Fresh off a season in which they won a program-record 39 games and finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2018, Austin Peay State University's softball team heads into the 2019 season with high expectations and a work ethic to match. This is 'Dugout Dish' blog where each student-athlete on the team will take an opportunity to write a post highlighting the goings on of the squad, beginning with fall training and continuing all the way through the 2019 season.
Two Weeks Down
Hello fellow Governors and Governor fans!
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Kelsey Gross and I am a junior pitcher/ first baseman. I am from Collierville, Tenn., located right outside of Memphis. I love doing anything active and being outside, but my favorite spot is the beach. Most importantly, I am a sucker for chocolate chip cookies.
Now, let's talk Austin Peay softball. Our season is underway, WOHOOO!! This means crazy busy schedules, long bus rides, and making many new memories.
We started the season off at the UAB Tournament and played well. Coach Kassie Stanfill earned her first win as head coach here at Austin Peay against Louisiana-Monroe. Overall, we went 3-2 opening weekend.
After a few days back in Clarksville, we headed down south to some Cajun hospitality at the 33rd Annual Louisiana Classic at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This tournament was an incredible experience - awesome environment, massive stadium, and good competition. The Lafayette hosts served some Cajun food, a King cake, and Mardi Gras goodie bags. Hands down, this was one of my favorite tournaments of my college career. After two weeks, we are 5-5 and looking to add on more wins.
We are taking another trip to Louisiana this weekend with a three-game series at McNeese. We have a single game at Lamar on Sunday afternoon. Â The competition looks good, but we are prepared for the challenge.
After three weekends away from the state, we stay in-state for our first midweek game of the season at Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, February 27th (my 21st birthday!). If you are a Gov alum or Gov fan and live near Murfreesboro, we want to see you there!
As a representative of the Austin Peay State University SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), I want to note that we are bringing attention to Mental Health Awareness Week this week. All week long, we are hosting events around campus to spread the word about mental health.
Given personal experiences as a Division I athlete and away from the field/gym, I join plenty of others in recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. Studies show that 25 percent of college athletes show signs of depression, and that percentage increases in women's athletics. The more awareness we can spread of being mentally healthy, the more students we can help all around.
Last thing, I want to give a thank you to our softball parents and awesome Governor fan base. In both weekends of play, our support in the stands has been awesome. I know that parents make sacrifices by taking off work and paying travel expenses.
From all of us in the Austin Peay softball program, we could not be more thankful to see the red and white cheering us on. Keep coming and be loud! Â
Mark down in your calendars our first home opener: March 9th vs the University of North Alabama. The new stadium will be ready, and we want you there!!
It's great to be a Gov and Let's Go Peay!
Kelsey Gross #17
