ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Cortnie Vees

Though the Legacy Eagles softball team has just one win to its credit so far this season, the program — in just its third year of existence — is progressing in the right direction, in part because of leaders on the team like Cortnie Vees. Vees, a junior, is the Eagles’ go-to pitcher and has struck out 37 hitters through 47.1 innings of work. At the plate, Vees, who is also on Legacy’s volleyball team, has 6 runs and 5 RBI for the Eagles (1-8).

What’s it like being an upperclasswomen on a young program?

It’s kind of exciting, (but) it’s really hard, too.

As a junior and a leader on the team, what do you say to your teammates to help keep things in perspective?

I just tell them to keep their heads up, you know, ‘Don’t get down.’ It’s not just me (offering encouragement), it’s other girls on the team, too. … It’s just a game, and we’re having fun.

Despite the losses, do the girls on the team get along fairly well?

Oh yeah, we’re pretty close. 

How long have you been playing softball?

I’ve been around it pretty much my whole life. My sister used to play, and she was actually a pitcher for the West Orange Girls Club. Competitively, I’ve been playing (varsity) since freshman year and a little bit of club before that.

What do you like about softball?

I just like to be active all the time, and the girls are really awesome — it’s just fun to play.

Which do you prefer — batting or playing the field?

A little hitting, more than defense, but they’re both pretty good.

What are some things the team could improve, in your opinion, to maybe get over that hump and notch a few more victories?

I think we need to start hustling more and be more aggressive hitting.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math.

What do you think you’d like to do for a career one day?

Hopefully, I’d like to coach volleyball and softball, maybe.

Since you play both, what are the different things that you like about volleyball and softball?

Volleyball, it’s completely different than softball, obviously. Volleyball, I feel like I can use more of my power, hitting-wise. Softball, it’s basically getting down and getting dirty.

Do you feel fortunate to be at Legacy at a time when it is expanding its offerings for sports programs?

I’m pretty thankful, actually. I came (to Legacy) at the right time, and all of my friends there are awesome.

Do you have any preferences as to where you’d like to go to college?

I’ve thought about a few different schools, but hopefully maybe UCF or UF.

What’s your favorite sport to watch on television?

Basketball. My favorite team is the Clippers because my favorite basketball player is Blake Griffin. I like him, he’s pretty cool.

Do you have a favorite television show or genre of television shows?

Crime shows, like “Criminal Minds.” But I barely even watch TV.

Do you have a hobby most people don’t know about?

I like to do jigsaw puzzles.