Richard Bland Names Tabby Dabney Athlete of the Week
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College sophomore softball student-athlete Tabby Dabney/Mechanicsville has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period October 12-18. Dabney was 4-8 with two RBIs in two games at Louisburg (N.C.) College on Oct. 15, including a home run, double and two singles, while also pitching six innings against the Hurricanes and yielding just four hits with five strikeouts and no walks. Tabby is pursuing an Associate in Science degree (A.S.) with plans to major in nursing, and is in the Honors Program at Richard Bland. She serves as a Resident Assistant on campus in Patriot Hall, as well.
Please click on this link for Tabby's full biography, and see below for a brief Q&A on her Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.
Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
TD: It is truly an amazing feeling. After all of the early-morning workouts, the long practices and all the extra work behind the scenes … to finally see it all paying off is definitely a rewarding feeling. I cannot thank my coaches and teammates enough for pushing and driving me to reach my full potential.
Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
TD: I come from a family of baseball and softball players. Two of my uncles have had successful careers in Major League Baseball (Paige Beasley, Tony Beasley). I actually started playing softball in sixth grade. Even though I've had family members who played the game, I didn't really know that softball existed until seeing the University of Florida playing on TV. It was like I instantly connected to the game. I remember watching the game and seeing how they pitched, and how the pitcher controlled the game. That's when I knew I wanted to be a pitcher. After "YouTubing" and studying different pitchers and how they pitch, I taught myself how to throw the ball and how to pitch.
Q: What do you like most about your team?
TD: I love how close we are. Whether we're working hard with weights in the morning or working in the field, we all bring the best out of each other.
Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
TD: Ashley Fritz has to be the funniest teammate I know because of her facial expressions and her dancing.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
TD: I always have to wear the same visor and sliding shorts for every game.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
TD: My favorite place has to be the Café because it's the ultimate hangout spot. Everyone is always there.
Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
TD: My favorite class is speech with Lisa Lindquist (Instructor of English). She makes the class fun and makes speaking in public easy.