FAIRFAX, Va. - GoMason.com spoke with Jess Middleton, a freshman from King George, Virginia.  Middleton earned three letters in softball and made the honor roll four times at Forest Park High School.  Successful off the field as well, the pitcher/utility player was a two-year honor society member and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Jess was selected for First Team All-Area, All-District, All-Region, and All-Conference three years for softball.  She also earned All-State Honorable Mention, All-Mets Honorable Mention, and MVP honors twice.

“Jess is a local product out of Forest Park HS and another outstanding player and hitter,” said Head Coach Joe Verbanic.  “Jess is a supremely versatile athlete who will not only make an impact as an infielder and hitter, but will also add another solid arm in the circle.”

GoMason.com: Why did you choose Mason?

Middleton: I chose George Mason because of the area and the great opportunities it gives me for internships and jobs after college. I also chose Mason because it is a great school and has much to offer.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for the season?

Middleton: As a team, our goal is to make it to the tournament and win it all! As for myself, my goal is to play every game like it's my last and leave it all out on the field. 

GoMason.com: What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Middleton: My biggest accomplishment to date would be getting offered the chance to play division one softball at a top notch academic university.

GoMason.com: What is your favorite softball memory, on or off the field?

Middleton: My favorite memory on the field would be when I got the chance to play on the ASA Hall of Fame field and won! 

GoMason.com: If you couldn't play softball, what sport would you play?

Middleton: If softball was not an option I would for sure be playing field hockey. I played in high school.

GoMason.com: How have you been preparing for the upcoming season?

Middleton: Preparing for the upcoming season has been a lot of work, but completely worth it. Personally I have been taking as many extra swings in the batting cages as I can. As a team we have been practicing extremely intensely and pushing as hard as we can during conditioning and lifts.

GoMason.com: What is one thing fans should know about you?

Middleton: One thing fans should know about me is that I can speak with my mouth shut.

GoMason.com: Some favorites... Food? TV show/Movie? Song? Athlete?

Middleton: Favorite Food: Any food! I love it all.

Favorite TV show: At the moment it is The Originals 

Favorite Song: I don't really have one. It changes all the time.