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Photo by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Spotlight: Carlie Brandt
2/12/2021 8:27:00 AM | Softball
Carlie Brandt wasn't ready to give us her collegiate softball career just yet. With the 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19, Brandt and the rest of the Gopher seniors were given the opportunity to come back for another year of competition. In 2020, she started in all 25 games at shortstop, outfield and even a couple as a pitcher. In 2019, Brandt appeared in 51 games, including 46 starts. We caught up with the Le Sueur, Minn., native before she embarks on her final Gophers season.
The team was in Hawaii when they learned that the 2020 spring season was canceled. Describe the trip back home and what you did when you got back to Minnesota?
The trip back home after the news was so surreal. Our last day in Hawaii and the trip home was filled with many emotions, but we were focused on enjoying our time together not knowing what the future held for us. Once we got back to Minnesota, we said our goodbyes for the time being and went home to our families, unsure of any return date to campus. We later found out that school would be online the remainder of the year and we would not be together as a team until next fall.
Walk us through your decision to come back for 2021 and what led to it.
I put a lot of thought into my decision to come back. At the time, I had my next step lined up working with our Gopher Athletics Leadership U Program, so it gave me a lot to consider. I was looking at the potential of playing softball again, earning a master's degree, and having an excellent job opportunity. There was no wrong choice, but having the opportunity to have all three in my future made me the happiest. I was not ready to give up the game I have been playing my whole life and everyone I love was in full support of whatever decision I made.
You're joining three other super seniors returning this season. What is the mentality like for you four heading into the 2021 year?
The four of us have been given an opportunity unlike any other. We have so many memories together throughout our careers and share what it felt like to have our careers come to an abrupt end. This has given us a new perspective of appreciation for the game and the chance to put the uniform on again. Our goal is to enjoy every bit of this opportunity while leaving a legacy on the program.
What did you earn your bachelor's degree in and what are you working towards now?
Last spring I graduated with my bachelor's degree in sport management. Shortly after I made my decision to come back, I began to take summer courses to earn a master's degree in the sport management M.Ed. Program. Starting the program early and taking a heavy course load will allow me to graduate with my master's degree this spring!
What are you most looking forward to heading into the season?
I'm just so excited to put the uniform on again and take the field with my teammates. I am proud of this team for how we have handled the adversity of this year and all of the work we have put in. We have unfinished business and I'm excited to show everyone what this team can accomplish and enjoy the journey together.
What advice would you give to our large group of freshmen as they are set to begin their collegiate careers?
My advice for freshmen would be to appreciate the journey. Everyone always says it goes fast, it truly does! Play the game with passion because you never know when it could be your last time putting the uniform on. Be the best teammate you can be and help leave the program better than you found it!
The team was in Hawaii when they learned that the 2020 spring season was canceled. Describe the trip back home and what you did when you got back to Minnesota?
The trip back home after the news was so surreal. Our last day in Hawaii and the trip home was filled with many emotions, but we were focused on enjoying our time together not knowing what the future held for us. Once we got back to Minnesota, we said our goodbyes for the time being and went home to our families, unsure of any return date to campus. We later found out that school would be online the remainder of the year and we would not be together as a team until next fall.
Walk us through your decision to come back for 2021 and what led to it.
I put a lot of thought into my decision to come back. At the time, I had my next step lined up working with our Gopher Athletics Leadership U Program, so it gave me a lot to consider. I was looking at the potential of playing softball again, earning a master's degree, and having an excellent job opportunity. There was no wrong choice, but having the opportunity to have all three in my future made me the happiest. I was not ready to give up the game I have been playing my whole life and everyone I love was in full support of whatever decision I made.
You're joining three other super seniors returning this season. What is the mentality like for you four heading into the 2021 year?
The four of us have been given an opportunity unlike any other. We have so many memories together throughout our careers and share what it felt like to have our careers come to an abrupt end. This has given us a new perspective of appreciation for the game and the chance to put the uniform on again. Our goal is to enjoy every bit of this opportunity while leaving a legacy on the program.
What did you earn your bachelor's degree in and what are you working towards now?
Last spring I graduated with my bachelor's degree in sport management. Shortly after I made my decision to come back, I began to take summer courses to earn a master's degree in the sport management M.Ed. Program. Starting the program early and taking a heavy course load will allow me to graduate with my master's degree this spring!
What are you most looking forward to heading into the season?
I'm just so excited to put the uniform on again and take the field with my teammates. I am proud of this team for how we have handled the adversity of this year and all of the work we have put in. We have unfinished business and I'm excited to show everyone what this team can accomplish and enjoy the journey together.
What advice would you give to our large group of freshmen as they are set to begin their collegiate careers?
My advice for freshmen would be to appreciate the journey. Everyone always says it goes fast, it truly does! Play the game with passion because you never know when it could be your last time putting the uniform on. Be the best teammate you can be and help leave the program better than you found it!
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