Softball Q&A: Kayleen Shafer
February 01, 2016 | Softball
CORVALLIS, Ore. – In the days leading up to the 2016 season, OSUBeavers.com will help you get to know the 2016 Oregon State softball team a little better with some Q&A sessions. Featured in today's Q&A is freshman catcher/utility player Kayleen Shafer.
Shafer enters her first season as a member of the Beavers after lettering all four years at Mission Viejo High School. Shafer was an all-state selection in 2015, and delivered the walk-off single to help Mission Viejo win the 2014 CIF title and the eventual national championship.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the program?
Playing for Coach Berg and being a Beaver.
When did you know you wanted to play at Oregon State?
My junior year of high school.
How would you best describe the coaching staff?
Fierce competitors.
What trip are you most looking forward to this season?
Palm Springs, Calif., because my family and friends will be there.
Do you have any gameday rituals or superstitions? If so, what are some of them?
Wearing certain headbands or hairstyles.
Does the number you wear have any significance? If so, what is it?
I normally wear No. 16, but it was already taken, so I chose No. 26.
What's the one rule you would change in softball?
I wouldn't change anything about the game of softball. It's perfect the way it is.
If you could play any other position for one day, what would it be and why?
Pitcher. You are the most important player.
What is your favorite sport to attend or watch outside of softball?
Baseball.
Which of your teammates would be most likely to U.S. President or political office? Why?
Riley Gregoire, because she is very strong-minded.
Which teammate would be most likely to be a coach one day? Why?
Bev Miller, because she loves giving back and she is great with younger kids.
What are your hobbies outside of playing softball?
Hiking, camping and snowboarding.
Describe a funny or interesting part of studying your major at Oregon State.
I'm hoping to become a physician's assistant, so I'm studying biohealth sciences.
When did you start playing softball and how did you get your start playing?
I started playing when I was seven because my mom used to play and told me it would be fun.
What sets softball apart from the other sports you enjoy?
You can't run down the clock in softball. You've got to come out on top after seven innings. The game is extremely quick and I enjoy the mental side of it.
What advice would you give to a young athlete who has aspirations of playing sports at the collegiate level?
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Prove them wrong.
Do you remember your first home run? If so, describe it.
It came during my freshman year of high school and we were playing in Bullhead City, Ariz. I had never hit a home run before, but that day, I ended up hitting two in back-to-back at-bats.
Facebook, Instagram or Twitter?
All three (Twitter - @KayleenShafer16; Facebook: Kayleen Shafer; Instagram – kayleenshafer).
For more information on the Oregon State softball team, follow the club's official Twitter account at Twitter.com/OregonStateSB, by Facebook at Facebook.com/OregonStateSB or on Instagram at Instagram.com/OregonStateSB.
