Rap superstar Nelly proclaimed “What does it take to be No. 1?”

For UNCW softball senior Christy Ross, the statement is “What does it take to be the only one.”

Ross, the squad’s third baseman, is the lone senior on this year’s young squad.

As a freshman, Christy bloomed from a non-recruited walk-on who just tried out for the team to much-needed team leader.

She became a member of a class of eight freshmen for the 2000 season that has since then dwindled down to simply her. But despite the defections from the softball program in recent years, Ross never strayed from the squad.

“Quitting never went through my mind,” Ross said. “I would have regretted it way too much.”

Even though Ross didn’t get much playing time at first, she’s worked her way up the team’s ladder. This season she will be the team’s starting third baseman and has been awarded scholarship money.

Softball has been a part of Christy’s life ever since she can remember. Both of her parents played the sport. She grew up playing with her family, whether in the backyard or on traveling teams coached by her dad. “My dad was always around, either coaching or assisting. He and my mom never missed a game,” Ross said.

In high school, Christy attended Apex High School. She played softball throughout high school, and during her senior year, she was named Female Athlete of the Year by the school.

“My mom and dad encouraged me to set goals and see how high I could go,” Ross said.

When she arrived at UNCW in the fall of 2000, Christy made it one of her goals to make the team.

“I wanted to play really bad, it was always one of my dreams to play softball in college,” Ross said. “So I tried out and I made the team. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to tell my family.”

As soon as she made the team, Christy followed her parents’ advice and set another goal. She wanted to be a starter and a contributor on the team.

“At first, as a walk-on, Christy didn’t get to play a lot her freshman and sophomore year,” softball coach Melissa Jarrell said. “But she has worked her tail off and this year she has earned a scholarship and will be our starting third baseman.”

And Ross is ready to make the most of it.

“Coach Jarrell really pushed me and helped me to reach my full potential,” Ross said. “I have gotten better every year that I have been here. I have learned a lot about myself and I wouldn’t take anything back.”

Christy is set to graduate this spring and plans on going to graduate school and furthering her studies in physical therapy.