Lights Out: Three Quick Questions For MGA Softball’s New Shutout Queen

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, April 21, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | Students

Cochran, GA

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Knights softball pitcher Emily Proctor, a senior sport management major, just set a new MGA single-season record with seven shutouts. This past week she was 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA, allowing only nine hits while striking out 21 batters, earning her SSAC Softball Pitcher of the Week honors.

Here are three quick questions for the 21-year-old Land O’Lakes, Fla., resident as she and the rest of the team – now riding a 21-game win streak - get ready for postseason play.

What was your mindset going into the season?

“I knew we had a lot of work to do. Collectively, as a team, we locked in and put in the work. Looking back, that mindset is what got us this far. Personally, I knew I had a lot of work to do on and off the field. Letting my teammates down because I didn't give it my all to be ready for the season was not an option.”

Is there a particular game this season that stands out to you the most?

“A few games have, but one that will stick forever is playing UT Southern at their field. I had 14 strikeouts in one game, which is the very first record I broke at MGA. Sweeping Georgia Gwinnett, which is currently sitting at #8 in the nation in NAIA softball, is definitely right up there. We had the best defense and offense I’ve ever seen, and we took two wins from them!”

What has this season taught you about yourself as a player and teammate?

“Going into my senior year, I was ineligible due to health issues and was considering redshirting. I didn’t think my body would recover and come back in time to compete to my best ability. My coach told me to wait it out until I practiced for a few weeks after coming back from winter break. Surprise! I didn’t redshirt and am now having the best season of my career! As a player and a teammate, this season has taught me that I’m capable of much more than I set myself up for. Eighty percent of recovery is your mindset about it.”