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Cox a force for the Highlanders
It seems the colder the weather gets, the hotter Cox's bat becomes. In fact, Cox has recently decided to attend St. John's University in New York to play softball because she enjoys playing in cold weather. "I decided to go to St. John's because I am over the whole California thing," Cox said. "I wanted a change, and I wanted to go somewhere that's a little cooler as I have never really liked playing in warm weather." Unfortunately for Marmonte League opposing pitchers, Cox still has one season left as the third baseman for the Royal High softball team. Last season Cox's bat rained on most pitchers parades as the Highlander hit .419 while clubbing three home runs and 16 RBI. This year Cox is ready to help lead the Highlanders into the playoffs, where the team lost last year to Hart of Newhall in the first round after sharing the Marmonte League championship with Thousand Oaks. "Although we have a lot of new players out on the field this season, they are familiar faces of players that were on the team last year but didn't play," Cox said. "Since we all know each other, the chemistry on the team has been very good. We have a good time playing together, but we also know when we have to get serious." In the past two seasons, Cox has played catcher, first base and third base for RHS. Cox said she doesn't mind what position she's stationed at. "When I started playing softball at the age of like 5 or something, I played the outfield," Cox said. "Later on I switched to catcher because I was one of the bigger girls and I liked all the equipment they got to wear. "I started playing third base more in high school and liked it because I saw it as another challenge. I feel more confident playing the position this year, and I feel that anything that comes down my way I will at least get a glove on it." With senior catcher Brittany Clifton still on the team, Royal head coach Bill Dishon said Cox will spend most of her time handling the hot corner. Where Cox bats in the lineup is another story. "I haven't made up my mind yet where Kacee is going to bat," Dishon said. "We are experimenting with her in different spots of the order to find out where other people in the lineup hit best around her. I believe we have a better hitting team this year than last year, and that's going to make it tough for pitchers to continue to walk Kacee." Early on, Cox has received a few free passes to first base, but it's something that doesn't make her too upset. "It can be frustrating a little because I know with runners on base I can drive them in," Cox said. "Still, I think it shows a sign of respect that they are walking me. It's nice to know that somebody has been watching me and realizes that I'm a good player." The walks are something Dishon would like to see go down. He said Cox is one of the best hitters he has ever coached. "She has a tremendous bat that has only improved each year she has played for us," Dishon said. "Even though she has a high batting average, she is definitely a power hitter. She is not one to get dinky little singles through the infield. She earns all her hits." Although Dishon said Cox has a lot of talent, he's even more impressed with her work ethic. "I love her desire to always get better and I noticed that with her very early on," Dishon said. "Some kids, no matter how good they are, always want to learn more and get even better. "She is always pleasant to be around. She always gives 100 percent and she is basically a coach's dream. You can't help but smile any time someone mentions her name." Cox will be in action tomorrow when Royal opens its season in the Simi Tournament at Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks. Game time is set for 9 a.m. |
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