Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy’s outfield is full of young talent.

“This is the youngest outfield I think we’ve ever had,” Murphy said. “Could be three sophomores, could be two sophomores and a freshman, it could be a junior and two sophomores.”

(See also “Softball team welcomes new, talented members“)

The two players with the most experience in the outfield are sophomores Andrea Hawkins and Haylie McCleney.

As freshmen, the two were bombarded when they came to the Alabama after the softball team had won the national championship.

“It was a lot to take in when we first came in because [we] came right in and Murph was like, ‘Oh, we have this and then this and all the national championship stuff to do,’ and we’re like, ‘Woah, hold on.’ So it’s a lot better,” Hawkins said.

(See also “Tough schedule awaits national champions“)

The duo said this year feels different to now that they have a year under their belts.

“We’re not the little fishies anymore,” Hawkins said.

McCleney will return to center field for the 2014 season. In 2013, McCleney hit .465 and had 30 steals on 31 attempts.

“I think she’s got the potential to be the best outfielder we’ve ever had – instincts, arm, range, speed, just total package,” Murphy said.

As a freshman, McCleney also had 86 hits and 41 RBIs in 185 plate appearances.

“She’s one of the hardest workers on the team, and I think you’re going to have a really good year when your most talented player is also one of your hardest workers because then everybody’s looking at them to how hard they work,” Murphy said.

McCleney and Hawkins played for the U.S. Junior National Team this past summer. Both had at least 30 starts at Alabama.

“We know what to expect, and we can help the younger girls, too, that we have,” McCleney said. “We can kind of take them under our wing and make it easier on them, so it’s a lot more fun.”

Hawkins started in 34 games and hit .384 in 99 at bats. She had 13 stolen bases on 15 attempts.

“Hawkins has as much talent as anybody on the team – just needs to be consistent game in and game out – but she’s got the speed,” Murphy said. “She’s very similar to Haylie, short game, she’s got pop — she’s hit some of the longest home runs in practice. So I think a lot of people would be shocked with that, but when she connects, it goes. She’s got a lot of pop.”

Both Hawkins and McCleney understand their roles in the outfield as players and as examples for the younger players. It doesn’t put too much pressure on them, McCleney said.

“When it comes down to it, our job is to catch the ball, and if it hits the ground to get it in as quick as possible,” McCleney said. “It’s really what it boils down to. If we can do that, and if we can all like mesh together as a unit, communicate well, there’s really no problems.”

(See also “Murphy has lineup options with 2014 infield“)