Softball Countdown: Sammi Gyerman

Jan. 24, 2013

Softball Countdown: Sammi Gyerman

In our countdown to the start of the 2013 softball season, we will feature all 24 Hawkeyes.

Sammi Gyerman is a freshman from San Pedro, Calif. The former Palos Verdes High School standout wears No. 21 for the Hawkeyes. The outfielder was a three-time all-league and 2010 all-area honoree. She batted .465 with 29 runs, 17 RBIs and was 23-of-24 on the base paths as a sophomore — the 23 steals are a single season conference record. The psychology major hit .431 with 35 runs, 16 RBIs and 16 steals as a junior.

Iowa opens the season Feb. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and UT Arlington at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic.

What is it like working with Coach Looper and the coaching staff?
“I love working with the coaching staff. They have so much passion for the game. They inspire the team to keep working for our goal: Big Ten champs.”

What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
“The coaches were the main reason why I picked Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program.”

What is the team goal for 2013?
“The team goal for 2013 is to win the Big Ten championship!”

What are your individual goals for the upcoming season?
“My individual goals for the upcoming season would be to get my bunts down!”

Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
“No. 21 has been my favorite number because my favorite (UCLA) Bruin wore that number — Maurice Jones-Drew.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?
“The most influential people in my life would be my parents. I value their opinions and what they have to say with every decision I make.”

What is your first softball memory?
“My first softball memory that I can remember would be swinging and missing at a ball on the tee at one of my tee-ball games.”

What is your favorite kind of candy?
“I love Reese’s peanut butter cups.”

Do you have any hobbies?
“Shopping. I can shop for days.”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Peyton Manning.”

If you were cast on a reality TV show, which one would you prefer to be on and why?
“I would love to be on the reality TV show Duck Dynasty. My family and I can watch episode after episode.”

As a spectator, what is your favorite sport?
“Baseball.”

What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie is 5O First Dates.”

Is there another talent you wish you had?
“I wish I could sing.”

What is your favorite food/meal?
“Easter Sunday lamb — can’t beat my dad’s cooking.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“Basta — first restaurant I went to with my parents when I was officially a Hawkeye!”

What is one place you want to visit?
“I want to visit Paris. I heard the shopping there is amazing.”

What would be your ideal career?
“My ideal career would be a Dermatologist.”

What is one word that describes you?
“Likable.”