Softball: Gremillion enjoying smooth freshman season

Kevin Foote, The Advertiser, April 21, 2016

 

UL freshman third baseman Kara Gremillion throws across the diamond during last weekend’s road series at No. 1 Florida.(Photo: Vance Lanier/Special to the Advertiser)

 

 

She just kind of takes it all in — almost like she’s done it before.

Perhaps not with the explosiveness she hopes to display later in her career, but UL’s true freshman third baseman Kara Gremillion has gone about her business with a consistency beyond her years.

No, perhaps not always with a lot of fanfare or attention. In fact, with so many older standouts surrounding her, Gremillion quite often gets overshadowed.

But in some ways, that’s exactly what’s been so special about Gremillion’s freshman campaign.

Perhaps no one understands that any better than UL coach Michael Lotief. If she wasn’t such a steady hand all season, Lotief likely would have fielded a lot more questions about starting a true freshman every game.

"She took over for a senior who was the four-hole hitter on the team last year," Lotief said. "Think about it, you hardly ever hear Samantha’s (Walsh) name. That’s not a knock on Samantha at all. It’s just a huge compliment to what Kara has done and how consistent she’s been. She just doesn’t let anything get to her.

"I wouldn’t say that I’m surprised, because I knew she was going to be good. But she’s been so consistent for a true freshman, that it kind of does surprise me a little."

Perhaps Gremillion’s maturity was no more evident than this past weekend when the Ragin’ Cajuns were taking on the two-time defending national champion Florida Gators in Gainesville, Florida.

UL’s offense struggled against Florida’s dominant staff. Ironically, the hitter that enjoyed the most success was none other than the freshman. Instead of being star-struck, Gremillion was 4-for-7 on the weekend.

"Everybody talked about being relaxed and playing free," Gremillion said. "That’s what I tried to do."

Actually, that’s exactly what the former St. Amant High standout has been successful at doing since arriving on campus in Lafayette. She got advice from players like sophomore shortstop DJ Sanders, who started as a true freshman last year, and junior second baseman Haley Hayden, who started as a true freshman two years ago.

"They just told me to relax, not be nervous," Gremillion said. "It’s the same game you’ve been playing since you were a kid. You’re playing against that little ball. Just go out, play free and give maximum effort."

So far, that approach has worked wonders for Gremillion.

Although she’s not the hitting star she’ll likely be in the future, Gremillion has also held her own at the plate — batting .295 with six doubles, a homer, 11 RBIs and five stolen bases with 23 walks and only nine strikeouts — while playing a steady third base.

"The transition was pretty easy, but it is a lot quicker at third than I was expecting," said Gremillion, who was primarily a shortstop throughout her career. "Defense has definitely been easier (than hitting). Defense is kind of what you’ve done your whole life. You’re just kind of adding to what you already know."

Hitting, on the other hand, is a different animal. And even more of a crazy adjustment for freshmen under Lotief at UL.

Yet, somehow Gremillion appears to be handling it without a hitch … or so it seems.

"It was not easy," She said. "Actually, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’m still adjusting.

"I mentally just try to stay strong even when I’m not having a good day. I just try to do what they tell me to do."

But while so many things about this season are new to Gremillion, playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns softball program isn’t a new concept at all to her. In fact, she’s been hearing about it for years.

Two different aunts — Stacie Gremillion (1984-87) and Sandy Percle (1983-86) – were standout performers here in the early years of the program.

"Oh, I’ve definitely heard stories, especially from her (Stacie Gremillion)," Gremillion said. "She loved it so much. She said they were the best moments of her life."

In fact, Gremillion said she thinks back to those stories as she goes through the days of her first season. On those long days when she’s battling fatigue, she considers the reality that she’ll one day decades from now be longing for these active days as a student-athlete.

But while the road trips are a little tougher than she expected and it’s tough to make those morning classes sometimes, Gremillion wouldn’t trade the college experience thus far for anything.

"It’s still awesome," she said. "I love it."

Appalachian State at UL

Series: 2 p.m. doubleheader Saturday; noon single game Sunday.

Place: Lamson Park.

Records: App. St. 9-37, 2-16; UL 32-6, 13-1.

Radio: KPEL 1420 AM.