Jan. 4, 2013
Softball Countdown: Brianna Luna
- Read the January issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPad/iPhone app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
In our countdown to the start of the 2013 softball season, we will feature all 24 Hawkeyes over the next month.
Brianna Luna is a junior from Indio, Calif. Luna has played in 76 career games, making 63 starts. She has started in right field, at third base and designated hitter. Luna tallied 12 hits in 2012 as a sophomore, to go along with 12 runs and eight RBIs. She tallied three consecutive multi-hit games at the Littlewood Classic in Tempe. The communications studies major hit her first career home run at No. 23 Oklahoma State on March 2 and homered for the second straight game on March 3, hitting a two-run shot in the 5-3 win over the Cowgirls at ASA Stadium in Oklahoma City.
Iowa opens the season Feb. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and UT Arlington at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic.
What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
“The key factor for me was that Iowa was totally different from where I am from, California. What led me to Iowa was being able to experience a totally different atmosphere. I felt a sense of comfort in Iowa; like I was meant to be here.”
Most influential person in your life?
“My mother is the most influential person in my life because she has taught me so much and it correlates into my everyday life, including softball. She has given me helpful advice and supported me my entire life and I want to be able to be as influential as her one day for another person like she has for me.”
First softball memory?
“Playing t-ball and being the only girl on the team.” Favorite kind of candy? “Sour Punch Straws.”
Favorite professional athlete?
“Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels, because he is my age and his success is amazing.”
What did you want to grow-up to be when you were a kid?
“I wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals and I wanted to help them if they were sick or injured.”
What facet of your game has improved the most since last spring?
“My mental approach as I step into the batter’s box. The last couple of years I have fluctuated a lot and I feel that this year I am much more consistent and comfortable at the plate. I am not guessing at pitches or putting too much pressure on myself. I am just having fun and doing what I need to do to help my team win.”
Favorite place to be on campus?
“The pillars at the top of the Old Capitol because I can just listen to music, relax, and free my mind. Obviously, I have to find somewhere else during the winter time, but I can deal with that.”
Favorite movie?
“I have too many to choose from but the first movies that come to mind are Ice Age or The Proposal.”
What is your most prized possession?
“I do not really have one, but I always have my iPod with me everywhere I go. I absolutely love music.”
What is your favorite food/meal?
“I love pasta; any kind of pasta.”
Do you have any superstitions, on or off the playing field?
“I keep the same routine in the batter’s box, and on defense, I always have to touch the base before the inning starts.”
Team goal for 2013?
“We have multiple goals, but first and foremost, to become Big Ten champs. If we achieve that goal then the rest will take care of itself, such as making it to regionals.”
Favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“Old Chicago.”
What is one place you want to visit?
“I would love to visit Hawaii because I have cousins that live there that always send me pictures of the beaches. I would love to be able to visit there someday.”
What is your most memorable softball memory?
“Hitting the game-tying run in an intense game against Northwestern my freshman year. We eventually won the game in extra innings.”