How old were you when you started playing softball?

I was five years old.

What made you want to play softball?

My parents put me in tee-ball and I would always want to go throw. I loved watching softball, so as soon as I was old enough to start playing I did and have enjoyed and loved it ever since.

Why did you keep playing the sport?

When I was little, that’s when I fell in love with the game. It becomes your life. The game is just an all-around fun sport.

What has been your favorite memory of your playing career?

I was waiting to hit my first home run and when it happened in a big time moment, it was the best time to finally low five Coach Gregory’s hand. Also, I wouldn’t want any other teammates waiting for me at home plate.

What is your favorite thing about the game?

It gave me a second family. Also knowing that God gave me the talent and opportunity to show his love through this game. This game teaches you life lessons on and off the field which is pretty amazing to me.

Who is someone who has inspired you throughout the years?

Rick Wilson, my dad Shaun Blythe and my mother Mandy Higgins. Rick and my dad always pushed me to become my better self and made me the player who I am today. My mother, always showed me love and support and let me continue to play this game. I owe my mom a lot, and she is the reason why I put my cleats on in the first place.

Why did you choose to play here at Texas Tech?

The first time I ever stepped on campus, God gave me a feeling that this was my future home so right then and there I knew. Best decision I have ever made.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to fish, tumble and hang out with my friends.

What is your favorite thing about Lubbock?

How Lubbock feels like a big town for me because of where I grew up. It is not as small as Hughes Springs, America, but it is also not as big as Dallas, Texas. I also like how everyone tries to mimic my accent.

If you got to have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Derek Jeter. He is such an inspiration and I wish I could meet him.

What was It like stepping into such a big role in your first year?

During the fall, I was nervous. Before season started, I was just ready to start playing again because I missed the game so much. Once I was cleared to start playing again, I came back with a huge smile on my face and had the most confidence ever because I believed I had nothing to lose and I didn’t. Stepping up into a big role made me a better player mentally and physically for the rest of my career.

How were you able to overcome your back injury?

My back injury was sadly an eye opener. I see the game differently, enjoy softball more than ever, and it made me a better player mentally. I had the game taken away for me for months and it was awful. I overcame the injury by trusting in God’s process. I am a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason. My teammates, coaches, my mom and dad, and other family members helped me out along the way. They knew how to keep me on track and pushed me to make a comeback.

If you were to be remembered by one thing, what would you want it to be?

I was the girl who shined through God’s light and I left everything on the field.

What are your three biggest goals at Tech?

1. To graduate with a 3.0 GPA or above while obtaining a degree in Kinesiology and become an Occupational Therapist.
2. Become an All-American and leave a legacy.
3. To learn what the world is all about. Growing up in a small town, I didn’t experience a lot. Just by being in Lubbock for a year I have learned quite a bit.

How have you seen yourself change, both on and off the field, since you arrived at Tech?

I have seen myself change on the field because I laugh, smile, and enjoy the game more than I ever had. The sport teaches you so many life lessons that I carry with me off the field. Most importantly, I believe that I grew stronger in my faith.

What are you most proud of?

That I never gave up. I never had a hitting coach or anything. I pursued with my dad and Rick. They gave up their time for me to become the player I am today and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I have to want what I am working for. So when I am working hard, it’s not because someone told me to, it’s because I wanted to. Overall, that made me a better player and person.

SPEED ROUND: What is your favorite…

• Movie: The Host
• Book: The Hunger Games
• Color: Light Blue
• Meal: Chicken Spaghetti
• Musician: Beyonce
• Day of the week: Sunday
• Types of music: ALL
• Hobby: Tumbling
• Dream Vacation: Bahamas
• Ice Cream: Butter Pecan
• Candy: Starburst
• TV show: The Walking Dead
• Cartoon Character: Tom and Jerry
• Animal: Giraffe
• Sport: Softball