Q: When did you get into softball, and when did you start pitching?

VOLPE: I got into softball when I was 8 and I started pitching when I was 11. Getting into softball stemmed from my parents [Jennifer and Joe]; they had their first date at a Phillies game, so we’ve been big baseball and softball fans.

Q: What do you like about the mental side of pitching?

VOLPE: I think it’s huge. I think my growth from even last year to this year is important. Just trusting myself and trusting my teammates as well has helped me to become a better athlete and in my personal life as well.

Q: You transferred from Coastal Carolina after your sophomore year. Why?

VOLPE: I wanted to be closer to home. It’s only three hours from my hometown [Lansdale, Pa.], and having my parents be able to come up for every home game and being close to my family has been huge. And also, the Penn State championship culture.

Q: How do you get ready for a game—one that you’ll be starting versus one you won’t? Or is it the same routine?

VOLPE: It’s usually the same routine. My teammates and I like to go get Starbucks before the game, especially during an away series.

Q: What is your strikeout pitch?

VOLPE: My changeup. I honestly think it’s what’s gotten me to be so successful. Growing up, I really didn’t have one, and one day at practice my coach said, “You need to get a changeup if you want to pitch at the Division I level.” My dad and I worked on it for years and one day it started working. It’s been my bread and butter ever since.

Q: Do you like pitching with pressure or would you rather be up 10-0 every inning?

VOLPE: A 10-0 lead would be nice, but I do like working with pressure; I think that’s where I thrive the most. Seeing my teammates and coaches support me and then succeeding has to be the best feeling ever.

Q: What’s it like pitching when it’s really windy? What are the pros and cons?

VOLPE: We’ve been dealing with that a lot recently. It’s trusting my spin, trusting my infield and outfield and just understanding the conditions. The coaches do a great job of letting us know whether the wind’s blowing in or out. Sometimes it will affect my pitches, like my changeup or my screwball, but it’s about making sure I’m hitting my spots.

Q: Why do you want to become a pitching coach?

VOLPE: Over the summer I gave pitching lessons in my hometown to girls in my area. I think it’s because of how I grew up going to pitching lessons and seeing growth. I was one of my pitching coach’s first students and now she has her own business. That kind of inspired me.

Q: What are your priorities in those sessions and how do you get to know them?

VOLPE: Usually I just open up the session by asking them a little about themselves, and I go into the mental side as well. I think establishing that at a young age is really important. Being mentally tough in any sport is really important. And then a few sessions later, we’ll get into mechanics.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

VOLPE: I wish I did, but I don’t.

Q: What is your ideal vacation?

VOLPE: Any beach. I’d say Clearwater is perfect.

Q: What is your favorite meal?

VOLPE: I love Chipotle. Usually a bowl with steak, white rice, guacamole, cheese, and lettuce.

Q: How about your favorite book?

VOLPE: Chop Wood, Carry Water.

Q: What’s your favorite class at Penn State so far?

VOLPE: That’s a tough one. I’d say HR Fundamentals with Bruce Tirrell.

Q: What do you want to do after Penn State?

VOLPE: I’m going to move back home. I have an internship this summer, and then developing my pitching business.

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?

VOLPE: Probably the library. Anywhere near Starbucks.