A Stanford softball student-athlete has written a weekly blog in each of the past four seasons to provide fans a behind-the-scenes perspective of the team. This year, sophomore Lauren Frost is taking over the Softblog to chronicle the team's adventures throughout the season. Her second entry this year is below.
***Hello again, Stanford softball fans!
Week one is in the books and what a fun one it was!
Throughout our four days in Arizona we battled through six games and showed some big bats, stellar D, and just how much potential this scrappy team has as we pulled away with four W's.
We also FINALLY got to see our freshman class in action and I must say, they did not disappoint. Will all the contributions, including some great performances from our pitchers, we had a good weekend.
As much fun as we had competing on the field this weekend there were a ton of important things happening behind the scenes as well that must be noted.
First and foremost, school.
It wouldn't be a road trip without some constant studying but when you have friends to help and are visited by bunnies at the hotel, the process seems to somehow get a little easier.
***
An important equivalent in the softball world to studying would for sure have to be recovery.
It's no secret – we play a lot. Our bodies put in a ton of work which makes it important for us to take care of them and do what we can to be as strong and healthy as possible before each game. Sometimes, ice just isn't enough.
Lucky for us though, not only are we blessed with an amazing trainer, Erin, but we are also blessed with some brilliant minds that have figured out how to utilize our resources to their maximum potential.
(If it fits on the legs then it's guaranteed to fit even better on the arms – fact.)
Unfortunately, however, as busy student-athletes we sometimes forget or regretfully neglect the recovery process. Luckily for us though we spend most of our days with our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Ray, who never, I mean never, fails to remind us about recovery.
And it's not just us. He's definitely not afraid to share his opinions on the importance of recovery to anyone and everyone. Here's a prime example of this from our journey back home:
— Stanford Softblog (@CardSoftblog) February 14, 2017
He's also primed and ready with all the knowledge the safety card has to offer as well!
— Stanford Softblog (@CardSoftblog) February 14, 2017
Another important aspect of recovery is sleep, and with our schedules, you have to take advantage of it whenever you can get it. The bus is always a good option for this after games.
Though it could be argued by some that it's not nearly as important as school work or recovery, the game of Odds is extremely important to our team.
To play Odds, you ask someone the odds in which it would take them to do whatever wild action your heart so desires, then count down from three and pick a number within those odds.
If both the challenger and the opponent choose the same number the opponent now has to execute the wild activity.
We all play it (even the coaches) and we've come to discover who our best and worst guessers are, as well as who is willing to do some of the craziest stuff in the lowest number ranges.
One of the most exciting odds losses on the weekend definitely came from our very own Kaitlyn Lagattuta, who had to show off her sliding skills on a surface far less dirt-covered than what we are used to. Needless to say, despite the adversity, she nailed it. 10/10, Toots!
— Stanford Softblog (@CardSoftblog) February 14, 2017
Another important event on the weekend was basketball.
With our Stanford men's basketball team also in town, we took the opportunity to support and show some Stanford pride for our boys against ASU in a thriller.
We had a lot of fun, but it would have been more fun if Coach Ray had made it onto the Dance Cam with a few of his signature moves. Next time, Coach, next time.
***
Finally, and most importantly, many of us got to see family.
Being away from family is never easy, but one thing that is nice about being on the road is the number of parents, family members and friends who always come out to support us.
This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting so many sweet and loving parents while also getting to enjoy some hugs and hellos with parents I've already had the pleasure of knowing.
As a player far from home, the amount of love in our Stanford softball community is always so appreciated and makes being away from home throughout the year a little easier on all of us.
Thank you all for everything you do!
I personally got to enjoy having some family in the stands this weekend as my grandma flew down to meet up with some friends and brought the whole crew out to enjoy some games and some sunshine!
They're a hoot and I loved every minute of having them out there. Love you, Grandma!
One of the most special family gatherings of the weekend though was for KIANA'S BIRTHDAY! Hailing with some of the most delicious cake pops I've ever tasted, Kiana's family was present in big numbers as they came to watch the birthday girl in action.
Kiana also got a lot of birthday love on the plane where she received the coolest pretzel crown I've ever seen.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIANA! Keep being the sweetheart that you are! :)
That about wraps up this Softblog! One great weekend in the books and many more to go!
Thanks again for all of your support, Stanford softball fans! See you all when we take on UC Davis this week and play our first home tournament of the year this weekend at the Stanford Nike Invitational!
Until next time,
Frosty