FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University freshman baseball left fielder Kyri Washington/Prospect is this week’s Longwood Male Athlete of the Week. He started four games last week, hitting .429 with one home run, one double, four RBI and three runs while also perfect in the field with nine chances, including one assist. Washington was 1-4 with a home run and two RBI against James Madison on April 17, 1-3 with a sacrifice bunt against Gardner-Webb on April 19, 2-3 with two runs and another sacrifice against the Bulldogs on April 20 and 2-4 with a double and two RBI against GWU on April 21. He has started all 42 games and is hitting .236 with four homers, 14 doubles, 24 RBI, 23 runs and eight stolen bases.
Question and Answer Session with Kyri Washington and Ashley Robbins
AR: How did you prepare for your freshman year and did you think you would be able to contribute right away?
KW: Coming into the season, I prepared by getting in all of my reps and making sure I was in the best shape possible because I knew it would be a lot different from playing in high school. As a freshman, I knew I would play right away, but I wasn't too sure how much of an impact I would make.
AR: How was the transition from high school to college baseball?
KW: It was a lot different than I thought. The pitching is faster and the competition is better. All around, it’s just a much faster game.
AR: What’s the best piece of advice you've ever gotten from Coach Bolding?
KW: One thing he always says is ‘believe in yourself.’
AR: Why did you choose Longwood?
KW: Because of the small environment and the fact that I would get the chance to play right away.
AR: Do you have any role models?
KW: Bryan Kersey, my AAU coach.
AR: Do you find yourself getting advice from the older players?
KW: Scott Burkett gives me advice almost every game. He reminds me not to let one at bat determine the rest of the game.
AR: What’s your favorite pro team/athlete?
KW: The New York Yankees are my favorite team and B.J. Upton is my favorite player.
AR: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
KW: Individually, I want to bat at least .270. As a team, I want us to make the Big South Tournament.
AR: Looking ahead to next year, what do you hope to work on and improve in the offseason?
KW: Over the course of the offseason, I'm going to work on my arm strength.
