ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: West Orange Times: Alex Thomas

When did you start playing softball?

When I was little, I actually started off with baseball, and then I switched to softball. It was a really big change, but it was still fun. I feel like there's so many more different pitches in softball than there is baseball, because baseball just goes down. Softball, you can go up, down, left, right – all over the place.

What about softball do you enjoy?

I feel like it's a good atmosphere. Having the right teammates helps, too, because my team is so encouraging and everything like that. They're just really fun to be around and everything.

With all your RBIs, is there a difference in approach with runners on?

Not really. I don't really feel that pressure that much. I just kind of go up there and hope for the best. You just have to let it happen. Every single time you go up to bat, everyone wants to hit, but I know that every single time you do go up to bat you're not going to hit it. I just thank God when I do hit it.

Which position is your favorite?

I would have to say catching is my favorite. I like catching a lot, just because I feel like I'm involved in every play, because obviously the pitcher goes to the catcher. You just feel like such a part of the game, and you're in it all of the time.

What is your favorite class?

I would have to say my favorite class would be math, because I'm really good at math. I like math a lot.

Is that something you plan to pursue?

Well, I'm hoping to become a teacher, so probably I'd have to do a lot of math work to become a teacher.

Where are you going to college for that?

I'm committed to Emory and Henry College (Virginia). I'm having a signing day on the 26th or something. I'll play softball there.

What is something you'll take from your Foundation experience?

I would have to say the coaches are just always there for you, and they help you through everything, like if you're struggling at the plate, they'll work with you in practice. If you're not doing good in the field, they'll work with you there. They're just really good coaches. They're a good support team.

If there is one chore you mind least, which is it?

I really don't like washing dishes – washing dishes is not fun – but I have to do it at work so might as well do it at home, too.

What movies do you like?

I like comedy a lot, comedy movies.

– Zak Kerr