By snoadmin
In four years, senior Jessica Beaver has claimed three major monikers on the softball field – home run threat, standout shortstop and Long Beach State’s career softball leader in RBIs.
While honored to have a blossoming college career, Beaver is proud of her personal growth above all else.
“I’ve grown through the program,” Beaver said. “I matured and became a woman through the program.”
The Hemet, Calif., native said she came out of Hemet High School in 2004 not learning the game of softball completely.
“I came in very immature,” Beaver said. “Pete [Manarino] straightened me out. This program became like a second family.”
Beaver felt fortunate to get the best of both worlds from both Manarino, the team’s former coach and reigning LBSU leader in coaching victories, and current head coach Kim Sowder, whom Beaver considers to be like a mother to the team.
“She cares about you and your future,” Beaver said. “Pete and me – we joke around, but he was hard on the field. Kim yells at us, but she’s more loving.”
This helped the pitcher-turned-shortstop feel more comfortable in the collegiate setting. Beaver was forced into playing out of her desired position at Hemet High School due to injuries and lack of production at the pitcher’s circle.
“I wasn’t like a real pitcher; I had to do it,” Beaver said. “Once I found my true position [at shortstop], I got used to it.”
Shortstop was what Beaver wanted and she soon embraced the position. But her college experience was what helped turn the corner.
“I’ve learned more about the game – having a game plan, learning when to swing and not to swing,” Beaver said. “The coaches sit you down and teach you.”
Because of that, Beaver has maximized her potential, improving in runs scored, hits, RBIs, fielding percentage and home runs every year. The senior currently leads the team in hits (46), RBIs (39) and home runs (six).
Beaver never thought her LBSU career would excel to a record-breaking level, especially after setting the career RBI record last Sunday against UC Riverside with a hit she does best – a home run.
“I was excited; I wanted it last year,” Beaver said with a gleaming smile. “I really looked for it and I’m honored to have the record.”
Aside from being LBSU’s “queen of RBIs,” Beaver is a hit over the fence from another record, as she currently sits second behind Lauren Johnson’s three-year-old record of 24. When asked about what goes on in her mind before every homer, Beaver said she’s always had other intentions.
“Just get a base hit,” Beaver said. “Just try to drive it hard, but it always ends up a home run. When it goes, it goes.”
Beaver credits Steve McNee, her long-time hitting coach, as her voice of reason at bat. McNee was her coach during her days of club softball during high school.
“Every time I need a tweak here or there, he helps me out a lot,” Beaver said. “I don’t always see him every day. He helps me to not be furious about [mistakes].”
Beaver’s emergence as a Big West hitting threat came at what appeared to be her most frustrating season as a 49er. LBSU finished third in the conference standings last season and 28-25 overall. The 49ers didn’t make the NCAA Regionals, despite winning regular season series matchups with four of the five teams selected ahead of them. Sophomore pitcher Bridgette Pagano, coming off an over-the-top 20-11 freshman season, was quick to hear from Beaver, who hit a career-high .356 and notched team-highs of 31 runs scored, 41 RBIs and 10 homers in 2007.
“I called her like, ‘How can we be so disrespected?'” Beaver said. “We didn’t have our best all year, but we kind of reached our peak at the end of the year. We would have made a name for us.”
Unsurprisingly, Beaver stepped up to the plate at CS Northridge in the rubber game between the 49ers and Matadors April 6. The Matadors were one of the teams selected ahead of LBSU last season, and Beaver’s arms made sure they didn’t forget it. A leadoff home run gave the series to the 49ers and assured Beaver that the team’s goal this season will be met.
“Our main goal is to take conference,” said Beaver, “and make sure nobody is close to us. We want to make a statement and go out big.”
LBSU has had a defense mostly responsible for making that more realistic. The team is second in the conference in fielding percentage with .967 (UC Santa Barbara leads with .968) – not much to Beaver’s surprise but more to her delight.
“It’s amazing to see and I believe it’s all heart,” Beaver said. “I wouldn’t want to be surrounded by any other infield and our outfield is making some amazing catches. The leadership that’s in each group really helps.”
Beaver, well off an All-Big West second team selection last year, comes from a family that embraces baseball and softball. Her father and brother played baseball while her mother and sister played softball, prompting her to follow the family tradition. Beaver said her family would play the games together every holiday.
But aside from all the family influences, Beaver said she stands as the only college athlete in her family to finish all four years of college. Her family has evidently been her biggest supporters outside the team.
“They’ve just been proud,” said Beaver, “but they’re more excited about my college education.”
A communications major, Beaver hopes to pursue a career in fashion following her time playing ball in the Netherlands. But even at an old age, the shortstop still sees herself with a bat and glove in her hands.
“When I’m 60, I’m still playing,” Beaver said humorously.
The experience and maturity of Beaver has propelled her to surpass her expectations, as well as the expectations of this upstart, No. 15-ranked LBSU team.
“I thought I’d be here [on this team],” said Beaver, “but I never thought we’d be this far.”
Jessica Beaver’s year-by-year stats at LBSU
2008 – 48 games played, 48 started
.286 batting average
21 runs scored
46 hits*
12 doubles
6 home runs*
39 RBIs*
2007 – 47 games played, 44 started
.356 batting average*
31 runs scored*
48 hits
7 doubles
10 home runs*
41 RBIs*
2006 – 53 games played, 53 started
.210 batting average
22 runs scored
34 hits
7 doubles
3 home runs
22 RBIs
2005 – 50 games played, 41 started
.226 batting average
20 runs scored
28 hits
8 doubles
2 home runs
10 RBIs
