Florida State Softball

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1 Volume 9 Issue 1 February 2011 Inside this issue: Community Events By: Ashley Stager Getting t o know future Noles By: Morgan Bullock Staff Spotlight:Dr. Jason Pappas By: Dale Townsend Alumni Spotlight : Where are they now? Player Spot Light: Ashley Stager Robin Ahrberg Mallory Borden Jennifer Lapiki Sarah Hamilton Lauren Varsalona Kristie McConn By: Shayla Jackson Florida State Softball Up Coming Events As some of you know, our season is underway as we fight towards our goals and work hard to achieve our dreams. We opened our season at the Seminole Kickoff Classic. We were off to a rocky start going 2-3 for the beginning of our season. But as we like to think of it, it s not how you start the season but how you finish it! Coming up is Palm Springs, California. West Coast here we come! We will be playing in the Cathedral City Class and facing some great teams such as BYU, Oregon State, Northwestern, Long Beach State, and San Diego State. We are excited to get the ball rolling! We play some great teams this season and everyone is ready to give it their all. Another tournament in which we will be participating in is the Easton SEC/ACC Challenge March 11th-13th. This will be over our Spring Break and we are pumped to have some fun in the sun in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. What better way to spend your Spring Break then to play the sport we love. In this tournament we will be playing Mississippi State and Alabama. FASHION ALERT! By: Briar Stanley Hey Noles! Let s talk fashion for a change. We updated our look this year in preparation for a great season. We decided to go with a classic button down jersey with pin striping adding a touch of modern. Our jerseys are all white with a touch of garnet in the pinstripe for an extra edge. This is no ordinary white though; this is what we Seminoles call Victory White. Written in bold gold and garnet lettering across the front says Seminoles. We cannot wait to wear our jerseys with pride and be aggressive in them. We really will put blood, sweat, and tears into everything this year. Also, something new we did this year was a Sandlot theme for our digital guide. We had so much fun in creating the old school look and hope you really enjoy it. Not only did we have on garnet and gold vintage t-shirts, but we rolled up our jeans and wore backwards hats. Some of the girls even went as far as wearing converse shoes. We took several pictures with old wooden bats and old mitts Coach Alameda provided us with. The catchers wore Yogi Berra masks on top of their head for that intimidating look. All in all we are looking forward to the season and can t wait to rep our new jerseys. Later Noles, Maddie O Brien

2 Page 2 Noles in the Community Hello again! The Florida State softball team kept very busy during the fall semester and the team thus far has completed about 650 hours of community service, which is the most so far out of the nineteen sports here at FSU! Coach Alameda asked us to step up as a team and challenged each other to go out and get at least twenty hours of volunteer work this school year. Well, man did we step up! Almost everyone has reached that goal already and some have gone above and beyond. This semester we have already gotten started on some more volunteer work. Lets get to know incoming freshman for 2011! Bailey shenella Lacey Waldrop Why Florida State? I instantly loved Florida State. The team, program, coaches, academics, and campus were a perfect fit for me. The family atmosphere of the team is what I really liked and what really stuck out to me. What was your favorite part of your visit?my favorite part of my visit was being able to walk on the football field before the game. The scavenger hunt with the team was a lot of fun too! What are you excited for in your senior year of high school? I'm excited to see where all my friends are going to end up after high school. Also making memories and having fun before we all go our separate ways. What position do you play? Pitcher, 1st base, hitter Where are you from? Valrico, Fl. Born and raised What is something interesting about you or your family? Something interesting about me is I have double jointed shoulders! Something interesting about my family is we are a very close family but there are some things we just don't agree on because we are a house divided. My older brother goes to Florida and I will be attending Florida State. We started again with our weekly visits to Ft. Braden to mentor some of their students. Coach Alameda started this a couple years ago and has been taking several of the girls with her each week to Ft. Braden. It has been an eye opening experience for not just the young ladies we are mentoring but also those of us on the team. We have truly enjoyed all the time and experience we've gotten with them and our time at Ft. Braden. But, of course Ft. Braden wasn't the only volunteering for this semester thus far. Why Florida State? There are so many aspects of FSU that I love it's hard to pick just one! To start with I love the excitement that comes with saying I'll be attending FSU next year; each time I realize it's getting even a little bit closer it puts a smile on my face within seconds. Our coaches made me feel right at home from the very beginning, and I can't wait to work with people who can teach me so much and are as excited for me to get to school as I am, but what I love most about FSU is the tradition and reputation behind the name. I am always so proud to say I'm going to be a Florida State SEMINOLE :) What was your favorite part of your visit? Well I have one favorite memory from the first unofficial visit I took to FSU, and I also have my favorite part of my official visit. As soon as I walked through the door on my first visit Coach Santiago immediately asked me if I wanted to play him in connect four, and he absolutely killed me! I never knew how easy it would be to lose 3 games in a row of connect four! From then on I knew the coaches would be so fun to be around and easy to get along with. On my official I absolutely loved going to the football game against BYU. Even though we weren't playing a very tough team it was crazy to see so many fans packed in the stadium to support the school, and it made me really excited to see the rivalry games against UF and Miami for the next four years :) Where are you from? Chester, Virginia What is your intended major? Marine Biology We also got the opportunity on Saturday, January 22nd to go to Second Harvest. W helped go through and sort canned foods for families that live in the Tallahassee are. It was also a great experience and some of the girls said it was their "favorite" volunteer work so far this school year! So we ask that if any of you readers have a volunteer opportunity for us, we would love to hear about it! We are always up for the challenge! But, don't forget season is coming up and we look forward to seeing you all there! By: Ashley Stager Erika leonard Why Florida State? I chose Florida State for several reasons. First and foremost was the coaching staff at FSU. When I had the opportunity to meet Coach Alameda and the other coaches, I was so impressed with there compassion for other people. I could see there dedication and commitment o building a successful softball team and working to install there passion and dedication onto her players. This was the kind of people and team that I wanted to be with What was your favorite part of your visit? I was totally impressed with FSU's campus when I first saw it. My favorite part of my visit was being able to hang out with the team. What are you excited for in your senior year of high school? I am looking forward to my high school softball season and playing with my teammates, as this will be my last one. What position do you play? My primary position is catcher and I also play 1st. What is your intended major? Hospitality management Where are you from? I am from Cincinnati, Ohio What is something interesting about you or your family? We starting boating and camping when I was 8. We have continued the tradition. My parents bought a motor home and that is how we travel around in the summer for the softball tournaments and baseball tournaments that my brother and I play in. We keep our boat at a local lake and go there as much as we can on the weekends By: Morgan Bullock

3 Page 3 Staff Spotlight: Jason Pappas- Student Athlete Academic Support Director What is your hometown? Las Vegas, NV but grew up in Titusville, FL. What is your hometown? Las Vegas, NV but grew up in Titusville, FL. Where did you most recently reside? Los Angeles. How long have you been here in Tallahassee? Only about a month! What college did you attend and in what areas did you receive degrees? Undergraduate degree in Business Communication and a Masters degree in Sports Administration both here at FSU, A Doctorate from Southern California and a second Masters degree in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina. Did you play any sports in high school or college? Football, Baseball, & Basketball in high school and walked onto the FSU football team for a year and then went on to help out as a student manager for the team! What is your most favorite thing about FSU? The people! It is like a big family here. It is where I met my closest friends and my wife! Favorite restaurant in Tallahassee? Matsu and Bella Bella. Fun Facts? My wife received a Doctorate in Nursing here at FSU and I have a daughter named Alexa who is 21 months old and a 7 ½ year old son named Anthony. Something you are most looking forward to? FSU Softball s Season Opener on Feb. 11 th Alumni: Where are they now? Interview: by Dale Townsend Jessica VanDerlinden now Jessica Boulware Michael and I have been married for 6 years and we currently live in Columbia SC. We have two children (Michael Jr age 4 & Aspen age 2). We will be expecting out 3rd child the end of July. Along with all the joys of being a wife and mommy I give pitching lessons in the evenings. Michelle Snyder After graduating in August with my MS from FSU, I moved up to Ashburn, VA to live with former FSU first baseman Brittany Osmon-Gano and husband Graham Gano. I hit the ground running and now live in Arlington, VA where I work as an Intelligence Analyst for a Government Defense Contractor. During my few months away from Tallahassee I have been able to attend multiple Washington Redskins games, meet countless amazing people, and explore our Nation's Capitol! Florida State and Seminole Softball both greatly prepared me for my new life in the professional realm, and I would like to thank each and every person who had a part in my personal development and experiences as a Seminole student-athlete. Go Noles'! Brittany Krbec In the past three years my life has changed dramatically! I went from a college student in Tallahassee to a high school teacher in Ocala, fl. I have recently completed my certification in biology and chemistry. I currently teach Pre-IB Chemistry and Regular biology. I have continued my love for softball by playing a little slowpitch tournament ball on the side as well as being a high school softball coach. I am also about to complete another milestone on March 5th when I get married and change my last name to Stewart! My family will then consist of a husband and three children, well puppies that is! Their names are Shelby, Peyton, and Sadie! I looked forward this spring to hearing and watching many great things that continue to go on in the Seminole softball program! Can't wait, and Go Noles!

4 Page 4 Player Spotlight: Seniors Name: Ashley Nicole Stager Position: Short stop Jersey Number: 9 Hometown: Trinity, Fl (New Port Richey) Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Pharmacy, Minor: Child Development Why FSU softball? It is a great opportunity to play at a University with so much tradition and respect. I was able to have a year of experience with Coach Graf and had the chance to see the new coaches bring new things to the program. Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? The field... I have no worries when playing, it's fun and I love it and it is great to be on campus and not in a classroom or library. One thing you have to have with you on the road? IPad and other homework Best Memory on the field? Hitting for the cycle against Virginia Best Memory off the field with the team? Our dreadful 14 hour layover in Atlanta airport but we had so much fun together as a team and messing with Carly with the video camera What are your plans after graduation? Pharmacy school or a job in pharmaceutical sales Where do you see yourself five years from now? Having a stable job and maybe starting with a family?! Don't want to think that far ahead One thing you will miss about college? Not having to work What is your biggest fear about stepping out into the real world? Money (which is what most people are worried about now days) 1) In high school set school record for high jump at 5'7'' (which is how tall I am) 2) I love bright (highlighter) colors 3)Every Thanksgiving my family play the Annual Stager Turkey Bowl Wiffle Ball Game (it's intense!) Name: Robin Ahrberg Position: Catcher/1stbase Jersey Number: 35 Hometown: Stillwater, OK Major: Masters in Sport Management Why FSU softball? The tradition and I just love FSU Any personal softball rituals before the game? I used to put a penny in my batting gloves for good luck Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? Starbucks One thing you have to have with you on the road. IPod Best Memory on the field? Catching my best friend Tiffany McDonald, and beating Michigan in 2009 Best Memory off the field with the team? Being stuck in the Atlanta airport for 12 hours and going to New York my freshman year. What do you think this generation will be remembered for? Internet entrepreneurs What's a song that reminds you of our team this year? Gold&Garnet If you weren't playing softball what sport would you play and why? If I were taller I would be playing basketball, I like the physical contact What game are you looking forward to this season? Florida Biggest transition between your freshmen year and now? The new softball facilities and how many times the locker room has changed, I don t think its stayed the same sense being here. What are your plans after graduation? Work with Gamespeed Softball Where do you see yourself five years from now? Hopefully doing some kind administration work and giving private softball lessons What is your biggest fear about stepping out into the real world? Being responsible One thing you will miss about college? Just being on campus. I love FSU a ton and like being around the campus atmosphere Name: Mallory Borden Position: 2nd Base Jersey Number: 22 Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Major: Social Science Why FSU softball? This is where I wanted to go ever since I was a little girl. I wanted to be in a top program and I felt FSU was the right fit for that. One thing you have to have with you on the road? Well, it used to be my pillow until I left it last year in Maryland :( but I always have my ipod Best Memory on the field? The two top memories are probably beating Michigan on our home field and my homerun against Georgia. What do you think this generation will be remembered for? The recession. Just kidding. Probably all our technology little things like the ipod...hopefully it is good whatever it is. What game are you looking forward to this season? FLORIDA! Biggest rival and I want to leave here with a win against them. What are your plans after graduation? Well I plan on going back to Jacksonville and possibly joining the Police Academy. That's the plan for right now but next week it could always change. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Wow, I will be 26 years old so I better have a good job and a nice little house with a little puppy named Rascal. One thing you will miss about college? The interaction with my teammates. I love being able to go into the locker room and see everyone whether it's before/after practice, in between classes, or seeing everyone's beautiful faces at 6:00 in the morning for workouts. 1) I used to be terrified of dogs until Hershey came along (our little 5lb. yorkie). 2) Gymnastics is what got me into the realm of softball. I begged my mom to let me play t-ball when I was 4 instead of going to gymnastics because they would push my legs down when they wouldn't want to go any further. 3) Although I am from Florida, I do not enjoy the beach. That's probably why I am so white. Name: Lauren Varsalona Position: Pitcher Jersey Number:17 Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Major: Finance and Applied Economics Why FSU softball? We are the best! Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? Starbucks because of the delicious coffee and treats. One thing you have to have with you on the road? A good book Best Memory on the field? Beating Texas at Texas my sophomore year Best Memory off the field with the team? Eating at Coach Quinn's Aunt's house in Boston. If you weren't playing softball what sport would you play and why? I wouldn't be playing a sport other than softball, I'd be on student government. Biggest transition between your freshmen year and now? I felt like an adult then because I lived in an apartment and bought my own groceries, but now I feel like an adult because I'm trying to get a real job soon and I'm worried about things like life insurance! What are your plans after graduation? Right now my plans depend entirely on a job I don't have one. Anyone hiring? Where do you see yourself five years from now? Working full time and married What is your biggest fear about stepping out into the real world? Having to file a tax return! 1)I can't really ride a bike. 2) I'm scared of ants because you'll never just find one ant, there's always a bunch of them & they bite 3) I love airports

5 Page 4 Player Spotlight: Seniors Continued Name: Jennifer Lapicki Position: Catcher,1B Jersey Number: 16 Hometown: Oldwick, NJ Major: Sport Management Why FSU softball? I love playing for a team that is built around competition and is willing to fight. I think the coaches do a great job of not only helping us get better but helping us understand how to teach others. FSU softball is all about family, competition, and passion and it s been the best experience. Any personal softball rituals before the game? I tape my wrist and write BE- LIEVE on it and text my mom GAME TIME. Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? On top of the dug out at night. It is relaxing and I love being at the ball field when it s quiet. One thing you have to have with you on the road? My cell phone of course! Best Memory on the field? The intensity of pre games. Noles getting ready to do what they do best, kick butt! Best Memory off the field with the team? All of our holiday gatherings. We are all a bunch of goofballs so putting us all together is always a great time. If you weren't playing softball what sport would you play and why? I would actually love to ski and snowboard again. I stopped when I got into college in case of injuries but the slopes are calling my name! What game are you looking forward to this season? UNC and GT. I think payback is in order:) Biggest transition between your freshmen year and now? I have grown up so much. I have learned how to be completely secure in myself and how to handle so many of life s situations. I have become so grateful for my life and the people in my life and realize now it s time to give back. What is your biggest fear about stepping out into the real world? I will have to grow up. I have always loved being the kid on the ball field. Hopefully I will get a coaching position so I can just become the big kid on the ball field. 1) I love I love Lucy 2) I have had breakfast with Jessica Mendoza and Stacy Neuvman two of my role models of the game. 3) I was invited to tryout for the USA Junior National Team when I was 16. Name: Kristie McConn Position:2 nd base Jersey Number:1 Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK Major: Sport: Accounting & Finance Why FSU softball? It has given me opportunities to be part of a great program and family that has given me so many great memories and lifelong friends, Any personal softball rituals before the game? I have to put my right sock on first Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? The locker room because I can hang out with the girls and take naps between classes One thing you have to have with you on the road? IPod Best Memory on the field? Hitting my first collegiate homerun at Cal State Fullerton Best Memory off the field with the team? Going to South Beach for a day and hanging out If you weren't playing softball what sport would you play and why? Basketball because I use to play and I love it! What game are you looking forward to this season? ACC Championship What are your plans after graduation? Maybe graduate school at the University of Oklahoma Where do you see yourself five years from now? Married to Ochuko and maybe starting a family of my own One thing you will miss about college? Getting free stuff and wearing sweats everyday to class 1)I love to bake 2)I hate lizards 3)My future son will be the next Rajon Rondo! Name: Sarah Hamilton Interviews: by Shayla Jackson Position: Pitcher Jersey Number: 25 Hometown: Tallahassee, Fl Major: Accounting Why FSU softball? My dream as a kid. I grew up watching all Americans play on that field and I wanted to be one of them. Any personal softball rituals before the game? Plenty; Very superstitious. I wear the same headband, do the same warm up and bullpen, etc. Favorite Spot on Campus and Why? Doak, It is the major source of FSU's tradition and pride. One thing you have to have with you on the road? My ipod Best Memory on the field? Win against Michigan my sophomore year. Gave me the confidence i needed to face the best hitters in the country. What do you think this generation will be remembered for? How technology became so common in social aspects of life. If you weren't playing softball what sport would you play and why? Volleyball; i played in high school and almost went to college to play. Its a very fast paced, fun sport. What game are you looking forward to this season? All of them. Every game matters just as much as the next but I am particularly anxious for UF of course. Biggest transition between your freshmen year and now? WOW so many things; knowledge of the game and just little details I never noticed before that seem so obvious now. What are your plans after graduation? More school for accounting so I can sit for the CPA exam. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Working at an accounting firm and maybe doing lessons on the side. What is your biggest fear about stepping out into the real world? Playing sports all your life gives you so many advantages in life but you can have help with pretty much anything if you need it, in the real world we don't have coaches and advisors and trainers and teammates to help you. One thing you will miss about college? All of the amazing people I have met. Editor: Robin Ahrberg & Morgan Bullock 1119 Spirit Way Tallahassee, FL Phone : (850) Fax: (850) Website: semioles.com Editor: Robin Ahrberg & Morgan Bullock