TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I first started playing softball when I was in first grade which is around 7 or 8 yrs old. I first started out playing T-Ball on the Tigers @ Charter Oak. When my brother played winter ball with the boys I would go to all his practices and be a base runner. Soon the coaches thought that I was good enough and allowed me to play with them.

2. How difficult is it beginning the season with so many road games?

It is pretty difficult being away for so many classes it does take a huge toll, especially for exams and attendance. At the same time it is nice to get those away games over with in the beginning so when finals roll around we are here and don’t have to reschedule them.

3. In all the road trips you have made in your four years, is there any one or two places that have been your favorite?

In all the road trips that we have made, one that I remember is when we went to the MAC tournament in Akron, Ohio. Not only did we make history making it there but overall it was a fun time. Two fond memories that I had there was it beginning to downpour on the field and they had two guys that looked like they knew nothing about tarping a field. So being a team that did it many times that year we felt like professionals and had that tarp over the field in like two minutes. The second memory was after we got knocked out of the tournament and all of my teammates were sitting up in the stands watching the games and even though we were sad that we lost there was a joy that we actually got to go and see what it was like.

4. After enduring all of those road games to begin the season, how nice is it to end the season with so many home games?

It’s nice because we don’t have to be gone and worry about making up class work. It also allows us to have home field advantage, which we haven’t had all season.

5. How did you end up coming to UB from California?

I was scouted by Coach Curran to come and play softball, that’s basically the only reason. At the time I had no interest in going to college, all I wanted to do was play softball. California is nice but I wanted to see a different side of the states and experience new things.

6. Your first couple of seasons you played a variety of different positions but the last two years you have settled in at shortstop. Has it been good for you to be able to settle in to playing just one position?

It has been nice getting to settle into this position, but at the same time wherever coach put me I would play, just as long as I could be on the field. I have been playing shortstop for a long time before moving around to the other positions, so it hasn’t been really that much of a change just getting back into the comfort of the position.

7. Do you have a pre-game routine and if so, what is it?

Usually I listen to a band called “The Used” before a game, and watch the team do their funny antics in the locker room. Usually watching Dana, Lindsay, and Kelly singing to The Backstreet Boys or N’SYNC. Or watching Erin Zilka showing off her sweet dancing skills.

8. If you could play any other sport at UB, what and why?

I would play basketball because I played that in high school and I like that competition. Although I’m not really good it’s worth a shot.

9. What has been your favorite moment so far as a student-athlete at UB?

I think my most favorite moment would have to be my freshman year when we went to the MAC tournament. It was the first time in history that we have gone as a Division I team. Also being named to the All-MAC Second Team, as well as the MAC All-Freshman Second Team.

10. What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to just hang out and chill with my teammates and friends. I like to go on walks, hikes, or any other type of outdoor activity. Movie nights are by far the best and the occasional bowling and mini golf.