FAIRFAX, Va. – GoMason.com spoke with freshman Jocelyn Hotter, an Annandale High School graduate from Springfield, Va. Hotter was the Co-President of the National Art Honor Society while earning four letters in softball at Annandale. She was the captain of the Annandale softball team for two years along with winning the 2013 Virginia State Batting and Stolen Base Championship. The outfielder was named to the All-State, All-Met Honorable Mention, All-Regional, and All-District first team in 2013. Hotter comes to Mason as the all-time leader in stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage, runs, hits, and fielding percentage for Annandale High School.
“Jocelyn is another local product. She is very athletic and loaded with potential from Annandale HS and the BRYC Stingrays,” said Head Coach Joe Verbanic. “A very fast outfielder whose speed excited me the first time I saw it. She will compete for time in the outfield and contribute immediately with her speed.”
GoMason.com: Why did you choose Mason?
Hotter: I chose Mason because I like the area the campus is in and for the Physical Education program the school offered. I also liked how friendly the players and coaches were when I went to clinics through the school. The team seemed very accepting which is something that is undervalued by many people.
GoMason.com: What are your goals for the season?
Hotter: My goal for this season is to improve and always play to the best of my ability. I also want to see our team win the A-10 championship and to continue to grow as a program.
GoMason.com: What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Hotter: My biggest accomplishment to date would be being invited to go to the Dominican Republic to play softball with America's Team. I was able to experience a different culture and get to know players from another nation through softball. When we had free time we visited villages where throwing a ball would bring smiles to sad faces. I feel accomplished because I was able to experience something that not many people are able to do.
GoMason.com: What is your favorite softball memory, on or off the field?
Hotter: The past couple of months with my team have been an amazing experience. One certain memory does not stand out to me, but I know I can always count on my teammates to make me laugh and have fun no matter where we are.
GoMason.com: If you couldn't play softball, what sport would you play?
Hotter: If I couldn't play softball, the sport I would most likely play is volleyball. I played it in high school but stopped because it interfered with softball practices and games.
GoMason.com: How have you been preparing for the upcoming season?
Hotter: To prepare for the upcoming season our team has been giving 100 percent effort whenever we practice or workout. We have also been doing activities as a team, like a scavenger hunt, to bring everyone closer and help the dynamic on the field.
GoMason.com: What is one thing fans should know about you?
Hotter: People should know that I am very close with my family and am thankful for everything they have done for me. I really appreciate all the time they spent trying to make me a better player and person, which I can never repay them for.
GoMason.com: Some favorites... Food? TV show/movie? Song? Athlete?
Hotter: My favorite food would have to be pizza; I can eat it anytime of the day. Inception is currently my favorite movie even though I will never fully understand it, and Nikita is my favorite show to watch on TV. I do not have a favorite song because it changes every week, but I like almost all types of music. My favorite athlete is actually someone I met over the past year through softball. I really admire Leah O'Brien-Amico because of her dedication and devotion, and the way she inspires other people to do better.
