Sports and music are intertwined. Bands have played at football games pretty much as long as there have been football games. Baseball players have had walk-up music in some form for nearly 50 years. Scan a football field during pregame, a track and field meet as athletes warm-up or even a driving range before the round, someone–more likely, many someones–have their Beats, AirPods or other device in and their playlist bumping.

We're taking the time to explore the place music holds in our sports. After a dive into the walk-up music for our baseball players over the summer, it's time to turn it over to the softball players for what they want to hear when they come to bat or head to the circle to warm up.

Kelsey Gross, P/IF

Song: Elvis Presley, "Jailhouse Rock"

Reason: Whether you are a pitcher or hitter, walk-up songs are a hot subject in the softball and baseball world. We spend months preparing and thinking for what song will fit us best. We, as the Austin Peay softball team, are composed of many different personalities. Therefore, we always have a wide variety of songs! My walk up song is "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley. I chose this song because it reminds me of home, which is right outside of Memphis. I also chose this song because my dad and uncle love Elvis. My uncle has passed, so this song is a reminder of him and he would love knowing I am living my dream. This song is definitely a crowd pleaser for all ages. It's so exciting seeing everyone enjoying this song in the stands! Even my teammates have fun with it!

Harley Mullins, Pitcher

Song: Lil' Mama, "Lipgloss"

Reason: I chose this song because it tells a story behind a superstition I have while pitching. when I was in high school, we had to dress up for game days and the lipstick I wore stained my lips so I had to pitch with bright pink lipstick on and threw one of my best games. It stuck with me after that and I have worn it ever since. When I came to Austin Peay I had to switch out my pink for some red to suit my uni better! But the song gets me pumped for some reason and just fits my appearance on the mound!

Emily Moore, Infielder

Song: Ima Robot, "Greenback Boogie (Suits Main Title Edit)"

Reason: This year I'm planning for my walk-up song to be the intro song to the TV show Suits. I chose this song because I just recently finished watching Suits, which is now one of my favorite TV shows. Harvey Specter, one of the main characters, once said, "Sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am." So now, whenever I step in the box, not only will I be conditioned to be in a good mood based on hearing the soundtrack, but I will also be inspired by the great Harvey Specter as his awesomeness is transferred to me.

Bailey Shorter, Outfielder

Song: Hurricane Chris, "A Bay Bay"

Reason: Ever since I was little my family and friends have called me "Bay Bay" or "Bay." I never liked it until this song was released. In my younger days of travel softball my coaches would always play this song when we were warming up. The song has stuck with me all throughout my softball career. It gives me a little bit of confidence and a boost of energy every time I hear it.

Brett Jackson, Catcher

Songs: Dolly Parton, "9 to 5" and Young Money, "Trophies"

Reason: I chose 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton for multiple reasons. One being that Dolly Parton is one of my role models and I feel that she goes above and beyond for others, she is kind, and always working to improve the lives of others. The constant reminder of her impact reminds me that is more to life than the at-bat I am about to have. The song is upbeat and reminds me to keep going even when I feel like I am not getting to where I want to be. But I have to remember that is it just an at-bat, and it is not going to effect my dreams. I just have to keep pushing and become who I want to be.  

I chose a specific part of Trophies. The part I chose was:

What's the move?
Can I tell truth? If I was doing this for you
Then I have nothing left to prove, nah
This for me, though
I'm just tryna stay alive and take care of my people
And they don't have no award for that

These lyrics directly refer to my team. I am at bat for my team, not for others on the outside, not my parents, not to "look good," I am simply doing it to help my team succeed. I view my team as my family, and I would go to war for my "family," and always take care of my people. I am not looking to get a big homerun instead I am looking for a way to help my team whether it be a bunt, hit by pitch, or simply a ground ball that advances the runner.

Katie Keen, Outfielder

Song: The Killers, "Mr. Brightside"

Reason: I chose this song because had always been one of my favorite songs and it always gets me excited and pumped up!

Brooke Pfefferle, Infielder

Song: Mac Miller, "Nikes on My Feet"

Reason: I usually try to have songs that have a good beat and put me in a good mood for my at bat. Being able to sing along and get comfortable walking up to the plate is the goal, and this song is perfect for that. Mac is one of my favorite artists, so its exciting to show my personality a little bit and use his music to showcase the taste of music that I enjoy.

Drew Dudley, Infielder

Song: Ookay, "Thief"

Reason: This song was my summer anthem back in high school, which were such easy times. My biggest obstacle when I step in the box is overthinking, so feeling the rhythm of it allows me to get out of my own head and grab a glimpse back into that simple time as a teenager. I'm then able to relax and find my own rhythm. It's also a hype song, so it really pumps me up.

Katelyn Smith, C/IF

Song: Roddy Rich, "The Box"

Reason: I chose this song because I wanted something that everyone loved and it not only got me hype for my at bat but the crowd too. Although I went with a popular song, I chose a unique part that I don't think many would have started it at. This way I was able to put my own spin on a song that everyone loved.

Kelsey Gray, C/OF

Song: Nicki Minaj, "Win Again"

Reason: I chose this walk-up song because it helps me focus on my at bat. It gives me an extra little bit of confidence before I get in the batter's box. Also, Nicki Minaj is my favorite artist and I could not imagine not having a walk-up song by her.

Lexi Osowski, Infielder

Song: 2Pac feat. Roger and Dr. Dre, "California Love"

Reason: There isn't much thought that went into other than I am from California so it was a little reminder of home and where i started playing before each at bat!