Interviewing a Current/Former Athlete in your Favorite Sport

Podcast Script

Q.​ ​How old were you when you started playing softball?

- I was 5 years old when I started playing softball. I used to waddle around the
bases and put a chest protector on that would drag the ground. It’s crazy to me to
think that I started playing at such a young age. I played for 15 years.

Q.​ ​Was there anyone special in your life that helped you become a great
player?

- Both of my parents had a huge impact on making me the player I was. My dad
used to drive me insane when I was playing. I could always hear him in the
background telling me what to do or what I needed to fix, even when I was
playing in college. My mom is a rockstar and deserves a medal. She used to travel
across the southeast taking me to my tournaments when my dad was overseas, all
while working a full time job. I have no idea how she did it. I owe my parents
everything when it comes to my development as a player. I never missed a
practice, lesson, or game. I always had the newest equipment - new bat, cleats,
glove, catching gear, etc. I had it. I can’t thank them enough. I hope to be half the
parent they were to me growing up.

Q.​ ​How do you get ready for a game?

- I was a big eater. I used to be able to eat whatever I want. Those days are now
over. But, I used to drink a Dr. Pepper and eat a pack of gummies, not so healthy
but it was my ritual. If I wasn’t able to get these before a game (usually in
college), I would text my parents and they would bring me them. Like I said, they
were the best.

Q.​ ​What do you like to do when you are not involved with softball?

- I like to hang out with my friends and family. I love hiking and playing with my
dogs. I’ve also picked up playing intramural and co-ed softball so I’m not
completely out of the game.
Q.​ ​What factors do you feel have influenced you the most to become the
player you are/were?

- I feel like one of the biggest factors that influenced me was the opportunities I
was given. I was very driven to be the very best at what I did. My parents allowed
me to follow my dream of trying to play at the collegiate level. They would take
me to every tournament, which meant all over the country. They would take me
to every showcase tournament, to put me in front of college coaches. My mom
and I drove down to Columbus State University on a Thursday night my junior
year of high school. It was a school night. It took 2 ½ hours to get there. It was an
open tryout for the team. I remember being so nervous. I was a catcher, and I
remember at one point I was doing throw downs in front of the coach. He looked
at me and said, “You’ve got something special kid.” One of the current players at
CSU said jokingly under her breathe, “You would take my spot if you were on the
team right now.” She was the current catcher. Once everything was over, the
coach pulled me to the side and said that he would be emailing me in the morning
and he wanted to keep in touch. Mom and I drove back home that same night,
and we both went to work and school. That morning I got an email saying, “I
want you to come back to campus next month and I’m going to offer you a
scholarship.” All the opportunities my parents created for me had finally paid off.

Q.​ ​Did you have any routines or superstitions before or in a game?

- One of my routines included my teammate and I doing a handshake. We would

do it before every game and during every inning when we were on the field. She
was pitcher. I was either catching or playing 1st.

Q.​ ​What is your favorite softball memory?

- One of my favorite memories would have to be my sophomore year of high

school. We were in the region tournament and we were playing against Woodland
High School. I had a bunch of friends on this team. One of my former teammates
was the pitcher. We were tied going into the 7th inning and she was pitching. I
came up to bat with a runner on 2nd. When I got in the box we both smirked at
each other. I hit a homerun that put us ahead by 2 runs. We ended up winning
the game and moving on in the region tournament.
Q.​ ​How much value do you place on mental training? Do you have any
advice for others in this area?

- I believe it is so important. You have to be mentally tough to play softball. You’re

going to fail more times than you succeed. My biggest piece of advice for others
would have to be to never get too frustrated with yourself. You’re going to fail. It’s
inevitable. How you overcome failure will make you a better player.

Q.​ ​What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome in your playing
and/or coaching career?

- I was a very mental and emotional player. Sometimes my emotions would get the
best of me. I had to learn how to use my emotions in a positive way and to help
my team win. Playing softball is a game of failure and you have to find a way to
use that failure to fire you to become a better player every single day.

Q.​ ​What is life after being a softball player for you?

- Life after softball has been a lot of soul searching. I’ve had to find out how to
identify myself without saying, “I play softball.” I’ve learned a lot about myself in
the year and a half that I’ve stopped playing. I get to focus on school and coach
little girls that are falling in love with the game for the first time just like I did.