Getting to Know the Gators: Jaimie Hoover
Herb Brooks
9/26/2019
Q: How long have you been playing softball and how old were you when you started?
A: I've been playing for 15 years and started when I was 5 years old. One of my earliest memories was playing coach pitch; I was the pitcher and would go after every ball - even the ones that weren't hit my way. I guess you could say that I was a bit of a "ball hog" and my coach one day told me that I had to let the other girls play, but at that age I really didn't understand. Now it's just funny to look back at .
Natasha Watley definitely inspired me the most growing up because she's the same skin color as me, which was pretty rare, and she is a beast!Jaimie Hoover
Q: Why did you choose to be a Gator?
A: I chose to be a Gator because this program has a type of standard that is extremely unique and it's an amazing feeling to be a part of it.
Coach Walton's attention to detail is something that you can't find everywhere, not every coach is like that. It made me realize, coming into my senior year, that every part of my life I pay so much attention to detail now. I paid attention to details before coming here, but not to this extent. Now I pay attention to every little thing and I make sure that every little detail is done the right way.
Q: If there's one thing you want to be remembered for during your time as a Gator, what would that be?
A: I want to be remembered as being a down to Earth great person and athlete. Someone who could bring a lot of different skills to the team; even if it's speed, athleticism or passion.
Q: What are a few of your goals for this upcoming year?
A: My ultimate goal is to help our team win a natty for the program during my last and final year, but I'm also trying to be more of a leader this season.
I know that I am a senior now and there are people who are going to look up to me and are expecting more out of me than what I have contributed in previous seasons. I've typically stayed in my own lane and kind of done my own thing, but now i'm being more social and more of a leader. Whenever all the newcomers got to campus, I sent them a text letting them know that they could come to me with anything - school, life or just going out to grab lunch.
Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: My favorite softball memory was when Jordan Matthews hit the walk-off home run to send us to the Women's College World Series in 2018.
I remember I was in the front of the dugout with my hands over my eyes, so scared to look to up, and I was just bouncing my legs - they wouldn't stop shaking. As soon as she hit it, I started screaming and jumping up and down. Everyone was running, jumping and falling over each other going out to meet Jordan at home. It was an awesome moment.
HOOVER'S FAVORITES
| Animal | Lion |
| Movie | WALL-E |
| TV Show | Dark |
| Book | Heart Talk by Cleo Wade |
| Sport | Softball, but basketball is up there |
| Athlete | Lebron James |
| Color | Olive Green |
| Music Artist | Jorja Smith |
| Dream Vacation | Hawaii |
