University of Minnesota Athletics
Rozell Connects Gophers
4/25/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
One theme for the No. 5/5 University of Minnesota Gophers this season has been how close they are as a team. They all celebrate the success of their teammates and lift each other up when it is needed.
One of the key people behind making sure that is the case is junior catcher Erika Rozell.
On the field Rozell's primary position is catcher but she has practiced at multiple positions including in the outfield and at first and is used as a pinch runner and a pinch hitter in key situations. She is one of the loudest players in the dugout bringing constant energy throughout the game.
"She will hold you accountable to benefit the team," senior pitcher Tori Finucane said. "She has a work ethic that makes you want to work ten times harder for yourself and the team and she still manages to be one of the most fun loving people I have met."
In the fall the whole team took a StrengthsFinder test and Rozell's top strength was individualization. She has the ability to relate to people and understand how different personalities work.
Her teammates all agreed with the results.
"Erika is one of those teammate you find yourself constantly drawn to," Finucane said. "She has an infectious spirit and the ability to bring 18 different personalities together."
One thing that is important to Rozell is helping her teammates both on and off the diamond. She takes time to know them and takes it very seriously.
"I like to understand my teammates and know what motivates them," Rozell said. "I want to know what helps them be not only a great player but a great person."
Rozell helps with the great person part by leading the charge in many volunteer activities that the team does. It all goes back to her freshman season. The Gophers partnered with Team IMPACT to sign Maisy Martindale. Maisy has been around the team ever since and has been an inspiration to Rozell.
"Maisy has been such a huge part of bringing this team together the past couple of year. I have personally learned so much from her even though she is only nine," Rozell said. "I feel as if she has lived more than I have and it is an unbelievable thing to learn from her and see life the way she does."
Earlier this year Rozell heard that Maisy had to have five surgeries in one day. She gathered her teammates into a night group and a morning group to go and visit her in the hospital.
"As soon as we walked in the door Maisy's face lit up and we could tell she was so happy to see us," Rozell said.
The Gophers and Maisy broke out into a talent show. Maisy would call out one of their names and they could strut in front of her bed and strike a pose or sing One Direction. It is a special connection that has been formed over the years between Maisy and the Gophers and one Rozell has been proud to make sure continues. It is also another way Rozell can remind her teammates that while the successful season is amazing, they should never forget what is important in life.
"I love softball and this team," Rozell said. "The most important thing to me is helping my teammates become great people and seeing them succeed in all aspects of life is extremely rewarding."
