What is your major?
Sport Management
How long have you been playing softball in your life?
I played since T-Ball on up. Started playing softball in Little League when I was 9 years old so I have been playing softball for over 10 years now.
What other sports did you participate in throughout your life?
I was a 3-sport athlete in High School. I played Volleyball in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and Softball in the spring.
Is there anyone in your life that has been a big influence on your playing?
Yes, I would have to say my Mom has influenced me the most, hands down. Even though she is an angel now, she keeps me going at all times. She’s the one that got me started playing this game in the first place.
Are there any professional athletes you look up to as well?
I look up to a lot of male professional athletes. I would have to say Kobe Bryant on the Lakers and Joey Votto on the Reds are very inspirational to me. The way they go out and play the game and have fun makes me know this is all worthwhile for me in the end.
Do you watch any professional softball or baseball? If so who are your favorite teams?
Yes, I watch college softball and professional baseball. I dont personally have a favorite Division I college softball team but I love watching the college world series every year. My favorite baseball team however is the Cincinnati Reds.
What did you do to prepare for this season personally?
Getting the repetitions in whether that be hitting or fielding is the most important. Also, being in shape is very important in softball along with lifting too. Keeping one’s body healthly is so important in softball or any sport for that matter.
Did you change any workout routines, and if so what did you originally do and to what do you change it to?
I didn’t really change too much of my workout routine over the years. Over the summer, I would do sprints and run laps around my track. It’s really important to do short distance runs and long distance longs to get the legs working every time. During summer and winter break, I would get a gym membership to do my lifting. The strength coach at Misericordia gives us players a workout plan so it’s easy to follow on a daily basis.
What are some goals you are looking to achieve this season, personally and team wise?
Personally, I just want to do the best that I can in order to help out the team, whether that would be making a diving catch in center field to end the game or a walk-off hit to end the game. Either way, one has to be mentally and physically prepared to make those plays and I feel as a senior I’m ready for any challenge that comes my way. For our team goal, obviously we want to repeat as MAC champions but the bigger picture is after the season is over I want the team to think back and say “Do I leave it all out on the field” and if that answer is yes then that’s all someone can ask for but if that answer is no then we didn’t do our job. We didn’t play every game like it was our last game. We need to fight for a win every game and if we do that then we’ll be fine and get back in the playoffs while protecting our title.
What are looking to do once you graduate?
I’m looking to go to graduate school and become a Graduate Assistant for softball. So far, I got accepted into Messiah College. So I could be coaching the Falcons next year!
Photo Courtesy of MU Athletics