Oct. 8, 2007
SAN DIEGO - GoAztecs.com: How have your first couple weeks of practice been?
Samantha: So far, right now, I'm just pitching and doing a little bit of hitting. My pitching has been going well. It's been a little frustrating getting used to everything. The hitting is going really well and I'm excited for the season.
How about your first couple weeks of class? What is your favorite so far?
They've been pretty easy. The only class I'm struggling with is psychology. The first test was a little hard. We have a big class of about 200 people. It's a large lecture and I find it hard to take notes. It's different from high school where there were maybe 30 people in a class. So far my favorite class is probably recreation. We talk about leisure and recreation.
Why did you choose San Diego State? What other colleges were you recruited by?
My sister (Amanda) went here. I'm from San Diego and I wanted to stay near home. My first visit was to State and I decided to jump on the opportunity, I didn't want to go anywhere too far. Having a Division I school so close to home made it an easy decision.
What do you think of your teammates at SDSU so far?
I like my team. I think that we have good chemistry and I think we will be pretty good this year.
What about the coaching staff?
I like the coaching staff, they help you whenever you have troubles and help in anyway they can.
What do you think about the getting the chance to play in SDSU Softball Stadium?
I played here for my high school championship. I really like the facility and how open the space is.
Have you had a chance to play with any of your Aztec teammates prior to coming to SDSU?
During the summer I played with one of the girls Stephanie Quichocho. Also, my sister Ashley (West) is on the team.
Do you think it is going to be hard adjusting to college pitching where the mound is three feet further back from home plate?
No, I've been playing from further back in other leagues so it hasn't been hard adjusting.
What's your best pitch?
Right now, I'm in transition of changing pitches so I don't have a certain pitch that I consider to be my best one.
Did you play any other sports at Steele Canyon?
I played basketball and golf.
What was your greatest softball memory at Steele Canyon?
Winning the CIF title back-to-back.
How did you spend your summer before coming to San Diego State?
I worked a lot and did a lot of softball.
Which game are you looking forward to most in the upcoming season and why?
Not specifically one in particular but in some of our tournaments we play against a lot of top ranked teams so I hope we do well.
What is your major at SDSU?
My major is kinesiology and I want to branch off into physical therapy.
What have you learned from you oldest sister Amanda?
I look up to her, with softball she had a tough time when she started here so I have respect for her doing it all on her own. It shows me that you can't mess around and you have to get yourself set with school and sports and stay ahead of the game.
How has such a big family (seven daughters) influenced you?
That's why I wanted to stay in San Diego because I didn't want to leave my family. We all played sports; our household is based on sports. We all get home late from practices. When everyone thinks of Beasley's they think athletes.
What does it mean to be playing with one of your sisters (Ashley)?
I played over the summer with her and when we went to Mount Miguel we played together. When I went to Steel Canyon I actually played against her, it was kind of weird to play against my sister. On the team, it's one more person I know. It's nice to have someone on the team you can really trust.
Talk a little about playing with you sisters in a summer softball league:
We kind of made up half the team; we would just go out there and have fun. This summer it wasn't as important as past summers, we just want to go out there to stay in shape. It was fun to practice just once a week.
What type of music do you listen to?
Hip-hop and R and B
If you could have dinner with anybody past or present, who would it be?
Probably the singer Tyrese.