Demi Boudreaux is a 13-year-old catcher from Meaux who started as a seventh grader for NV’s Lady Patriot varsity softball team last season.

She is playing this summer for the CENLA HEAT travel ball team out of Alexandria.

Demi is the daughter of Chris and Dodie Albert and Billy and Kris Boudreaux. She has three sisters: Drea, 19; Dawson, 6; and Isabelle, 6.

Q. How long have you been playing softball and what do you like about it?

A. I have been playing ball for 9 years. I started in T-ball when I was 4. I like playing softball because it's a fun way to keep in shape, meet lots of friends and to be challenged at getting better.



Q. Do you play any other sports? Which ones and why?

A. I just started running cross country as my 2nd sport and I have to admit it's pretty challenging. I am trying to work myself up to 3 miles. I starting running to get in better shape.



Q. When not playing sports, what do you like to do for fun?

A. I like to read, sing, swim and help my great grandmother at work.



Q. Do you play or have played any other position besides catcher? Which do you prefer and why?

A. I have and do play a little 3rd base on my travel team, but I prefer catcher because I have more training as a catcher and I am more comfortable behind the plate.



Q. What was it like starting on a Varsity softball team as a 7th grader?

A. It was a great experience because the older girls made me feel so welcomed and it made me tougher as a player. I was really nervous about the older girls not liking me and treating me like a little kid. Being named 1st team all-district catcher was a big deal for me. It just showed me that I really did belong at that level and that I could compete with those older girls.



Q. Do you feel that playing at the varsity level so young will help you later on in your softball career? How so?

A. I think it will definately help me later on because I had to learn the game at a much faster pace than other girls experience at my age. I was also forced to think for myself and as catcher be somewhat of a defensive leader.



Q. Is there a difference between travel ball and varsity ball?

A. One of the biggest differences is that my travel team searches and plays the toughest competition throughout the country to have us ready for the next level. Playing in those big games and tournaments against the best competition is preparing me for the college level.



Q. What is the best thing about summer?

A. Getting home at 2 or 3 a.m on a Monday morning after a tournament and being able to sleep late instead of getting up early to go to school.



Q. This past season, the Lady Pats made a run at the State title. What was it like playing in the fastpitch 56?

A. It was AMAZING!! Being able to go as a 7th grader, and not just be there but to actually start behind the plate was overwhelming. I mean, some girls go through 4 years of high school and never get that chance. I feel that travel ball helped me to not be so nervous!! Some of the older girls were freaking out!!

Q. Who has been the biggest influence on your softball playing so far and how did they help you?

A. I have worked with a few different instructors, most recently former UL and team USA's Christie Orgeron for hitting but the person that influenced me the most I would say is Lana Bowers. One of the best catchers to play at UL, I worked one on one with Lana very often until she left to play ball overseas. Now that she is so busy it's hard but she will still

squeeze me in for a lesson when I need. She got me where I am today behind the plate.