to throw a pitch underhand! Take me through the mechanics of that!

"Softball pitching is much easier on your shoulder than throwing overhanded in baseball, so that allows us to throw more pitches and more innings per game, and we can come back faster. I would throw after every practice and from there, we'd talk and reflect on what pitches worked best. Last year was the first time I had pitched since my freshman year in high school so it was something different for me. I have like eight different pitches, including a rise ball, a drop ball, a fastball, change-up and curve ball."

3. In addition to pitching, you have the ability to play a number of different positions on the field, which you did for us last year. Which is your favorite position to play and what makes you enjoy that position so much?

"I played a lot of middle infield last year and some outfield when I wasn't pitching. If I had to pick my favorite spot, it would be the outfield because I'm most comfortable there. All three OF positions are fun, but if I had to pick one, it would be center field because I feel like I have a bit more control with what's going on out there."

4. How has it been playing for Jodie? I know your road to OCC was a bit different than most players. What are some things she's taught you throughout your time here at Coast?

"Playing for Jodie has been super-cool. I've been really trying to take advantage of the knowledge she has from playing at such a high level. She won a national championship and she's won the accolades and awards. She's taught me so much about middle infield just from her days of playing. But beyond softball, she's taught me so much about life as well. She's shown me that life's journey doesn't always go as planned."

5. What are your goals for this upcoming year? Any advice for the incoming freshman for this year's team?

"For the team, first step is to get back on the field, but once we do, I really want our team to make a statement. Yeah, we are OCC, but we want to show everyone that we aren't the same team that we were a year ago. Individually speaking, my goal is to transfer out this year and play at the four-year level, but I want to use this year to develop all facets of my game. I'd like to improve on the mental side of the game as well and I want to learn more about being more of a leader on the team. Advice for our freshman would be to stay on top of your school work. Playing softball is a privilege to play and Coach Jodie takes grades seriously. Be smart with who you hang out with and don't get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time."

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"If I could go anywhere, I'd go to Japan. I've never been there, but it looks so pretty. If I have to stay local, I'd go to Disneyland. I haven't been there in such a long time and I really miss it."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – "Tacos … any type of tacos."
   2. Favorite pre-game snack – "Always drink a coffee from Del Taco … it's good and cheaper than Starbucks. Then I also have this tradition from high school that we continued here where we buy pre-cut pineapple with the juices and we mix that with an Monster energy drink."
   3. Favorite post-game meal – "Go home and eat some kind of meat … steak/beef/chicken and add cauliflower rice and avocados."
8. When you're not playing softball, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"Recently, I just got into painting and I've really enjoyed that. I also love to read! Anything science fiction like Harry Potter or Hunger Games … that kind of stuff."

9. In the COVID world, we've all been binge-watching TV shows. What have you been watching during this isolation time?

"I've been really into watching anime cartoons. There's one series in particular – Attack on Titan – that I've been binging so I can get caught up before the next season starts."

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond softball??

"I've been talking to San Diego State about coming there and playing softball for them, so I'm excited about that possibility. Beyond softball, I'm really interested in forensic psychology. It's been super-interesting learning about this field and I want to learn more!"