Six — that’s the number of times softball player Shelby Goodman has literally taken one for the team this season. The senior center fielder from Bolivar, Tenn. has been hit by six pitches so far, which is five more than anyone else on the team and only two less than the team as a whole.

Her impact and sacrifices extend far beyond getting pegged at the plate, though.

Goodman began her collegiate softball career at Northwest Shoals Community College but transferred to UNA her sophomore year after the community college’s athletic department shut down.

Goodman can play every position besides pitcher but has started every game at center field for the Lions this year. While her skills in the outfield and at the plate are impressive, it is her leadership that makes her truly stand out, said head coach Ashley Cozart.

That leadership has been more important this year than ever before, since she is the only senior on a team with a 14 newcomers and a new head coach, Cozart said.

“She’s definitely made my transition easier, coming in as a new head coach,” Cozart said. “She’s really been a coach’s dream.”

Her leadership helps drive the entire team to do better and her passionate, goal-driven personality is contagious, Cozart said.

“Shelby is a true leader,” Cozart said. “She makes the whole team better.”

Goodman is proud to take on a leadership role as the only senior, she said. She attributes her success on the field to hard work and stellar teammates.

“I have a drive to do well, and every year I strive to do better,” Goodman said. “It helps when I have great teammates like I’ve had at UNA.”

Fan support helps her and the rest of the team, and she said she encourages fans to attend games and lend their support.

“It helps to have a huge fan base in the stands cheering us on,” Goodman said. “It really boosts everyone’s confidence.

Goodman holds the university record for most consecutive home runs, having hit three of them three times in three trips to the plate last season. She is also currently riding an impressive seven-game hitting streak, which is her longest ever, she said.

Goodman’s goal for the team this season is to win 40 games, she said.

“We had 40 wins last year,” Goodman said, “We’re definitely capable of 40 wins or better this year.”

Goodman will graduate this May with a degree in exercise science, and plans on staying at UNA after graduation to pursue a second degree in the accelerated nursing program.

“If I had to describe Shelby in one word, it would definitely be ‘leader,’” Cozart said. “It goes far beyond what she does on the field.”