Gremillion Getting Comfortable In Cajun Country [VIDEO]

Freshman Kara Gremillion is already contributing for the Ragin’ Cajuns in her first year, and Cajun Nation is letting her know they appreciate it.

News of Samantha Walsh’s possibly season ending injury created a question around third base, but Gremillion stepped right in as a stabilizing presence in the field and the lineup. Five of her first seven hits as a Cajun went for extra bases, and her two-RBI double against Oregon was the difference in the first game of their series. The youngster from Gonzales (LA) is getting comfortable in Cajun Country, and the fans are giving her a warm welcome.

She had two aunts who played softball for the Cajuns (Stacy Gremillion 1984-87, Sandy Percle 1983-86), so she was familiar with the program growing up.

“I had heard the fans are amazing, the players are amazing, the way they work…I heard a lot of stuff about it,” Gremillion said shyly (it was her first video interview as a Cajun).

Hearing stories was one thing, but experiencing the fan support from Cajun Nation was a different feeling all together. There’s a reason Lamson Park is one of the best venues in all of collegiate softball.

“It was a lot more than I expected just to see these people who don’t even have kids here just always coming to the game and supporting, I just think that’s a pretty amazing thing,” Gremillion said.

The freshman from St. Amant High School came in with high expectations from the coaching staff. She is living up to them early on with her play under pressure, but there is still a long season ahead, full of lessons to learn.

Head Coach Michael Lotief knows talent. Over his years at the helm of Cajun Softball, he coached some of the best players in the game. He knows what a great player looks like, and he knows their mental makeup. Physical tools get you to the next level, but willpower, determination and mindset set the best athletes apart. Lotief knew early on that he had something special with Gremillion.

“She shows a lot of maturity, and she shows a lot of competitive spirit. First of all, on defense. That kid is rock solid on defense, and what she’s been able to do at the plate early on is impressive to me,” Lotief said after the Oregon series. “I think it’s part of her competitive personality, but I also think it’s because she feels comfortable around her teammates. They’ve gone out of the way to make sure she doesn’t put any undue pressure on herself.”

When asked who helped her adjust the most, she couldn’t pick out a name because everybody lends a hand. She was hesitant to name any individual player, in fear that it could take away from the selfless mentality of the team as a whole. Even in her first year, she gets it.

Having veterans on the squad like Lexie Elkins, Shellie Landry, Kelsey Vincent and countless other, Gremillion always has somebody to turn to when she has a question. It also helps having one of the best coaches in the country.

Lotief has molded and shaped top tier talent into champions over his years with Louisiana. How has he helped Gremillion? The same way he helps the others.

“He just told me to trust the process and keep working hard and doing what I’ve been doing.” Gremillion said. The rest of her help comes from her new sisters. “The teammates around you really push you to get better…they’re continuously helping me and trying to help me get better.”

Typically, when you lose a senior leader like Samantha Walsh, it leaves a massive void to fill. Gremillion might not be a veteran, but she’s definitely not playing like a scared rookie.

If she keeps playing like this, the Cajuns could host another super regional for the crazy fans that drew her to Lafayette.