Over the span of one year, the Oregon softball team lost its starting third baseman, starting second baseman and starting first baseman.
The only returning starting infielder for the 2015 season was sophomore Nikki Udria at shortstop.
“I’m still adjusting to this role but I think it’s cool that I’m getting this opportunity,” Udria said. “It’s my job now to make sure everyone knows their role on every pitch so the game has become more mental for me after last year.”
It’s the shortstop’s job to make sure the defense is set properly prior to each pitch while also knowing what to do whenever the ball is hit.
Typically soft-spoken, Udria has thrived in that leadership position for the Ducks. Her presence as the veteran force of the infield has helped the Ducks to a No. 2 national ranking.
“She’s done a great job of working hard and soaking in everything I’ve can say about the leadership role,” Oregon assistant coach and four-time all-American shortstop Chelsea Spencer said. “She still has a lot to learn in terms of being young but at the same time, she’s a huge driving force for us.”
Growing up, Udria knows what it’s like to to play for big-time programs. She played high school softball for Mater Dei, one of the best programs in California, while her summer team was with the Corona Angels, a top-10 program nationally.
While playing for those programs, Udria was the typical lead-by-example type. She often let her other teammates do most of the talking while she went about her business as a hard-worker to refine her skills.
That style translated over perfectly when she arrived at Oregon. With Courtney Ceo and Kailee Cuico already established in the infield and Karine Shaver having been in the program for a year, Udria spent her freshman year acting like a sponge.
“Last year I was lucky enough to play next to Courtney so learning from her has helped me so much this year,” Udria said. “I tried to listen and learn as much as last year so I know what’s expected of us now.”
The adjustment to being the vocal leader of the defense is where Udria has seen her growth on the field . One of the most important things Udria has learned thus far has been how to speak with teammates depending on the situation.
“I’m not like the ‘hey you need to this and do that’ type of person — it’s more like getting the girls used to hearing my voice in a good way,” Udria said. “Learning how the girls take constructive criticism and how to talk with them is big in calming them down.”
As long as Udria keeps improving, there’s many in the Oregon program who believe she can be one of the best to ever play in a Ducks uniform. Her drive for perfection is what makes the Oregon staff believe the shortstop position is in good hands for the next three years.
“She’s practicing early every day of the week, trying to make sure her game is perfect,” Oregon head coach Mike White said. “Hopefully she’ll continue to grow into her new role and really step up over the next few years.”