Haller continues early success

It’s been quite a break out season for Whitney Haller, the freshman from Marietta, Ga. who holds the single season home run record in the ACC with 19 (and counting), plays first base and also acts as a relief pitcher.

Haller became the first Jacket ever to be voted as one of the top 25 finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. She is one of just two freshmen on this year’s list.

“It’s unbelievable and a tremendous honor to be in a list with all of those players [who are] nationally renowned,” Haller said. “I really don’t have words to describe how much of an honor it really is.”

Haller currently has 59 RBIs, a .867 slugging percentage and a .422 batting average. She is also in the top five in the nation in RBI, is about to break the ACC single-season record for RBI and holds the school record for runs scored in a season.

Haller mentioned that the team is more important than individual records.

“It’s...exciting to help the team so much and that is what is most important,” Haller said.

Haller is currently tied for second in the nation with the most home runs this season. When asked if she will become the nation’s leader in home runs, Haller could only manage to laugh in an attempt not to blush.

“There are so many good people in the nation. I am probably not [going to finish on top.]”

Haller’s first year in college did not start off for the best. She shattered her ring finger knuckle last summer playing softball and was forced to sit out for fall training.

“I was out for a good month. Plus, I had to get into the swing of things when everybody had already played. It was hard, but I made it work,” she said. “I think [the injury] made me work harder. I hate being benched; I want to be in action. That just makes you want it harder, and you know what it feels like when you come out here and you can’t have it.”

Haller is an all-around player. She’s a power hitter, a first baseman and a relief pitcher. From the pitcher’s circle, she currently has six saves and 19 strike outs in 41 innings pitched.

“I will probably close a couple games this weekend, and may get a save at the end of one of the games. It’s a thrill for me.”

The Jackets have two weeks left in the regular season play before the ACC tournament and NCAA competition begins.

“This is the season that you dream about, and I hope that it keeps going the way it is now,” Haller said.

Haller mentioned that post-season play is something that’s in the back of the players’ minds.

“It’s always on your mind [as] you go through conference games, like this weekend. We have to win the series, so it puts us in a good position to prepare for the end-of-the-season tournament. We’re playing the teams that we’re going to play in the tournament, so we’re scouting and seeing what we’re up against,” Haller said.