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Welcome to The Dugout. Iowa Softball’s blog will reach out to fans and provide them with the opportunity to connect with the student-athletes, coaches and staff who work hard every day to make the Hawkeye softball program a success. The Dugout aims to deliver unique insight into the lives of the Iowa Softball team. Each week, The Dugout will feature a different softball student-athlete.
March 17, 2016
We are all very thankful for the opportunity to come play in Hawaii. The team is soaking up the culture as much as possible, especially those who haven’t been to the islands before. I was fortunate enough to go to Kauai and Oahu back in high school, so I’m doing less sightseeing and more relaxing. I’ve spent majority of my free time laying on the beach and dodging waves. But much as the team loves our free team, we’ve enjoyed our activities together too.
Our morning beach workout with Jillian’s cousin and his Army buddies was much more fun than any of us had anticipated. It was a great way to start off the week and get adjusted to the time change, and was a definitely a team bonding experience. Having the coaches and staff join us for the workout really brought us together as a whole unit.
The other early morning team activity was the sunrise hike to Diamond Head. This hike was much more enjoyable then the first time I did it. It was much cooler in the morning, and there were less people crowding the trails. The sunrise view at the top was absolutely beautiful and I’m sure there are hundreds of pictures of it on our phones.
I’m super excited for Friday’s early morning trip to Pearl Harbor and I hope the team will be impacted just as much as I was the first time I went. It’s something everyone should experience if they have the opportunity to.
Even though we are having a lot of fun doing touristy things, we haven’t forgotten why we’re here; to get some W’s!! We’ve had practices on our off days and are making sure our bodies are ready to compete; whether it’s hydrating or working with our training staff. This week of games is especially important to get us ready for Big Ten season. It gives us a chance to get back into the swing of playing the same team multiple times in one weekend, along with only playing one game a day. We need to keep taking advantage of our opportunities, and the wins will come.
Go Hawks!!
#7 Claire Fritsch
Junior, Infield
ALOHA from the beautiful state of Hawaii!
After enduring a nine hour flight, the anticipation of finally being here was settled. I can speak for the whole team in that we had been looking forward to this trip since last spring break when we found out we would be going to Hawaii. This incredible opportunity to visit Honolulu and play the game I love will forever be one of the most memorable parts of my softball career here at Iowa.
We are very fortunate to be staying at a very historic and popular hotel that overlooks the ocean on the Waikiki beach. We made it to the hotel just in time to see the 22nd annual Honolulu Festival Parade that took place in the street right outside our hotel. Following the parade, the majority of the team sprinted out to the beach to soak in some last minute rays. Within minutes all of the California girls on the team were out swimming in the ocean. Monday morning, we were up bright and early for a sunrise army-style beach workout provided for us by JiJi’s (Jillian Navarrete) cousin and the rest of his Army group. For most of us, this was our first time running on a beach barefoot so this unleashed a whole new soreness in our legs. The core of the workout consisted of relays where we did sand bag and water jug carries, fireman carries, squats, pushups, and flutter kicks. Since I mentioned fireman carries, I want to give Katy (Taylor) a shout out because she was my partner and she carried me over her shoulders and killed it! It was so invigorating to workout alongside of those guys and get a peek at some of the workout activities they do.
That night we were able to explore the island and partake in shenanigans of our choice. For some of us that was snorkeling, staying at the hotel to catch some rays, or traveling around to the North Shore for numerous different activities. For me I took off to the North Shore with my parents to view different parts of the island, indulge in great foods, and go paddle boarding with my mom while my dad got a good laugh and captured some great moments on his camera. While paddle boarding we saw numerous sea turtles, crabs that sat on the rocks along the water, a manta ray, and lots of fishies!
The next morning, we woke up bright and early again to hike up Diamond Head. The view at the top was breathtaking. The full 360 view included the sunrise, the ocean, mountains, and the city. Beside the view, it was so intriguing to see the network of tunnels, stairways, and bunkers that were placed in to the mountain for military purposes.
That night we set out for some entertainment at the Polynesian Center where we attended a luau! These first few days were very enriching but now we are excited to take care of business on the field. These next three days we will be focusing strictly on softball and to bring home some wins!
Thank you to everybody who made this trip possible for us!
Mahalo
#24 Shayla Starkenburg
Redshirt Junior, Pitcher
March 11, 2016
During the past few weeks of nonconference play, we have learned to pick each other up as a team. Defense, offense, and pitching are essentially the three pieces to a softball team, and if one of those areas is struggling, another part pushes harder to help us be successful.
We have learned to work as a unit by doing the little things right every day. That a “team” mentality and not a “me” mentality will help us move forward. Whether it is changing a position player or someone coming into pinch hit, as a team and as players we fill those rolls and take the opportunities presented before us.
On the flip side of that, when we don’t execute the things we know how to do it sets us up for failure. We have to buy into the process and listen to what are coaches are teaching us. We have to play in the present and not worry about the past or the future. We have to be in the here and now. If we learn from our shortcomings, then we never actually fail.
Go Hawks!
#1 Elizabeth Wiegand
Junior, Pitcher
March 3, 2016
I am not a big stickler on pregame routines. I don’t have a particular song that I like to listen to on repeat on the way to a game. I don’t have a certain way of putting my gold socks on in the mornings before we take the field. I don’t have a set meal that I need to eat before I play. However, I do have one requirement for myself on game days- I have to feel good!
My pregame routine consists of whatever I’m feeling on that day. When we travel for pre-season, I usually blast some Beyoncé in my hotel room and try to get pumped up for the day.
As a team, we don’t really have many things that pump us all up on a game day. When we are playing a series at home in Iowa City, we usually hook up Erin Erickson’s iPod and dance around in the locker room. Our playlists are all over the place. Some times we like to listen to Disney music before games and other days we cant get away from some hard-core rap and hip hop. I would say that the most consistent artists who show up on our pre-game playlist would be Beyoncé (duh), Kanye West, Rihanna, Fetty Wap, JayZ, and Justin Timberlake (Erin’s favorite). Because none of us can really come to a consensus about the type of music to play in the locker room, we usually end up with a healthy mix of artists and genres that accomplishes the goal of pumping us all up individually. Shout outs and song requests are always welcome in the locker room but every song that gets played must be able to get us up and dancing!
The most important thing for myself on a game day is to feel prepared and ready to take on the day. Luckily for myself, and many of my teammates, music is a great way to accomplish that!
#12 Angela Schmiederer
Sophomore, Catcher
Feb. 25, 2016
Juggling school and softball as a student-athlete takes a great amount of time management, efficiency, and a pretty big planner. As a freshman, I had a tough time planning out my days and managing my time. I was so overwhelmed in my transition to college. It was a big step in my life to move across the country and play at the collegiate level at a Big Ten school, my classes were difficult, and I had a tough enough time figuring out the app for the bus schedule. Throughout the first few weeks a couple of my teammates had helped me figure out a plan, and I got help from an academic advisor and a time management assistant.
After being in the program for a year, I can finally say that even though I may not have it all together, I’m a lot better than where I started. Being a student-athlete isn’t easy, and a plan of attack for everyday is a must if you want to thrive in academics and in your game, especially during season. Coach Looper reminds us constantly that we are students before we are athletes and our academics hold priority.
I was grateful enough to have amazing teammates that knew what I was going through as a newbie. They were there to help me strengthen my time management skills and align my priorities. It’s been a great experience learning life lessons here at the University of Iowa and growing as an individual. I know that the lessons I am learning here are going to prepare me for opportunities in the real world after I graduate.
#17 Allie Wood
Sophomore, OF
As some of the butterflies of beginning a brand new season start to settle, the ultimate balancing act of being a Division I student-athlete begins. Our time management skills are put to the test between practice, games, classes, homework and trying to maintain some small smidgen of a social life.
If you asked me about my time management skills five years ago, I probably would’ve bragged to you about how I would start and finish a paper the same day it was due, and how I would get by studying for quizzes ten minutes before I had to take them (sorry mom and dad). Nonetheless, I learned pretty quickly that my old habits were not going to work in college, especially as an athlete. Coming in as a freshman, you are practicing more than you have ever before. Combine that with going to an esteemed school like the University of Iowa, the workload can be lofty.
After the first few weeks you start learn that the key to success is starting assignments early and chipping away on bigger papers/projects is definitely the way to go. With a year of experience I now know everything can become much less stressful if you are organized, and that tools like planners, highlighters and post-it notes are awesome.
With my sophomore season in full swing, I can now appreciate and enjoy the privilege of being a Division I student-athlete. Yet, it is important to remember being a student comes before being an athlete and having success in the classroom allows you the opportunity to thrive on the field.
#20 Daniella Ibarra
Sophomore, IF
Feb. 18, 2016
This past weekend, the moment we have all been waiting for finally arrived. Spending our season-opening weekend in Corpus Christi, Texas, brought beautiful weather, and a chance to finally hang up the turf shoes and lace up the cleats to step on real dirt again.
We learned a lot about what we are already good at as a team, and what we need to do better throughout the duration of the season. Having more depth in the pitching circle has allowed the defense to play like we know we are capable of; however we also need generate more runs while our pitchers are working hard to keep us in close games. And of course, we learned that a second, (or third), layer of sunscreen is never a bad idea.
As a freshman last year, I never really anticipated how quickly season goes by, and how much I would miss traveling with my teammates to states I had never been before. This season I plan on soaking up every base hit, pitch, and inning, because it will be over before I know it. Having five games under our belt provides our team with the insight we need to take the rest of season head on and have the success that we all know we are capable of. #44
Daniela Chambers
Sophomore, C
The first week of competition is one of the most exciting weeks of the season. We are excited about being able to play outside and get to warmer weather. Especially in Corpus Christi the views were amazing along with the weather. The excitement really settles in when the plane lands and you’re in a different climate.
This past weekend brought some good times and some learning opportunities. All we can do is grow from here as a team, and the first few games showed us what we really needed to concentrate on. As a team we struggled at the plate last weekend, but I have confidence that we will work hard and gain momentum throughout the season.
We get to play inside this weekend in Rosemont, Illinois. This should be a good opportunity for us since we are used to practicing inside. I feel great about the season and cannot wait to see what is in store for us. We have a lot of great trips planned this year along with a lot of home series in Big Ten Conference action. Seeing all of the fans at home games is the best. Being able to stay home in your own atmosphere will make the game even more fun than it already is.
As a Hawkeye, the opportunity to play at the University of Iowa while being supported by so many people is a great honor. This opportunity has brought me so many different experiences and I am very excited see what the rest of the season brings.
#27 Cheyenne Pratt
Sophomore, OF
Feb. 4, 2016
As members of Iowa Softball, we all strive to live by our five team pillars: respect, teamwork, integrity, loyalty and discipline. One way we put these pillars into action is through our volunteer work. The Iowa Softball program serves as a platform for all 22 of us to become more involved with our community and serve those around us. Our team volunteers in numerous ways throughout the year, mainly focusing on our respective organizations: The Iowa City Hope Lodge, the VA Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, and the University of Iowa Reach Program.
I have had the honor of volunteering with the Reach Program for almost two years now. This program is unlike any other in the country. It offers students with multiple intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities the opportunity to have a true college experience and learn to become more independent. Being a part of Reach, I have been able to meet some incredible people. I have also gained leadership skills and helped introduce these students to the game of softball.
My teammates and I are involved with Reach in many ways; whether we get dinner with the students, play a game of kickball at Pearl or dodgeball, it is always a rewarding experience. Each Thursday my teammates and I challenge the students of Reach during our infamous games of dodgeball; we laugh, we dodge, and we sweat (a lot). The relationships and time we spend together are mutually beneficial and have expanded further than our weekly meetings.
Serving our community is of huge importance to our team and our program as a whole. It is a part of who we are and is something we pride ourselves on. We would not be able to do what we do every day without the support of those around us, and for that we are honored to give our time to help leave this place a little better than how we found it.
Go Hawks!
#9 Sarah Kurtz
Sophomore, IF/OF
Jan. 28, 2016
Tuesday night (1/26) the team had the honor of hosting our season ticket holders and donors for dinner. As a freshman, it was an amazing opportunity to get to know all of our supporters. The amount of pride our guests had for our university was overwhelming. There wasn’t a single person in the room who wasn’t bleeding black and gold. I sat at a table with two men and two women who have held season tickets for over thirty years. It was inspiring to listen to them tell stories about games they’ve attended, and share memories of those games that they’ll never forget.
It was awesome to see the interaction our team had with our guests. A few of our players got the chance to stand up and speak about how they have grown within the Hawkeye community. The game is much bigger than ourselves. It takes more than just the team to build the program we are so blessed to be a part of. Everyone in the room, plus hundreds more, are the reasons why our team is able to be here today. Thank you to all of our supporters who continue to cheer for us year in and year out. We are excited to see everyone at the field this season. Go Hawks!
#16 Brooke Rozier
Freshman, catcher
I had a great experience talking with season ticket holders and huge supporters of Iowa softball on Tuesday night. It was a privilege to sit down and have dinner with some of our fans. Some of them have been fans since day one. I enjoyed the time that I had with every single one of them. As a Hawkeye, I would love to meet many more fans while I’m here. I think it’s great that the fans want to get to know us, but it’s just as great for us as student-athletes.
Part of the night included Iowa softball trivia. It really opened my eyes as to how passionate our fan base is. They know so much about the history of Iowa softball! I didn’t know many of the answers, but I plan to start looking up some of the history in my free time to get to know the players who were here before me.
I haven’t been at Iowa for very long, but I’ve learned how well-known the Iowa softball team is for participating in the community, and I enjoy spending time with everyone involved. Spending time with the season ticket holders was so exciting, and I really enjoyed it. The experience made me appreciate not only being a part of the softball program, but the University of Iowa as well.
Thank you to all of our supporters for all that you do. I can’t wait to see you in the stands cheering us on! Go Hawks!
#10 Katy Taylor
Sophomore, shortstop
Jan. 21, 2016
My first semester at The University of Iowa was definitely full of learning experiences to say the least. However, I think the biggest thing that I learned last was how important it is to get to know my professors and the other students in my classes. Introducing yourself to a professor may be an intimidating experience for some, but it has proved to be so beneficial.
The professors that I reached out to more than others were much more willing to extend a helping hand. In addition to introducing myself to professors and instructors, it was also beneficial to my learning experience last semester to know some of my fellow students, particularly in my larger lecture halls. When I was having difficulty understanding a subject the professor was lecturing about, I was always able to meet up with another student in my class or an entire study group for extra tutoring and explanations.
I’m not the most outgoing person on the first day of class, but I had to get outside of my comfort zone — I’m glad I did because I gained new study habits, study strategies, and some new friends.
#6 Erin Riding
Freshman, pitcher
Jan. 14, 2016
Throughout this week of preseason camp, I’ve enjoyed coming alongside a group of girls who are all eagerly awaiting a new season. I now have a different outlook when I prepare myself for each day. I’ve always known the person that I strive to be, but I’ve never realized how easy it is to question myself in a game where failure is more common than success. This week has allowed me to focus on myself as an individual and not just as a softball player. Obstacles may get in my way, but I know how to fight to stay true to myself. My values as a person have pushed me so far, and they will continue to push me throughout the season.
After this week, I cannot wait to take each practice and each game one by one with my teammates. We are focused on perfecting the little things. It’s an exciting time of year, and I’m ready to see where all the hard work we are putting in now is going to take us!
#11 Mallory Kilian
Freshman, pitcher/utility
