Q: Talk about your first encounter with sports...

A: I can't recall a specific first encounter. Sports were just always a part of my life. I started gymnastics when I turned three, baseball at four and basketball at five. But even when I wasn't participating, sports were always around me. I grew up watching my father play in flag football, softball, and baseball leagues, and going to the Dome to see the Astros. In my house all we ever watched on television were sports, especially baseball. My sister could sing the National Anthem at a year and half and I knew what a double play was before most kids knew how to read and write. That was normal to me, and for a long time I assumed all little girls grew up like that.

Q: What led or motivated you to play?

A: My parents wanted my sister and I to grow up physically fit and active so they encouraged our involvement from the beginning. Being exposed to sports at such an early age, I quickly realized that I just HAD to play. I was so competitive as a little kid and that wasn't something I was taught or an attitude that was forced on me. I distinctly remember not only wanting to play, but wanting to be the best and wanting to win. I mean, I never thought playing ball was about 'being fun'...I was out there to win. And I think that was something I was born with. In the movie, The Natural, the main character's dream is to walk down the street and hear people say 'there goes Roy Hobbs--the best there ever was.' I loved that! And I loved playing. I think it was inevitable.

Q: In your hometown, what was the sports culture like for girls?

A: I played in boys baseball and basketball leagues for my first several years and was usually the only girl on my team. But, I think that was beneficial for me. I had good coaches, learned the fundamentals and was able to take it seriously and be competitive. I think the female sports culture in my area has come a long way since I was a little kid and it continues to expand and grow. Several extremely talented female athletes my age and even older have come out of my area, but the increase in resources, support, and interest in the last decade has definitely improved the sports culture for girls. It makes me happy and proud to see more and more girls playing competitively at young ages, receiving quality coaching, and being taken seriously as athletes.

Q: How did you get to where you are today and what would you attribute that to?

A: My family, without a doubt. I owe everything to them. My parents could not have been more supportive, encouraging, and loving. They took an active interest in everything I did, and provided me with the tools and opportunities to be successful on the field and off. They set the bar high academically, athletically, and just in general. And more importantly, they taught me to have high expectations of myself and to take pride in and responsibility for all that I do. They showed me the importance of hard work and commitment, and encouraged me to make the most of my given talents and opportunities. I've also benefited from having the best older sister and role model ever. She has always been there for me, leading the way and helping me become the best person I can be. Concerning my softball career, there are a few special dads/coaches that have helped me get where I am today. I cannot describe the impact Mr. Howe, Mr. Brown, Rabitt, and especially my own father have had on my life, and for their influence I will always be grateful. And of course there have been several other loved ones--coaches, teachers, and friends that have made me the person I am today and I hope they know who they are.

Q: What has playing sports done for you?

A: Besides providing me with years of wonderful experiences and memories, sports have taught me a lot. Playing all these years with so many different coaches and teammates, it's an understatement to say that I've come across a variety of interesting personalities. Playing sports has taught me how to deal with that -- how to respect authority and how to work collectively as a group toward one common goal. I know what it means to work hard, really pour my heart into something. It's true -- you get out of it what you put into it! I've learned how to achieve and build on success as well as learn from my failures. Sports have made me tougher -- mentally and physically. Growing up I was extremely small for my age and I always competed against older, stronger kids. I had to be tough and feisty -- I had something to prove. Also, as an athlete I understand the importance of taking care of my body and it's made me a very health conscious person. And through sports I really have met some great people and made close friends.

Q: At what point did you realize you wanted to go to an Ivy League school?

A: I honestly had no idea where I wanted to go to school for a long time. I guess I started thinking about the Ivies a little during my senior year, and then even more when my best friend committed to Brown that spring. I deferred my admission to Vanderbilt University and took a year off between high school and college to work. After graduation, that summer and fall was when I realized the Ivy League and more specifically, Brown, would offer me exactly what I was looking for -- the best education and the opportunity to play Division I athletics.

Q: Is there a certain athlete you admire and why?

A: There are so many outstanding male and female athletes that I admire for various reasons it's difficult for me to even narrow it down. I've always been a big fan of Bill Bradley. To me, he is the ultimate scholar-athlete. He was an awesome and dominating basketball player, not only at Princeton but in the NBA too. He's intelligent and dignified, he cared about and made the most of his education, and he served our government well. I'm interested in going into politics when school and softball are over, and he is just definitely someone I look up to. I also admire my sister. She worked harder than anyone I've ever seen. She was well respected as a smart, dedicated, talented athlete, and the epitome of a team player...a coach's dream.

Q: What is the significance of Title IX to you?

A: Considering the role that sports have played in my life, it means everything to me. It's all about equality of opportunity. My mother grew up playing football and baseball in the backyard with her brother, but back then girls didn't get to play organized sports -- at least not in her area. She would have been a good athlete if she had the chance. But this law is more than just allowing girls to play; it forces people and schools to give women the resources necessary to play competitive sports. Title IX has caused people to open their eyes and acknowledge the talent, dedication, and heart of female athletes. Women's athletics still have a long way to go, as there is noticeable disparity between the attention given to men's and women's sports, but the progress made in the last couple decades is incredible. As more and more girls are offered the encouragement, support, financial resources, and opportunity to succeed, women's sports will continue to prosper. Title IX opened the door.

Q: In your opinion, what has been a shining moment in women's sports?

A: Pat Summit recently winning her 800th career victory. The USA Softball Team winning the gold in the Olympics. It's not exactly a moment, but I think the formation and success of the WNBA is a great achievement in women's sports. And looking back, I remember being a little kid seeing Mary Lou Retton flash that unforgettable smile after her perfect ten performance -- definitely a shining moment!

Q: Finally, what would you tell young girls who are interested in getting to where you are now?

A: Set high expectations and believe in yourself!! Don't let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Respect yourself and those around you. Take advantage of every opportunity. Work hard in the classroom and everything you do. My mom has a few sayings that mean a lot to me and encompass most of what I wrote -- keep your options open, don't limit yourself, and do your best. It goes by fast, so enjoy it...and leave it all out on the field!