Coming off a 2023 campaign where the Governors posted a program record fifth-straight full season with a winning record, as well as a berth into the ASUN Conference post-season tournament in their year as a conference member, Austin Peay State University's softball team heads into the 2024 season with high expectations and a work ethic to match. This is 'Dugout Dish' a blog where each student-athlete on the team takes an opportunity to write a post highlighting the goings on of the squad, beginning with fall training and continuing all the way through the regular season. 

Hey Gov fans! My name is Emma Thompson, and I am a freshman from Paris, Tennessee. Things in Clarksville have been pretty crazy recently since starting up 20-hour weeks and trying to adjust to life away from home.

I am majoring in Agriculture Business, and I am really enjoying my classes so far. I just took my first exams in Plant and Animal Science, and I did pretty well on both of those. All of my professors are great which came as a relief, and they truly want us to learn and understand the material.

As our first week of 20 hours came to an end, a few alumni paid Cathi Maynard Park a quick visit to participate in the annual alumni game.

This was cool since the team got to play against the alumni. From start to finish the alumni brought the energy. Alumni weekend did get short though due to the weather, so we were unable to have the Red and Black Series on Sunday which was just an inter-squad scrimmage. But having the spotlight just on our amazing alumni for the weekend was a great way to wrap up our first 20-hour week.

Moving on to my favorite team experience so far, this past Friday after practice the team took a trip to a local ballpark in the area to play Buddy Ball.

Buddy Ball is activity where Special Needs children and adults can come out and participate in sports with volunteers, like the Austin Peay Softball Team.

I stayed on the field with the adults, and we had so much fun. They were so into the competitiveness. My favorite part was how much they celebrated each other and kept positive attitudes the entire game.

During the second game the some of the special needs players wanted to play the Austin Peay Softball Team so we played a seven-on-seven game. The amount of trash talk and competitiveness they brought to the field made the atmosphere so fun that no one wanted to leave.

Coming off this great weekend spent with great people, I am excited to continue grinding in practice, weights, and upcoming fall games.

Make sure you come out and support the Govs this fall, Let's Go Peay!!!