University of Minnesota Athletics
Seniors Gear Up for Final Season
2/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Story by: Rachel Timmermann, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
The Gophers are ranked 15th in the National Preseason Polls; the highest slot the program has ever received.
Just four years ago, during her second season as head coach for the Gophers, Jessica Allister presented her first recruiting class at the University of Minnesota.
That class is now getting ready to play its senior season.
The team is coming off an impressive 2014 season, winning its first Big Ten Tournament since 1999, hosting its first NCAA regional since 2002, and making it to its first-ever super regional.
"We're really proud of last season," senior Kaitlyn Richardson said. "I think it set a higher standard."
With a notable season, the team is aware of the target that has been placed on its back by other teams.
"Knowing that people are going to be after us this season, that's just going to keep motivating us even more," senior Hannah Granger said. "We definitely have another Big Ten championship as a main goal."
But the ride wasn't always this steady for the Gophers.
When Allister came to Minnesota in 2010, the program was not widely recognized. But her recruits could tell that Allister was ready to make a change.
"We had faith in Coach Allister," Richardson said. "I knew as soon as I talked to her that she was going to do something special, and it kind of just gave me that faith that we were going to do something special, too."
Granger said her decision to play for Minnesota was based on Allister's game plan for the program.
"I think what sold us was knowing that there was a vision set in place that we could be a part of," Granger said.
But it wasn't without a bit of hesitation that they made their decision.
"We would be lying if we said we weren't a little bit nervous. But at the same time, it was exciting to be a part of something special," Richardson said. "Everybody had their doubts in us, but I think the main thing was that we didn't have doubts in us."
Which is what Allister said is really special about them; their trust in the program.
"They took a leap of faith," Allister said.
Since arriving at Minnesota, the seniors have helped their team earn a record of 111-53.
"It was exciting to take a program from where it was to where it is now, and continue building," Richardson said. "This is a vision we've had for ourselves. For it to actually be happening is a great feeling."
Naturally, the class became closer while they were working toward common goals, even becoming best friends, Richardson said.
"It really has just become one of those things where I can't imagine doing this with anyone else," Granger said.
In addition to a successful program, the ability of future Gophers wanting to commit to Minnesota has changed since her freshman year, Granger said.
"The caliber of athletes that have been coming in that want to play here has been incredible," Granger said. "The shift from what it was freshman year to what it was this year is just crazy."
The Gophers will start their 2015 season in Las Vegas on Feb. 6, and say they are excited to get out on the field.
"We've had a good string of practices," Allister said. "I've been impressed with the preparedness and with their ability to come and work and get better every day."
Although the team has another Big Ten championship in its sights, it isn't going to compare this season to last season.
"We can't worry about last year," Allister said. "I think the minute you start trying to live up to any expectation, you are in trouble. It's just about being the best possible team that this year's team can be."
