Freshman Sydney Bales joins Mason softball from La Plata, Md., just 42 miles from campus. In her career at La Plata High School, Bales earned varsity letters in softball and volleyball in all four years. The outfielder helped the Warriors earn back-to-back state championships. Bales is also an exemplary student, earning numerous academic awards/recognitions during her four years at La Plata.

George Mason Athletics sat down with Sydney to learn more about the outfielder in another addition of Meet the Freshmen.

When did you first start playing softball?

I started playing tee-ball at SMYO (Southern Maryland Youth Organization) when I was about four years old. I continued to play county ball until I joined my first travel softball team at the age of eight. That team was called the Southern Maryland Shockers.

What is your favorite softball memory?
My favorite softball memory was in high school. In both my sophomore and junior seasons our team won the state championship in consecutive years. It was the most enjoyable and memorable moment of my high school career. Winning both of those games reminds me why I enjoy the sport and that I never want to stop playing. I will remember those games like they happened yesterday.

What is your favorite thing about softball?
My favorite thing about softball is being able to travel and meet new people and make new friends. The softball world has brought me so many close friends and I wouldn't have asked it to be any other way. I have met some amazing people, both coaches and teammates, that have pushed me to be my best and always have my back.  

Why did you choose to continue your athletic and academic career at George Mason?
I chose George Mason University because it has a great Criminal Justice program.  I also wanted to stay close to home and Mason is only an hour away from home. The softball program here was a good fit for me. The coaches and the players made this an easy choice for me.
 
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals. Trea is young, athletic, eager and has a true passion for baseball. He is exactly what I want to be seen as.

Who are your role models on and off the field?
My mom is my role model off the field because she has been there every step of the way for me. She has supported me in every way possible. My mom is my right hand, she made the long drives to tournaments while I slept and she has always been by my side no matter what.

On the field, I have had several role models but the one that stands out the most would be my travel ball coach, Larry Murphy. Coach Larry accepted me onto his team with very little knowledge of my playing ability and helped develop me to the player I am today. He pushed me when I needed pushing but was also there for me when I just needed a friend.

What is your major and why did you choose it?
My major is criminology. I chose criminology because growing up as a kid, I have always been interested in watching all the crime shows on television. During my senior year, I took a criminology class at the local college and with that class I was able to do a ride along with a Charles County police officer. After finishing that class and the ride along this confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice.

When you are not playing softball, what is your favorite thing to do?
I really enjoy going to the gym and working out. The gym is a happy place for me because I am by myself and that is where I do a lot of thinking. I also love to take my dog to my high school and let her run around. I enjoy time with my dog as it is a lot of fun and gives me a good workout. 

What is your favorite book, movie, TV show and/or podcast? 
My favorite TV show is Law and Order Special Victims Unit because it is very intriguing and keeps you on your toes. The show gives real life scenarios which is something I enjoy. SVU also has taught me different things such as how I can protect myself if I got in a certain situation and things about the law.

Any pregame rituals? 
Before games I will listen to one of my favorite songs called Last Resort by Papa Roach. This is a very upbeat and intense song; it really brings out a different side of me. 

Something I want #MasonNation to know about me is… 

One thing I want Mason Nation to know about me is I like to do headstands for fun.