Aubrey Leach from The Woodlands, Texas is—quite simply—one of the best softball players in the country.

The senior infielder/outfielder, who is headed to the Univ. of Tennessee, was a 1^st Team NFCA All-American and 2^nd Team Full Count Softball All-American last year after hitting .589 with 49 RBI, 66 runs scored and 51 steals and she was one of 20 players named to the All-USA Today Preseason Softball Team earlier this spring.

Ranked in the Top 25 of the 2015 Hot 100, she is a phenomenal leadoff hitter who can play the soft game, power slap and now has added power to her game. She also has a discerning eye and draws a lot of walks. Her coaches say Aubrey is one of the smartest players they’ve ever coached as well.

Currently, her high school team is in the third round of the Texas State Playoffs and they have a one-game series this week with Kingwood. So far in her senior campaign Aubrey is hitting .622 with a .695 OBP and 54 steals. She’s also been walked 21 times.

Despite it being crunch time in the playoffs, Aubrey took some time to give us more insight into what she’s doing right now…

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10 Questions with Aubrey Leach…

FullCountSoftball.com: You had an amazing year, improving on your batting average to video game levels! What’s worked for you this year where you’ve taken your hitting to another level?
Aubrey Leach: This year I was determined to build from last year’s season. This year has been about refining my skills and preparing myself for the next level of play at the University of Tennessee.

FCS.com: Surely your opponents knew about all your acclaim and how dangerous you are at the plate… has it been frustrating at all in that teams may pitch around you or make it hard for you to get something good to hit?
AL: Discipline at the plate has been the key to my success. Waiting on something “good to hit” or even something I know I can use has helped me put the ball in play. Being pitched around is frustrating, but I’m happy to take the walk and help my team.  Besides it gives me the opportunity to try and steal a base or two.

FCS.com: You have a great all-around game… still, to improve your play, what is an area you’re going to work on before you become a Vol this fall?
AL:  Improving my play is something I’ve always worked on each time I play. I am refining my skills by constantly pushing myself in practice and in games, never settling at where I am with my skills. Bunting, slapping, and swinging away is what I will be working on the most.

FCS.com: Your younger sister, Kelcy, is on the team… how has it been to be on the same team with “little sis?” How is she similar and different to you and your game?
AL: Kelcy and I haven’t played together since we were in 10U league when I was the pitcher and she was the catcher. It’s been a very neat experience playing together—not many people get to work with a sibling in such a rigorous program. We are just about polar opposites: she is a right handed power hitter/catcher combo. We play two totally different styles of softball, but it works!

FCS.com: As a fantastic slapper, walk us through your approach at the plate: what are you looking for, do you have a game plan in mind or are you reacting to what the pitcher and defense give you?
AL: I always have a game plan before I get in the box. While getting in the box I read the defense and adjust accordingly. I try to get the pitcher to deliver me the pitch that I want, based on my game plan, even if it means taking a strike or two. Situations change and pitchers adjust, but in the end I look for the best pitch to drive.

FCS.com: You’re deep in the playoffs now… is there a mindset change; does it become more stressful or pressure-packed and, if so, how do you handle playoffs differently than the regular season?
AL:  The mindset stays the same. Our district is arguably the toughest 6A District in the state of Texas so we have to play our best the entire season. The pressure to perform well is there, but it’s a good pressure. Without the pressure the road to state would be very boring and everything we do leads us to the State Championship!

FCS.com: You have so much on your plate: playoffs, then club and all the travelling across the country and then Tennessee… what are your thoughts with all these exciting opportunities facing you right now?
AL: I’m trying to savor every moment. This year is flying by. I can’t believe I’m a few months away from going to college, it seems like yesterday I was a freshman trying to prove myself worthy of a varsity spot! It’s also sad to know this is my last summer traveling with Texas Sudden Impact; they are such a great group of girls and an amazing set of coaches and we are expecting great success this summer. College will come fast, so I’m trying to make it last as long as possible!

FCS.com: Who’s the best pitcher you’ve ever faced, be it high school or club ball?
AL:  Best pitcher… my father! He knows all my weaknesses and is always a challenge when he throws BP to me! 

FCS.com: When you put on your uniform and cross the lines on the field, what is running through your mind?  Is there a motto or philosophy you use to inspire your game?
AL:  When I step out on the field it’s a rush of excitement. I get to go out and play the game I love! My motto would be Phil. 3:14 [I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.], reminding me to never quit, always pressing towards my goal! 

FCS.com: Finally, let’s go off the field… what’s one thing about you people don’t generally know, perhaps something unusual or different you’ve done or accomplished? 
AL:  I enjoy art—painting, drawing and ceramics. I’ve taken six art classes in junior high through high school.  Also, I drive a 1966 Ford Mustang which is a love/hate relationship; because when I’m driving it I absolutely love it and when it is not running, I absolutely hate it!