Freshman outfielder Leslie Bourgeois has a little bit to brag about to her softball teammates.On March 4, Bourgeois put softball aside and competed in her first track meet since her high school days at Central Lafourche. In just her first meet, the Premier Invitational, she broke the all-time Nicholls mark with a 135-foot, two-inch toss in the javelin. The previous record was 134 feet, 11 inches, held by Kristy Mire in 2001.
It wasn’t until two days later that Bourgeois learned not only did she break the school record, but she had also officially qualified for the USA junior national championships.
“It was really exciting,” Bourgeois said. “I never expected to do that well at my first meet.”
Depending on how Bourgeois does in the junior national championships, which take place in Indianapolis, Ind., in June, will determine whether or not she’ll qualify for the 2006 IAAF World Junior Championships in Beijing, China, in August.
A four-sport star in high school, Bourgeois said she learned to handle the pressure she is now facing playing two collegiate sports.
“I basically just give it my best,” Bourgeois said. “I know when it’s time to study and learned to stay back and focus on my school work at the same time.”
Head softball coach Jenny Parsons, who was also a two-sport athlete in college, discussed the possibility of Bourgeois throwing the javelin with head track coach Scott Williamson without realizing how good Bourgeois was.
“She’s done a really good job of handling everything,” Parsons said. “Scott and I worked this fall and talked about her possibly throwing the javelin. I knew she was good in high school, but I didn’t know she was that good.”
Williamson said having one of his own athletes qualify is unique.
“This is a very prestigious honor,” Williamson said. “She has a chance to compete against the Top 15 or 20 in the United States and could have a good chance to represent the United States in Beijing.”
As far as her softball goes, Bourgeois has a .188 batting average with one home run and two RBIs this season.
Parsons said she expects Bourgeois to give it her all every time she steps onto the field.
“I expect her to work hard and get better everyday,” Parsons said. “She played middle infield; I’ve asked her to move to the outfield. She’s been out there catching balls everyday. She hits everyday and works hard everyday.”
Despite the obvious difference between the two sports, Bourgeois said there is a similarity in the training for both.
“Both require overhand motions,” Bourgeois said. “It’s important to use your hips and legs a lot in both sports. It’s the base of how to throw in both.”
As for her personal goals, Bourgeois said she just wants to give her best in both sports.
“My dad thinks I can throw at least 160 feet, so I guess that’s my goal for that,” Bourgeois said. “In softball, I just want to earn a spot on the field and play. When I’m not playing, I just want to be as supportive as possible.”
Williamson said Bourgeois is more than capable of having success in both sports.
Bourgeois credits her parents for supporting her through every sport she has played.
“My mom is my rock. She basically helps me out with anything I need,” Bourgeois said. “There’s not enough words to describe my family and how much support I get from them.”
After graduation, Bourgeois hopes to coach collegiate softball.
“I know it’s a high standard, but if I give it my best effort then maybe I can get there,” Bourgeois said.
