Fresno State Athletics
Moses Ready to Lead Bulldogs to WCWS
1/5/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 5, 2012
By Kate Whitney
katewhitney23@gmail.com
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Senior year -- for student-athletes it represents their last shot to make their mark as a college athlete and right-handed pitcher/infielder Michelle Moses does not plan on wasting it.
During her college career Moses has received many accolades. Last year she was named third-team Easton Sports All-American, she is a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-West Region selection and a two-time first-team All-WAC selection.
She has emerged as the natural leader for the Bulldog softball team and in a year where the `Dogs have 10 newcomers, her leadership and experience will be put to good use.
Moses' lead-by-example style is one 27-year head coach Margie Wright feels will benefit the young team.
"When you have leadership that does things by example, it's a lot easier to follow that person," Wright said. "She's very valuable in that role because she holds people accountable and she holds herself accountable."
What Wright feels sets Moses apart from other players is her ability to be more than just a pitcher.
"I think Michelle is the total package," Wright said. "She can hit, she's a great pitcher and she's very good on defense. She's somebody that can do all facets of the game very well."
She is what Wright calls "softball athletic."
"The good thing about Michelle is she's not a typical pitcher in that's all that she does," Wright said. "She has played other positions and still does and she also contributes offensively. I could put her in the outfield and she would still throw somebody out at the plate because she has a great savvy of the game, understands it and wants to win more than anything."
Moses' drive to win is something Wright tries to instill in all of her players.
"I don't think anybody can go wrong if your mentality is 'I will do whatever I have to in order to succeed', " Wright said. "If you work hard, you're competitive, will do everything in your power to win and you're not afraid, you'll put yourself on the line to be the best. How can that not prepare you for life? I think Michelle has really bought into that."
It is this winning mentality that helped Wright become the NCAA's all-time winningest softball coach in 2000 and one she hopes will push her young team to succeed.
"I think potentially this team could be one of our better teams that we've had in a long time and I'm looking forward to it because we have a lot of really competitive kids out here," Wright said. "I think that competitiveness will really be able to get us through some tough games and tough situations."
Each year the goal for Wright and her Bulldog team is to go to the Women's College World Series. This year is no different and for Moses, that dream is more alive than ever before.
"This is her last chance to achieve every goal she's had since she came here," Wright said. "I'm really hoping she has an unbelievable year."
Moses plans to take her goals one day at a time.
"My goal for the team is to get past the regional championship," Moses said. "Ultimately, the goal is to get to the series, but for right now, that's where we've gotten stopped every year I've been here. It's one step at a time and that's the first step."
Moses has high hopes for this season and the new Bulldog team.
"I think this season is going to go well," Moses said. "We have a lot of freshmen and transfers that are going to come out here and do great things for us. We have a tough schedule like always and I don't think this team is afraid of competition."
This season, the `Dogs will face many top 20 teams including Oregon, Arizona State and California. One advantage to their tough schedule is the `Dogs will face many teams at home with a total of 35 home games.
It is Moses' hope that with the support of their fans she will be able to lead the `Dogs to another outstanding season and inspire a winning spirit in the newcomers.
"This year is about leading by example because we do have so many new girls and it is confusing when you come and it's a totally new program," Moses said. "I want the new girls to learn that they need to play out here with their hearts because there are going to be games where that determines whether you win or lose."
Heart is what she takes the most pride in about her team.
"Bulldog Softball is always tough," Moses said. "We play a hard schedule every year and we have a lot of heart."
However, Moses feels that no matter how her last season goes, the lessons she learned as a Bulldog will carry her throughout her life.
"Being part of a team really teaches you how to work with people and that can be a challenge at times, figuring out how to balance school-work with the long hours we spend out here teaches you manage time and get your priorities straight," Moses said. "The lessons I have learned in softball have everything to do with life."
