University of Minnesota Athletics
First Pitch With Allie Arneson
10/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The Gophers have a mix of returners and newcomers this season. You know the returners but we are spending nine weeks introducing you to our seven freshmen and two transfers. This week meet Allie Arneson.
The Aledo, Texas native led her high school team to back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015 earning All-State honors both years. She earned All-Conference honors four straight years, won Conference Offensive MVP in 2014 and overall MVP in 2015. In 2015 she was also named a Max Prep All-American.
Arneson played her freshman season at Virginia where she started 43 of 44 games played at shortstop. There she hit .268 with 27 runs scored and had 15 RBI. She brings experience, a gritty playing style and tons of heart to Minnesota.
Gopher Sports: You have had a bit of a journey from Texas to Virginia and now at Minnesota. How did you end up here?
Allie Arneson: I have known Coach Merchant for four years now. She has been watching me for a long time. Once she found out I signed my release form this past summer they were the first ones to call so I thought that was cool.
I decided it was best to find a school that has best of both worlds academically and softball-wise so Minnesota was definitely the best choice for me. I am glad I am here.
GS: What do you like about the University of Minnesota Campus? Did you know anything about Minnesota coming from Texas?
AA: I definitely love the city. I love how big it is, how many kids there are here. That is a big part of it that I really like. I have extended family that live near here so knew about Minnesota but not really Minneapolis.
GS: What is your best softball accomplishment so far?
AA: My junior and senior year of high school we won state back-to-back. It was awesome.
GS: How are workouts so far and has practice been? What was the fall ball game like?
AA: It is going smoothly. Especially considering there are nine new girls here. I thought it might take a bit for us to mesh together but I think it has been going very well.
GS: Speaking of that you are a newcomer here but have college experience. Have you used that to help lead on a younger team?
AA: I actually do. Especially on the field. Just being very vocal and building up their confidence because I know college ball is a little different from high school ball.
GS: How have your interactions with your teammates been so far?
AA: Really well. There is not one person on this team that people look down upon or anything. We all get along and the seniors are very welcoming. If you need help you do not have to hesitate to ask them which is really awesome to me. Team chemistry is really good here.
GS: Is there anything the coaching staff is having you focus or work?
AA: Personally with my hitting. Just staying calm in the box. As a team they just want us to start clicking. People are starting to figure out if they are going to be outfield or infield so we are finding our spots.
GS: What would you say it is that you love about the game of softball so much?
AA: Just the feeling I get. Even if I do not do well in something on the field because I know this game is a game of failure. It is only going to be so long before I can't play anymore and it is just my happy place for sure.
GS: Any other activities outside of softball that you enjoy?
AA: Interacting with my family whenever I can. Facetiming and calling them. I like dogs so going to a dog shelter is something I like to do.
GS: Have you thought about what your walkup song will be this year?
AA: There is a few but one I want to point out is "Try" by Pink. The whole meaning of the song is just like try and never give up and I think that is important in this game.
GS: If you could hit a homerun off any celebrity who would you pick and why?
AA: Jennie Finch. She is awesome and it would be pretty cool to tell everybody, 'I just hit a home run off Jennie Finch, no big deal.'
GS: What would you do if you won the lottery?
AA: I would give some to my family of course. Also charities and save some for my kids.
GS: What actress would you choose to portray you in a movie and why?
AA: Sandra Bullock. She is good at what she does.
GS: Stuck on a deserted island but could have one teammate with you. Who are you bringing and why?
AA: Sam Macken. I think she is very down to earth and very caring. She would not just care about herself through the journey but she would care about me and we would help each other out.
