By MATT ROSENFELD

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Jamie LaBovick is a senior pitcher and infielder for the Fordham softball team. The Peoria, Ariz. native was a two-time 5A All State selection at Sunrise High School and led her team to a 5A state championship in 2006. She was also named to the EA Sports Softball All-American second team in 2009. When LaBovick arrived at Fordham, she immediately made an impact. She was the fifth Fordham Ram to receive Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors while leading the team in batting, with a staggering .342 average. This year, LaBovick is going out strong. The high school pitcher has returned to the circle, logging major innings for the Rams this year while also contributing at the plate. LaBovick is fresh off an A-10 record 28 game hit streak. She leads the team in batting again this year, batting .416 in her 154 at bats. She will graduate in May with a degree in business administration.

The Fordham Ram: You were really good in high school, but you live all the way out in Arizona. What made you come to Fordham from all the way out west?

Jamie LaBovick: I was initially recruited by schools out on the West Coast and the Southwest, but once I came to Fordham, I really fell in love with New York, the facilities and the Fordham spirit. I just really love the Fordham camaraderie.

TFR: You were a pitcher in high school, but when you got here you didn’t pitch much until this year. How did you adjust to the change?

JL: With Jen Mineau being here, I didn’t need to pitch. So, I just played first and that was fine. I really didn’t mind.

TFR: You contributed a lot right when you came in; did the jump in competition come easy to you?

JL: At first it was kind of a shock, but after fall season and practicing with the team you kind of adjust, so it wasn’t really a shock.

TFR: What is your favorite position to play and why?

JL: I would definitely say pitching. You get the ball every pitch, and you have to pay attention. At first base you can kind of daze off.

TFR: What was your favorite softball moment while here at Fordham?

JL: I think the Alabama game [last year] was the best. A lot of people from the school came and it was home. Some of my old teammates came and we got to spend time with them too.

TFR: How did it feel to get the Atlantic 10 all time hit streak?

JL: It was fun. It’s kind of cool knowing that my name will be in the record books.

TFR: What about your favorite non-softball moment?

JL: I think rooming with Charlotte Stoddart of the basketball team is the best. She brightens my day. Every day when I come back to the room she has the little English accent, it’s great.

TFR: What will you miss most about Fordham?

JL: Probably Charlotte [laughing]. Seriously, though, I’ll miss New York, I’ll miss my teammates and I’ll miss this campus.

TFR: Do you have any plans after graduation? Are you going to go back to Arizona or stay here?

JL: Job-wise, I haven’t even looked yet, so I definitely think I’m going back to Arizona and just kind of take my time with that. I’m not in a rush.