FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University sophomore softball standout Kori Nishitomi/Kaneohe, Hawaii has been named this week’s Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. Nishitomi led the squad in six games last week, going 11-20 at the plate for a .550 batting average. She surpassed a program record on March 23 against Gardner-Webb when she extended her current hit streak to 23 games. The previous record for the longest hit streak in school history was 22 games, last set by Kami Nuckols in 2010 after Jennifer Potts had reached the same mark in 2003. Nishitomi has logged at least one hit per game dating back to the squad's neutral-site contest against Fairfield University at the Disney Citrus Classic on March 1. The outfielder currently leads the squads with .472 average, 50 hits and 11 stolen bases.
Question and Answer Session with Kori Nishitomi and Ashley Robbins
AR: Talk about how you’ve been able to produce so much out of the leadoff position?
KN: I actually have quite some experience as a leadoff because I always hit in that position on my travel team. I think as a leadoff hitter, I need to have patience, feel out the strike zone and feel out the pitcher to help my team, so they don’t have to go in there blindsided. I try to do as much as I can, whether it be hit, bunt or walk, I just want to get on base to help my team.
AR: Did you do anything different to prepare for this season?
KN: I think most of it was mental and working on my small-ball game. Last year, I mostly hit away. I didn’t use my drag bunt or power slap as much. Coach Riley has really helped me refine those skills, so I have more in my repertoire and can catch the defense off guard. I feel comfortable that I don’t always have to be just a slapper; I’m not an ordinary slapper because I can actually hit away, too.
AR: Why did you choose Longwood all the way from Hawaii?
KN: I had some offers on the West Coast, but I wanted to broaden my zone. I never thought I would come as far as Virginia, but Coach Riley really persuaded me. I came on my official visit and I really liked the small community. I’m not a big fan of a big community because I came from a small private school, so it just felt right at Longwood. Then I got to meet the team and they helped me feel the most comfortable. The overall chemistry and the family feeling really helped, especially being so far from home.
AR: Do you find yourself giving advice to the rookies now that you’re a sophomore?
KN: I think so. As a freshman, it really is intimidating because it’s a different atmosphere. I try telling them to keep calm, there’s nothing new, you not seeing anything different except, if anything, there is more movement with the pitches. I say there isn’t any pitcher you shouldn’t be able to hit. You’ve been doing this all your life and sometimes, you’ve got to let your body do what it does best and don’t let your mind get in the way.
AR: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
KN: Personally, I want to just keep doing what I’m doing. Coach Riley and I set an on base percentage of .450, so I want to reach that goal. For the team, I want us to win the Big South Conference so we can go to (NCAA) Regionals. I think that would be a great experience, but overall just having a winning season with this team is my main goal.
AR: What’s it like getting to play in the Big South?
KN: It’s a great feeling to get to play in the conference coming from last year where we were independent. We didn’t really expect to go anywhere and now we really have a chance at playing rival teams. It’s actually really cool to play series and be part of something bigger than us.
AR: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten from the Longwood coaches?
KN: Basically, just trust my hands and have fun at the plate. I think that actually helped me a lot. I tend to think less at the plate now. I just do what I do best and have fun.
AR: What advice you would give to a young athlete looking to play in college?
KN: I think just work hard, have fun and don’t stress about anything. It’s just a game, so go have fun.
AR: Do you have any superstitions?
KN: Actually I tend to put on my uniform the exact same way every game. My roommate actually pointed it out to me. She says I always put on my right sock and then my left sock, then my pants and my top.
AR: What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming all the way from Hawaii?
KN: It’s hard to adjust because I come from a small island where everything is convenient. Now I came to Virginia and things are so far away. I had to get used to the travel experience. Nothing is a half hour away; everything is a two hour drive. I think I’ve had to learn to be patient. I’m just trying to experience new things and get out more.
