Softball Countdown: Whitney Repole

Jan. 31, 2013

Softball Countdown: Whitney Repole

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

Whitney Repole is a freshman from San Antonio, Texas. The outfielder wears No. 8 for the Hawkeyes. Repole was a three-time all-district selection at Smithson Valley High School, earning second team honors as a sophomore, first team as a junior and unanimous first team as a senior. She was named to the Texas Sports Writers Association 2012 All-State Team after batting .396 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs despite missing the last two playoff series with an injury as she led her high school team to the class 4A Texas State Championship.

Whitney’s twin sister, Katie, plays collegiately at Big Ten foe Illinois.

Iowa opens the season Feb. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and Texas State 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?
“On my visit, I fell in love with the University. From the coaches, to the campus, to the academics, to the city itself, no other school compared. It was easy to see myself being a Hawkeye.”

What is the team goal for 2013?
“Winning a Big Ten Championship and earning a bid to regionals.”

Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
“My favorite number seven was already taken, so I chose the next closest thing.”

How is your academic path coming along?
“Academically, Iowa is the perfect fit for me. I’m an English major and the University is famous for its amazing Creative Writing program. I’m already taking some classes that I’ve fallen in love with.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?
“Undoubtedly, my twin sister, Katie, who plays softball at the University of Illinois. She has the biggest heart and I’ve never seen someone play the game harder than she does. I honestly wouldn’t be who I am today without her.”

What is your first softball memory?
“When I first started out, I was a shortstop. During warm-ups one game, our catcher refused to throw down to me because she said I didn’t know how to catch. Our coach literally had to force her to throw it to me and of course, I dropped the ball.”

What is your favorite kind of candy?
“Chocolate covered almonds!”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Buster Posey.”

If you were cast on a reality TV show, which one would you prefer to be on and why?
“I would definitely want to be on The Office or Workaholics. The Office, just so I could be best friends with Dwight, and Workaholics, because I’d love take part in all of their shenanigans.”

What did you want to grow-up to be when you were a kid?
“Because I am a dog lover, I desperately wanted to be a veterinarian. That dream ended when I realized that I didn’t do math, science or blood.”

What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“The back steps of the Pentacrest at night! You can see the whole west side of campus. It’s really beautiful.”

As a spectator, what is your favorite sport?
“It’s a toss up between figure skating and baseball.”

What is your most prized possession?
“A diamond ring that my grandma gave me for my 18th birthday.”

What is your favorite food/meal?
“I’m a Mexican food addict, so cheese enchiladas.”

Do you have any superstitions, on or off the playing field?
“My batting routine is kind of intense. I have to get dirt in my right hand and then wipe it on my pants. Then I have to take two practice swings, step my left foot in and hold up my right hand for time, then I have to adjust my facemask. After all that, I’m ready to go.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“Molly’s Cupcakes!”

What is your favorite music?
“Honestly, I like everything from Macklemore to Celine Dion.”

What would be your ideal career?
“A fiction writer.”

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