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The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Veteran ‘a quiet leader’ inspired by teammates

Published 2008-02-12T00:00:00Z”/>

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Mike Wagner

With four seasons under her belt, right fielder Nickie Jarrett has more than enough experience to be considered one of the leaders of the softball team.

The Wildcats fell short last season, and this season Jarrett hopes she can change that as one of the team’s premier players, she said.

“She’s a quiet leader,” said head coach Jamie Brown. “She’s a really big team player and has a big desire to win each game.”

In her fifth year at Chico State, Jarrett’s significance to the team became clear after she was named to the All-California Collegiate Athletics Association team last season.

“She’s very important to the team,” Brown said. “Without her we can’t do anything.”

Every time Jarrett is at the plate, the senior’s confidence can be seen in her ability to get hits and produce runs.

“Confidence, for me is the key to the game,” Jarrett said. “I always believe I’m going to be successful when I step in the batter’s box, and I always believe I’m better than the pitcher I’m facing.”

She credits her softball talents to her hitting instructor from her hometown in Pleasanton, she said.

“I went to him once a week since fourth grade until I left for college,” she said. “I still go back and workout with him during the summer and over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.”

Jarrett’s parents also show her support through encouragement and by going to every game, she said.

“They push me all the time to do the best I can in school and everything else in my life,” she said.

Jarrett has worked hard over the years and will have fond memories of her experiences as a Wildcat, she said.

“My personal goals are to simply end my softball career on a high point, as a team and individually,” Jarrett said. “It’d be nice to make another appearance, and I would love to look back on my senior year as the most successful and memorable one of them all.”

She holds the team’s goals above her own, she said.

“My biggest inspiration is my teammates,” Jarrett said. “They all want this just as bad as I do and have worked incredibly hard since August.”

The drive for success has led the ‘Cats to build a strong relationship with one another.

“We all get along really well and have bonded over the past few months,” Jarrett said. “Many of us are friends on and off the field.”

Off the field, Jarrett is just as motivated in her schoolwork and life goals.

As an exercise physiology major, she is interested in pursuing a career in sports-related health care, although she’s keeping an open mind, she said.

“There are so many areas I can go toward with my degree,” Jarrett said. “I’m still not sure which direction I enjoy best yet.”

Mike Wagner can be reached at<a href= “mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a>

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