In her three years at N.C. State, senior third baseman Jen Chamberlin has finished second in the ACC in home runs every season. So far this year, Chamberlin has belted five home runs and is batting .242.

But for Chamberlin, she is tired of not being on top of the home run list.

“I’m so tired of being second,” Chamberlin said. “But I’m not really competing just to be first in something, but I’m competing with myself to get better — not worrying about anyone else’s stats or anything. I just want to be better than I was the year before.”

Ironically, for her coach, Lisa Navas, a home run is not the product of good hitting, but rather a mistake on the pitcher’s part.

“A home run is a bonus. Coach says it’s a pitcher’s mistake, not the batter’s [skill]. I don’t get any credit at all,” Chamberlin said with a laugh.

Chamberlin, who hails from San Mateo, Calif., said it was a big change to move to Raleigh, but it was one that has been extremely positive and rewarding.

She accredits never getting homesick to the warm welcome and faithful fans that have encouraged the team to its rise as a nationally ranked program.

“It was a good change for me. I’m a city girl, and it was strange coming from a city to the country, but it was a good change. I love it here,” Chamberlin said. “I love the atmosphere of how dedicated people are here to college sports.”

Chamberlin is quick to respond with a smile or a giggle, and this is why, according to her, she is readily considered the team mom.

She believes she has always been a vocal leader, but entering into her final year, she notes how her role has expanded to include a nurturing side as well.

“I’ve always been a vocal leader,” Chamberlin said.

“But this year I’ve become more like a mother for the younger girls — just being there for them and telling them they can do it and that we want them out there. That’s something that I’ve never had to do. It means a lot to them.”

While she has enjoyed being a leader for the Wolfpack, she has been discouraged with the team’s facility and the attendance for the games.

Even though State is scheduled to have its new facility ready soon, she said the team, which plays at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex, has had a hard time drawing a crowd due to its off-campus location.

“It’s hard. We have friends that want to come watch us, but they can’t because it’s kind of far,” Chamberlin said.

“Last year when we played at Carolina, there were more State fans there than we’ve ever had for a home game. It’s tough, but it’s all we know.” Outside of softball, Chamberlin said the team sticks together in non-softball situations.

“We’re like 20 sisters. We know everyone’s business, everything about everybody. It’s fun,” Chamberlin said. “My three best friends are all on the team. It was nice to come here and find people so much like me. It’s great to have such good friends.”

Even though she looks up to other people on the team, she makes it no secret that she idolizes baseball icon Barry Bonds.

Chamberlin dons an orange Barry Bonds bracelet for every game to remind her of his accomplishments and what she can do if she works hard enough. Accusations involving Bonds’ steroid use do not even faze her.

“People have doubts,” Chamberlin said. “But you still have to be able to see the ball to hit it no matter what you are taking. His love for the game is something that makes me love what I do.”