University of Minnesota Athletics
First Pitch With Kaylen Krueger
10/24/2016 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. Stepping to the plate this week is one of the chillest people you will meet- Kaylen Krueger.
Krueger is from Green Bay, Wis. She earned four varsity letters in softball and was a four time All-Conference team member. She was named to the All-State First Team in 2016 and is a two-time All-American.
On top of that Krueger is just as strong in the classroom. She graduated with high honors and was named Academic All-State.
Gopher Sports: How did you decide on Minnesota?
Kaylen Krueger: I came to a lot of camps. When I came here I really liked the team chemistry and how the coaches truly do care about not even just your athletic ability but how you are doing. I like that about this program. Once I found this place I did not want to go anywhere else.
GS: Can you describe your style of play?
KK: I try to have as much fun as I can and try to get everybody else enjoying the game. I am competitive and try to stay calm even when it is high stakes. So I would say calm and collected while having fun.
GS: What is your best softball accomplishment so far?
KK: Obviously coming here but other than that in high school the thing that sticks out is when we were playing our rival team in conference. We were tied 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning and I hit a walk-off home run on the first pitch. It was the coolest thing ever
GS: Fall is almost over now. How has your experience been?
KK: It has been exciting. It is eye opening to see that it is a different type of game. Even travel ball you think is competitive but getting here is completely different. Even just running down the line between innings when not in the game.
GS: Is there anything the coaches are having you personally work on or the team as a whole?
KK: We have to stay mentally tough and not get down on ourselves. That is a big thing that I am working on. I have to keep my positivity up even when I am not performing to my best. I just have to push through it and make myself overcome the wall in front of me.
GS: How have the interactions with your teammates been going?
KK: It is a lot of fun. Our team is a lot of fun. We all get along. There is not any drama. It is fun to just hang out with them and learn about them.
GS: You talked about having fun in this game. What is it about softball you love so much?
KK: You can't just win this game by yourself. You have to win with all your teammates. It's fun when you get a team you like and enjoy playing with. When you all do well and come together to get a team win is the best feeling for me.
GS: What activities do you enjoy outside of softball?
KK: I like a lot of Midwestern things. I like to go up north and fishing, boating, tubing and just hanging out with my family. I enjoy just general simple things.
GS: Have you thought about what your walkup song will be this year?
KK: I have. It has been a controversy because my family, my boyfriend, and just everybody wants to pitch in. I am like, 'guys no its mine.' I am going between a couple. Right now I am leaning toward "King Kong" by DeStorm which a lot of people don't know so hopefully it will be cool.
GS: If you could hit a home run off any celebrity who would you choose and why?
KK: Sara Groenewegen. She gets me in practice all the time and I just want to rip one so bad.
GS: Have you got a good hit on her yet?
KK: I got her changeup. It wasn't the best hit but I hit it and I was really proud of myself.
GS: Packers over Vikings right?
KK: Oh yeah.
GS: Have you got any trash talk from any teammates or in class or anything about that?
KK: Yeah there are these football players in class who get on me all the time.
GS: Do you have a favorite home cooked meal?
KK: Any type of pasta. My dad makes this like noodles spin off called Penne Rosa. It is this creamy red sauce pasta that I really like.
GS: The whole team breaks down into a dance competition. Who is going to win?
KK: Maddie Houlihan. She is not like the best choreographed dancer but she makes up moves and they look good.
