Stephanie Peterson, Softball Junior, Social Work
Columbus, Ohio
I WILL be a good teammate
I WILL graduate on time
I WILL have a happy and healthy family
Capital softball junior Stephanie Peterson has already had a well-traveled college career. After spending a year playing Division I softball for the University of Toledo, Peterson came to Capital and has been a major cog on the Crusader softball team. Sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo talked with Peterson about her transition from Toledo to Capital, playing baseball with the boys growing up, and how her coaches have inspired her on and off the diamond.
BD: Having played softball for the University of Toledo your freshmen year, what did you learn from playing with a Division I team?
SP: When you're at a Division I school, athletics is more like a job. Coming here to Capital, people are here because they still love the game. I also don't think the competition is much different at this level than it is in Division I.
BD: Why did you decide to come to Capital?
SP: When I was in high school and looking at colleges, Capital was the school I liked the most. Once I decided to transfer, I e-mailed coach Nan (Payne) and she welcomed me on the team.
BD: How did your softball career begin?
SP: I actually played baseball with the boys through grade school. I had to play softball in high school, which I wasn't excited about. But after meeting coach Jay Kubin, I really gained a love for the sport.
BD: What is your best asset as a player?
SP: My work ethic is good, and I'll do whatever it takes to help the team win.
BD: Did you have a favorite softball or baseball player and team growing up?
SP: I liked Ken Griffey Jr. when he played for the Mariners. To be honest, I liked him because he looked sweet with his hat on backward and his earrings on (laughs).
BD: What do you think is harder to hit: a baseball or softball?
SP: A softball definitely, because it is closer and it comes from an underhand pitch.
BD: Do you have a special routine that you go through prior to each at-bat?
SP: When I step into the box, I step in with my right foot and leave my left one out. Then I look at the pitcher and the shortstop.
BD: How would you define a successful year for yourself and Capital in 2010?
SP: I think that we will have a very successful year if everyone accepts their roles on the team. I also think that if we work hard without coach telling us to that that will make a big difference.
BD: How has your positive experiences with your high school coach and coach Payne enhanced your athletic and personal life?
SP: They are the only reason I am still playing. I'd have to say my high school coach is my hero. The way I do everything today is because of him. Coach Payne also helps me on a personal level. She cares about you as a person and not just as a player.
BD: Which movie was better this summer: "The Hangover" or "Transformers"
SP: It was definitely "The Hangover". I loved "Stepbrothers" and I thought this movie was even better.
BD: Do you have a favorite baseball movie?
SP: "The Sandlot". I like it because I had a team just like that growing up.
BD: Pitcher Brittany Stefano recently told me that the team normally does not talk softball on the pitcher's mound, but she would not tell me what the team does discuss. Is there any chance you would indulge me?
SP: No chance (laughs). We have to keep that confidential.