Fresh off of a 5A Florida state softball title, freshman pitcher Kayla Cox has found her way to the mound for the Wolfpack. Although she is new to college athletics, Cox is quickly becoming a pivotal ingredient in the Pack’s team chemistry. Ever since she first laid eyes on her, coach Lisa Navas predicted that Cox’s impact would be paramount as she continues to mature in the college atmosphere.
“She was just someone we thought we could build our future around for the program,” Navas said. “There are certain things that you wish you could put your finger on what a kid has. She’s that type of kid. In a game situation, she’ll pin her ears back and go at it. She’ll be aggressive where most kids will just throw the ball. Being able to win a state championship and go through everything that leads up to it is admirable.”
Cox’s reasons for joining the Wolfpack involve a lot more than just the opportunity to play the sport she loves.
“I really fell in love with [N.C. State],” Cox said. “I knew it was a really good school and a great place. It was just a really good environment. It felt like home ever since my first visit.”
Like most college athletes, Cox found her love for softball at a young age. In her case, Cox discovered softball through her brother.
“My brother was playing baseball and I was jealous,” Cox said. “I wanted to play a sport, so he suggested softball. I started playing and just fell in love with it.”
At East Bay High School, Cox played four years of softball and led her team to an 18-1 record in 2010 as a senior captain, posting a 0.19 ERA along the way. She received several notable awards along with a third place finish in the 2010 Amateur Softball Association Gold Nationals with her travel team, Team FLA.
Once high school concluded, the uphill struggle of transitioning into college sports began. But Navas does not doubt whether or not the ability is there for Cox, it is just a matter of getting accustomed to the high level of college competition.
“She’s a work in progress,” Navas said. “Her ability to pitch is there, it’s just the transition. It’s a 3-4 year process. She’s really worked hard. She has heart and dedication and it’s coming for her. She’s a great athlete. She’s absorbing everything that we’re talking about. The game at the college level is a lot different then what any kid has played at in summer ball or high school.”
Outside of being an athlete, Cox is also a hardworking student with media aspirations and an artistic side.
“Academically, I’m doing really well,” Cox said. “There’s so much support here with tutoring and everything. I take full advantage of it. I was a scholar athlete last semester, making all A’s and B’s. I’m majoring in communication media. I want to do sportscasting one day. I also like to draw and paint; things like that.”
When asked if Cox had any noticeable weaknesses in her game, Navas was quick to praise the freshman for her multifaceted talents.
“It’s scary how good she is,” Navas said. “Her strongest aspect is her ability to pitch. She doesn’t really have a weakness other than her lack of college experience.”
You know you are a special talent when your coach compares you to a former All-American. Well, that is exactly what Navas did this past fall when she compared Cox to former pitcher Abbie Sims. But Navas was quick to say that you cannot turn into an All-American overnight.
“In the fall, we saw glimpses of our previous All-American, Abbie Sims, in [Cox] and what her capabilities are,” Navas said. “We don’t want her to get ahead of that and think about already being an All-American. All her stuff is still ahead of us. It’s a weekly process. In our ACC conference, there is no one to sniff at and no time to relax on the weekend. It’s tough day in and day out, just like any other sport. We’re going to ride her coattail and see what happens.”
Cox and the Wolfpack (7-7 overall) travel to Cookeville, Tenn., today to take part in the Tennessee Tech Combat Classic. State will play five games over the weekend against Louisville (9-6), Tennessee Tech (5-7), East Tennessee State (4-7), Belmont (4-10) and Samford (3-10).
Kayla Cox
BY THE NUMBERS
Wins — 4
Losses — 3
ERA — 6.43
Strikeouts — 54
Walks — 21
Innings pitched — 42.0