Special to GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA - Most USF softball players fill their time in the offseason with personal workouts and drills to prepare for the upcoming season.

Kourtney Salvarola filled her time with a "life changing" experience in South Africa by participating in the ISF IX Jr. Women's World Championships for Team USA.

"It is a totally different experience," Salvarola said. "The game is a lot faster. There is a lot more ways people play. Playing for the USA is a huge honor."

The Americans won the gold medal, as Salvarola went 14-for-27 with seven RBIs and scored 10 runs in the tournament.

On a personal level, the sophomore shortstop learned from the best by working with the best 19-and-under players in the country.

"I learned a lot about myself and a lot about my role for softball," Salvarola said. "I learned to trust myself and be able to share what I learned with the rest of my team."

Salvarola feels South Africa has matured her the most in the batter's box.

"Last year I wasn't worried about pitch-by-pitch," Salvarola said, "but more game-by-game. That was the immaturity on my part. I think you will see a huge difference this season in my at-bats."

Salvarola feels she can become a leader by applying these unique experiences toward this upcoming season.

"I play shortstop and that is a vocal leadership role," Salvarola said. "I feel the more I produce, the more the team will produce. We all feed off of each other. I think it is important for me to be a leader and for me to step up, especially with the good program we have this year."

USF will begin its season against Maine Feb. 10 at the USF Tournament.