Coming off a 2021 season where the Governors posted the fewest losses in a season in the program's history, Austin Peay State University's softball team heads into the 2022 season with high expectations and a work ethic to match. This is 'Dugout Dish' a 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 season.

Hi everyone! My name is Raylon Roach and I am a freshman outfielder from Greenbrier, Tennessee.  

I am a biology major with the hopes of becoming an orthodontist after school.  

As I reflect on my first semester of college coming to a close, I see there is no place I would rather be than Austin Peay.  

I chose Austin Peay because I wanted to stay close to home. I feel Austin Peay is a good distance from where I live. It's not too close, but not too far.  

I also fell in love with the atmosphere of the team and the coaches when coming on my visit and to past camps.  

I have already made some of the best friends I have ever had here. I have also learned so much from the coaches about softball and life in general.  

We just wrapped up our fall season with our Christmas party. It was so much fun and I was definitely challenged with a painting we did.  

I honestly did not think I could do it, because I am probably the most unartistic person you will meet, but I did it and I loved it!  

We also played dirty Santa with socks everybody brought. I walked away with SpongeBob socks. YESSSS!!!! Then, we got to have a team meal and open our gifts from the coaches. 

It is always a great time when our team has an opportunity to get together and have fun.  

We just finished up our final days of classes. This week is finals week, so I have been super busy with studying. It is hard work, but I know it will all pay off.  

As I mentioned earlier, this is one of the best places to be. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Let's Go Peay!