We head to Texas today to profile one of the top juniors in the country, a speedy outfielder who is SEC-bound and admits she likes the color indicated by her name, but it’s not her favorite

Name: JADE MILLER
Grad Year: 2016
Pos: outfielder
High School: Plano (Texas)
Club: Texas Glory                                                                             
College: Arkansas

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FullCountSoftball.com: You’re making a change from one Glory team (Naudin) to another (Shelton)… mixed emotions?
Jade Miller: I’m going to miss playing for such an awesome guy like Ed, but I’m ready to begin the next level with Kevin.

FCS.com: Your dad, Mike, will be one of the assistants I hear for the Glory team you’re on… that has to have its pluses and negatives! Name the good, bad and ugly about being a coach’s daughter…
JM: I love playing alongside my dad! I’ve been playing for him for as long as I can remember and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. We’ve built a great relationship because of softball but there are times where it’s tough to keep our personal life off the field.

FCS.com: Word on the street is you were placed into a leadership role this past year and really shined as a role model. Talk about your thoughts on being a leader and how you see yourself being an example and influence to other players, especially the younger ones…
JM: I loved being put in that situation. I think it made me a better leader and a better person overall. I can’t take all the credit though. I had a really great team to work with. They were younger, but they were great listeners and passionate about being great players. I absolutely loved being around them.

FCS.com: You’ve been committed to the Hogs for a while now… how you were first seen by the Arkansas coaches and how did you find out they had offered?
JM: They saw me the summer of my freshman year. Arkansas had been watching my current (and future) teammate, Carley Haizlip. I was right behind her in the lineup that summer so they saw me quite a bit. I went to a camp at the end of the summer and then on a couple of visits that Fall. They made the offer in person on one of those visits.

FCS.com: When did you decide to commit and was there a moment when you knew Arkansas was the place for you?
JM: After visiting campus a few times, I realized I couldn’t be anywhere else. It felt like home to me, being there. I never wanted to leave. I suppose I knew the moment I stepped on campus that I wanted to go there.

FCS.com: Having been committed for a while, what goes through your mind when you see the UA coaches at one of your events… nervous or excited to show them what you can do?
JM: I love seeing my future coaches at my games because they are all so amazing and very friendly. I was a little nervous at first, but now I can’t wait to play in front of them when they show up.

FCS.com: Have you visited the campus a few times over the last year or been too busy playing?
JM: Yes, I’ve been to campus several times. I still attend all of their camps and sometimes I’ll go up there just to hang out, or go to a football game or something.

FCS.com: How far away from home will it be for you? Was distance a factor in your decision at all?
JM: It’s about five hours from my house. I think it’s the perfect distance actually. I wanted to be close enough that my dad and grandparents could come watch if they wanted to, but I still wanted to have that “going off to college” experience.

FCS.com: What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
JM: Other people probably say I’m fast, and have good bat control. I hope they say I’m a great teammate too!

FCS.com: What’s been a top memory or two for you in your softball career?
JM: Playing in the TCS National Championship game was a good one. We played the Corona Angels and they were amazing that year. It seemed like we played them 20 times that summer. We lost that game, but it was still a great memory. There was a lot of talent on the field that day. Also, the summers are always great. Seeing all the friends I’ve made on other teams in Colorado and at PGF is awesome. Plus just getting to spend six weeks with my teammates is always something I look forward to.

 

Quick Hitters

 

Half way through high school, what have been the highlights and the lowlights?
There are so many highlights. I love being around my coaches and teammates. I’m pretty proud of my back-to-back school hitting titles too. The lowlights are that writing this, I have just realized it will all be over in just two years.

The best part of being an outfielder:_________________
… making diving catches, of course!

What is Plano known for?
Plano is known for having a great, loving, and caring community.

Favorite thing about being from Texas:
My favorite thing about being from Texas is the people. The southern hospitality here is unmatched.

Least favorite school subject:
Science.

Favorite place in the world:
Plano, Texas!

What’s your dream vacation?
A cruise around the world.

What type of bat do you use (and why do you like it)?
DeMarini. I love them. They have been so good to me.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I can turn my belly button inside out.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen happen to you on the field?
I’m actually really clumsy. There have been many occasions that I’ve tripped over my own feet.

Name one thing you wouldn’t be caught dead doing?
Wearing a Cubs hat, I’m a HUGE Cards fan!

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
Tons, but they change. If I’m in a slump, there’s always a reason. The most recent was because of an elbow guard I was wearing. I took it off and the slump was over. The only one I can think of that has always been there is never stepping on the chalk.

With a name like “Jade,” are you forced to like green as your favorite color?

(Laughs) no, I like the color, but my favorite is actually blue.