Today we head to the South to profile a speedy outfielder who will state within her state borders to play n the SEC!

Name: TATE MOSELEY
Grad Year: 2018
Pos: outfielder
High School: Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, Ala.)
GPA: 3.95
Club: Birmingham Thunderbolts 2000                               
Club Stats: Fall 2014: batting average of .459, OBP of .535, slugging percentage of .595, 12 stolen bases.
High School Stats: 8^th grade: batting average of .457, 42 hits, 19 RBI; helped the Hewitt-Trussville Lady Huskies to a 32-16 record and Class 6A-Area 12 championship
Honors: National Jr. Honor Society, AB Honor Roll, All Metro South Basketball- 7^th grade, Heritage Panel  
College: Auburn

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FullCountSoftball.com: You’re just a freshman yet you’ll be a three year varsity starter in 2015… does it seem weird that you’re already so experienced as a high school player?
Tate Moseley: No, I was always very comfortable playing with older girls and having the experience. I have an older sister, and I would play with her travel ball team, so that also helped being with the older girls.

FCS.com: Coaches say you bring a lot to the table, from you “hard skills” like speed to your “softball skills” like leadership and likability… evaluate yourself as a player, what do you think you do well and what areas do you need to improve on before becoming an Auburn Tiger?
TM: As a player, I think I have good leadership skills with my teammates. I like showing up with a positive attitude everyday no matter what. I think it’s important to have somebody like that on a team. I am also a firm believer that nothing is handed to you. You have to work for what you want and do whatever it takes to get there. Before getting to Auburn I think there is a ton of room for improvement in all aspects of my game. I am super excited about getting to play for Coach (Karen) Johns this school ball season. I think she is going to be great for the mental aspect of my game. Then I get to go straight to Coach Maze and the Bolts for the summer.

FCS.com: What is it like playing high school softball in Alabama? You play a ton of games that would seem to be a plus, right? Do you feel the level of play is up there with major states?
TM: Yes, we do play a lot of games and tournaments during season. I think it’s really good to play as many games as you can while getting ready for summer ball. I think the softball in Alabama has good competition and we could compete with anybody in other states.

FCS.com: Tell us about your softball background… how long have you played, when did you realize you loved the sport and what is your earliest memory of playing softball?
TM: I started playing softball when I was seven years old and the same year started playing travel ball. I think I started loving the sport the first day I stepped on the field. My earliest memory was in 10U and we were playing in Tunica, Miss. and we were playing in the championship game. It went into extra innings and I scored the winning run.

FCS.com: What was the hardest area in softball for you to develop or become proficient in? What helped you improve your skills in this area?
TM: The hardest area for me to learn in softball was swinging away. I have always worked on slapping and getting good at all the different kinds of slaps and it was really hard for me to learn how to keep my feet still. Getting comfortable with hitting away was just a lot of practice. I got a lot of help from Rocky and Coach Shawn with getting the mechanics right.

FCS.com: Let’s talk recruiting… tell us how you were first seen by the Auburn coaches, then how long until they offered?
TM: I was first seen by the Auburn coaches in Orlando, Fla. which was in the fall of 2014. They offered on January 11, 2015 which was about 2 ½ months apart. Auburn also saw me at the OnDeck camp in November of 2014.

FCS.com: What led into the decision and why did you commit then?
TM: I instantly fell in love with Auburn when I went down there. I love the coaches and how they run everything at the program. I went on an unofficial visit, then later to a Christmas camp. I decided to commit because I honestly felt in my heart that that’s where I want to be. I feel like I make a good fit at Auburn and think I’ll fit in right away.

FCS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
TM: I talked to the coaches over the phone.

FCS.com: Describe your emotions around telling them, were you more nervous or more excited?
TM: I was really excited about it. I couldn’t wait to call them because I just knew that’s where I want to be.

FCS.com: What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
TM: Obviously my speed is a huge aspect of the way I play the game. People say I have a great work ethic and can make adjustments when needed.

FCS.com: What’s been a top memory or two for you in your athletic career?
TM: One thing I remember was playing a team out of Tennessee and there were two outs with bases loaded and I hit a double to win the game.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to do once you hang up the softball cleats?
That’s something that I really don’t want to think about! But I am very confident that I will get an outstanding degree at Auburn and plan to study nutrition.

Fill in the blank… Softball is awesome because: __________________
… I love the competition and getting the chance to see all your hard work pay off.

Favorite color(s):
Orange and blue.

Favorite actor/actress:
Channing Tatum.

If I had a $1,000 handed to me I would…
I would give some of it to my church and save the rest.

What’s your dream vacation?
Hawaii.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I have always wanted to go skydiving.

What one word best describes you?
Confident.

What’s one thing (besides a phone) you always have on or near you?
I always have on my W.W.J.D. bracelet.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
I always put on my uniform the exact same way, eat the same breakfast every morning and wear the same ribbon and headband.

Do you see yourself as a role model?
Yes.

At any level and any sport, what’s your favorite team to root for:
Auburn University.

What’s your “guilty pleasure,” something you hate to admit you love?
I love eating candy.

If you could have a super power, what would you want it to be?
I would want to fly.

What did you want to be when you were little?
Veterinarian.

Favorite athlete:
Natasha Watley.

Nickname(s):
Tater, Tater Tot.

Something on your “must do” list:
Travel all around the world.

Best thing about being from your area:
It’s not too big and not too small. There are plenty of things to do, and most everyone is nice.

Funniest thing you’ve ever seen on a softball field:
I ran into the fence when working on fence work at practice.

January… love it or hate it?
Hate it.