University of Minnesota Athletics
First Pitch With Amber Fiser
10/4/2016 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. In this week's First Pitch Amber Fiser steps into the circle to answer some questions.
To say Fiser, Van Horne, Iowa native, had a spectacular senior year of high school would be a drastic understatement. She recorded a senior year ERA of .30 averaging 14.5 strikeouts per game and had eight perfect games. Pitching for Benton Community High School she set the Iowa state record for strikeouts in the State Championship game with 19 and tied the state record of 46 strikeouts in a three game series.
Fiser finished her high school career with over 1,000 career strikeouts and over 100 wins. She was named All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State five times and was a 2016 All-American.
Gopher Sports: What first caught your eye about the U of M?
Amber Fiser: I really liked the coaches and the girls when I first came on my official visit. I liked the team and just wanted to be a part of it.
GS: What is your best softball accomplishment so far?
AF: Just being able to be a part of this team. Only 18 people get to be a part of the University of Minnesota softball team.
GS: Just getting started but how is your experience so far? How have workouts and practice been?
AF: It has been really good. We have been practicing a lot and are really working hard and getting better for this season. Our goal is to be the best we can be. I think the first fall games were a good start.
GS: What was it like to put on the Maroon and Gold for the first time and play in the fall games?
AF: It meant a lot. I was really nervous at first but getting out there and throwing the first pitch with the defense behind me really gave me a lot of confidence.
GS: How have your interactions with your teammates been so far?
AF: It has been really good. They are great teammates. We all have a lot of fun together and have each other's back.
GS: Is there anything the coaching staff is having you focus or work on in these first couple weeks?
AF: Just working hard and getting the job done. Not slacking off in practice at all and just getting everything done that we can.
GS: What would you say it is that you love about the game of softball so much?
AF: Being a part of a team whether it is on or off the field. The connection we have is just great.
GS: Any other activities outside of softball that you enjoy?
AF: I did Taekwondo for a few years so I really enjoy that. (Amber is a first degree black belt.) My parents wanted me to learn self-defense so my brother and I took a class. We found out we really liked it and kept doing it for the next few years. I would love to get back into because I really miss it. I also just like being with friends and family as much as possible because they mean so much to me.
GS: Have you thought about what your walkup song will be this year?
AF: No I have not honestly. I really do like Sara G's ("Magic Stick.") Anytime my mom and I heard that last year we thought it was really funny.
GS: If you could strikeout any celebrity who would you pick and why?
AF: Albert Pujols. That would be huge to strike him out.
GS: If we went into your music playlist and clicked shuffle is there a song you would be most embarrassed about?
AF: No not really. My high school team used to always listen to old songs whether it was Hannah Montana or Justin Bieber or all those old things. It is always good to go back and listen to those old time songs.
GS: Best show to watch right now?
AF: We are watching American Horror Story right now as a team so that is pretty crazy.
GS: Favorite Snapchat filter?
AF: I see a lot of people use the dog one so I would have to say that.
