Change is coming to the Stetson Hatters infield.

After two full seasons of the same four infielders starting nearly every game, there will be several new faces in new places come next Friday's season opener.

Middle infielders Amanda Grimaldo and Demi Meza graduated last spring, and Kayla Drury will likely make the move from first base to shortstop, resulting in a shake-up of three-fourths of the infield.

However, there is one player and one position that remains a constant.

Brittany Hawn has been a rock at third base for the Hatters over the past three seasons, and the 2016 season looks to be no different.

“Brittany is an outstanding third baseman, perhaps the best third baseman I have ever had,” head coach Frank Griffin said.  “She is so quick.  She gets to balls no one else can get to.  She makes accurate throws under pressure time and time again.”

Hawn, a native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, has started 151 consecutive games at third base for the Hatters dating back to early her freshman year.  Her first five career games actually came as the team's starting shortstop.  During that fifth game, however, Griffin moved Hawn over to third, and she has been there ever since.

“I remember the change the really well,” Hawn said.  “Coach told me, 'I think you are quick enough to play third base,' and I was up for the challenge.  I said 'Let's do it!'”

Playing third base is one thing, but playing it to the caliber that Hawn has is quite another.  Statistically, Hawn has seen 456 chances at the hot corner, and 440 of those have turned into outs.  She was recently named the Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year, and she posted a remarkable 33-game errorless streak at third base during her sophomore season.

Hawn says she enjoys the physical and mental challenge of playing third base and the constant involvement in every play .

“I like that I am always moving,” Hawn said.  “Whether it's covering third, or covering a bunt, or fielding shots coming at your face, there is always something to be done no matter what.  Especially at this level, third basemen are so important.  There are slappers, bunts are going down consistently, and girls can hit shots up the line. It is just a very important position.”

Drury, who has been on the receiving end of a countless number of Hawn's throws to first, says her classmate's work ethic is truly impressive.

“She has a consistent drive to want to be better,” Drury said.  “In our opinion, she is probably the best infielder out here, but she consistently puts in the work.  She comes out, she does extra.  She never settles with her performance.”

Now, as a senior, Hawn has an even more important role as team leader.  Griffin says that is something Hawn has already been doing throughout her career.

“She takes charge of the team when she is on the field,” Griffin said.  “You hear her over everyone.  She gets everyone focused on what the situation is, and what we are going to do with the ball.  She is just a natural leader.”

“Brittany may only be 5-foot-1, but she plays like she is 6-feet tall,” Drury said.  “She is a great leader.  Even if she is not speaking, you can just see it in the way she carries herself.”

Hawn and the rest of the Hatters are looking forward to taking the field for the first time in 2016 next Friday in an opening day doubleheader against Akron. First pitch for game 1 at Patricia Wilson Field is scheduled for 4 p.m.

It will come as no surprise when Hawn is introduced as the team's starting third baseman next Friday.  Rest assured her mind is not on errorless streaks or preseason awards, but rather on being part of a close-knit team looking to come together and compete for a conference championship.