Richard Bland Names Brooklynn Bilyard Athlete of the Week

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- Richard Bland College freshman softball standout center fielder Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period February 15-21.  She led the Statesmen to a 3-1 week in Region 10 road action, including a doubleheader sweep at Southeastern Community College-Whiteville (N.C.) (7-4, 4-2) and a split of two games at Florence-Darlington Technical (S.C.) College (9-2, 4-7).  Bilyard hit .538 (7-13) with two home runs, four doubles, six runs, 11 RBIs, one walk and two stolen bases in the four games.

Bilyard was 2-3 with a home run, double, one run and three RBIs in the 7-4 win at Southeastern CC-Whiteville on Feb. 17, before going 3-4 with a grand slam home run, two doubles, three runs, five RBIs and a stolen base in the 9-2 win at Florence-Darlington on Feb. 18.

Through nine games, Bilyard leads Richard Bland (3-6, 3-1) with her .423 batting average (11-26), two home runs, four doubles, seven runs, 11 RBIs and two stolen bases.  She adds a .429 on-base percentage and an .808 slugging percentage, both team-bests, along with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage (14 putouts, one assist).

Please click on this link for Brook's full biography.  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?
BB: It feels like my hard work is paying off and makes me excited for the rest of the season.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
BB: My mom pushed me into playing softball and I have played since fifth grade.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
BB: I like that we don't give up.  If we get down, it just pushes us to work harder.

Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
BB: Tabby Dabney.  She never fails to make me laugh or smile when I need it.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
BB: I try picturing how the game will play out in my mind.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
BB: Our coaches' office because it's always an open place for anyone.  There is never a dull moment in the office.

Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why? 
BB: Math with Troy Bupp, Associate Professor of Mathematics, is my favorite class.  He is always open for questions and is very understanding and funny.