It’s been a great couple weeks for this Alabama outfielder who won a big game at PGF with a walk-off double and then committed to an SEC school in the last couple of days!

 

Name: CARMYN GREENWOOD
Grad Year: 2016
Pos: Outfielder
High School: Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.)
GPA/SAT or ACT : 3.5
Club: Birmingham Thunderbolts                                          
Stats: high school: .495 batting average, seven home runs , 11 doubles, 34 RBI, 28 steals, .549 on-base percentage, 1.355 OPS; club ball: .500 batting average, five home runs , 9 doubles, 33 RBI, 18 steals, .543 on-base percentage, 1.383 OPS
Honors: Birmingham All-Metro Team, Shelby All-County Team           
College: Auburn

 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: You had an amazing game at PGF where you came up with two outs in the bottom of the 7^th, down a run and you won the game! Walk us through those heroics and what you remember of the experience…
Carmyn Greenwood: I just remember being up to bat and just focusing on getting a hit. I was trying to keep it simple, even with the count 0-2. But when I hit the double, that was like one of the most amazing feelings knowing I won a big game for my team. The next thing I remember was my teammates running all over the field and picking me up.

 

SSS.com: What was your favorite part of PGF Nationals?
CG: My favorite part is always getting to play some of the best competition and knowing we would have to bring our “A” game to win. It always makes us better. The weather is great too in California.

 

SSS.com: You’ve been a varsity player in basketball as well as softball… what are the similarities and differences for you in the two sports?
CG: Well for both sports, it takes a lot of practice outside of the normal team practices to improve your individual skills that you need for each game. Footwork is something that is important for both. Basketball is a lot more physical, because I had to play in the paint some. It gets rough down low. You also have to be in better shape for all the running needed for basketball.

 

SSS.com: You have an honor that was a first at your high school—you were the first 8^th grader to start a game for Oak Mountain High School. What was that like playing with and against girls who maybe were five years older than you?
CG: They seemed really big and fast at first! I could tell they had a lot more experience. It was a big honor to play with girls that was my older sister’s age (she was on the team) and that I had always looked up to.

 

SSS.com: The Birmingham Bolts have a nice pipeline to Auburn as Corey Myers used to help coach the club team… was that how you were first noticed by the Tiger staff?
CG: Yes, it was. I spent two summers with him being involved with most of our workouts and practices. He knew my good, but also my bad, tendencies!

 

SSS.com: How did the recruiting process go… when did you first learn they were serious about you? And when did they actually offer and how?
CG: Well for me, it felt like a long journey. A year ago I was slapping more than hitting. I had been to some of their camps, but originally as just a slapper. As my hitting improved, it started to open more doors and gain more interest. I wasn’t completely sure how serious Auburn was, until they asked me to come down for a visit. They offered me the day I was there for the visit.

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what led into the decision?
CG: I was looking to commit before my junior year, if there was a good fit with a school. Being a lot of my friends and teammates in my class (2016) had already committed, I had had a long time to think about it and ask them questions about their recruiting experiences. I decided to go to Auburn because I liked the campus and feel. I also felt real comfortable with their system and staff, being I had worked with Corey while he was with the Bolts. I also liked the idea that Auburn could help me try to fulfill my college softball goals, which were playing in and winning a Women’s College World Series.

SSS.com: Describe the moments when you told them you’d be a Tiger… that must have been one of the highlights of your life!
CG: It was great feeling, being wanted by Coach (Clint) Myers to be on his team and continue my dream. Every school he has coached, they have won a championship and been competitive. When I said yes, it was a big relief. I’m just anxious to be out on the field as a Tiger.

 

SSS.com: How close are you to the campus and the softball complex?
CG: We live about 2 hours away from the campus and fields at Auburn.

 

SSS.com: Had you visited other schools and did you have a plan in case Auburn hadn’t come through?
CG: Yes, I had taken visits to other schools and actually had some offers.

 

SSS.com: What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
CG: Hitting for power, while still being able to steal bases is a big plus. In the field, I have been able to rob a few home runs, but still like to throw runners out at home.

 

Quick Hitters (short answers)

 

What do you want to do post softball playing career?
I want to pursue something in the medical field.

Favorite season (and why):
Summer, because you get the chance to win Nationals and play against the best teams from around the country.

When does school start for you?
I actually just started the 7^th of August.

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being ecstatic and 1 being completely depressed, how excited are you about another school year?
Around 7, because I get to see some of my friends I don’t see as much in the summer.

Hidden talent:
Dancing.

What’s the oddest thing you keep in your backpack or bag?
Nothing unusual!

How do you let an umpire know you thought the strike call was bad?
I don’t. I let them call and I worry about hitting the next pitch. Nobody is perfect and there will be calls I don’t agree with that happen. You have to move on.

What’s your favorite ice cream and topping?
Chocolate and hot fudge.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I have my belly button pierced.

How would you describe your personality on and off the field?
On, I’m more determined and focused and competitive. Off, I’m more laid back (but still competitive with my sisters (laughs).

What is sure to bring a smile to your face every time?
Making a big play, getting a big hit or a Hershey’s bar.

Do you have any softball rituals or superstitions?
Not really, but I do prefer #7.