Skylar Wallace Looks Ahead to Playing for the Crimson and White

When Alabama throws out the first pitch of the 2019 season, not only will they look for the successor to Alexis Osorio from the circle, the Tide will try and fill the holes left up the middle by the departures of Demi Turner at second base and Sydney Booker at shortstop.

One of the candidates looking to fill that gap in the infield is Woodstock, Georgia, native Skylar Wallace. The Etowah High School alum was the first signee in the 2018 class and ranked third nationally in the entire class according to FloSoftball.

Before Alabama's first practice of the spring, Skylar Wallace talked her excitement in fulfilling a life long dream of playing in one of college softball's premiere leagues.

"I am very excited, I was six year old, and I always told my parents I wanted to be part of the SEC so being here and being a part of the SEC is amazing." Wallace said.

Now that one of the top infielders in the 2018 recruiting class is on the roster, Wallace expressed her excitement of getting the season started.

"Feels great, it's been a dream. I committed when I was in eighth grade so finally getting here and practicing and being a part of the atmosphere has been an awesome experience, and I can't wait for the season. It's been a long grind already through fall ball, but I'm ready to get after it so I'm excited." Wallace said.

Even though the native of Woodstock, Georgia, played in one of American's high school and travel ball hot beds in suburban Atlanta, she described the challenges of transitioning from the high school ranks to big time college softball.

"It was a learning experience for sure, trying to see what the pitchers are like and how a college team plays and how we practice and everyday type things. It was definitely a learning experience for me and all the other freshman I know for sure and getting a hold of things, but it was fun and I enjoyed it." Wallace said.

In addition to bonding with her teammates, Wallace discussed the importance for her of making great relationships with head coach Patrick Murphy and the rest of the coaching staff.

"I talked to them a little through high school of course, but getting here, it was a huge thing to be like a huge person to them and make a good relationship. I talk to them all the time." Wallace said.

During the offseason, both Wallace and freshman pitcher Montana Fouts were selected to the 2019 USA Softball Junior Women's National Team. The Etowah High School product talked about what the selection means to her.

"It's crazy. I can't believe it. It basically to me means that I'm playing for the best of the best and representing my country which has always been a dream of mine." Wallace said.

Prior to opening day, Wallace detailed areas in her game that she's looking to fine tune during spring practice.

"Little things: Throwing, mechanics, hitting, looking at pitch selection, just little things to do to get better throughout my game." Wallace said.

Skylar Wallace and the rest of the 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide open the season February 8 in Troy, Alabama, against Murray State and Troy University.