Get to know UCF Softball newcomers Jordan Almasy, Grace Jewell and Katie Burge as they each give their own thoughts and answers to the three questions below.
What has been your favorite part about UCF so far?Jordan Almasy: So far, my favorite part about UCF is the people and atmosphere. Every person, athlete, coach or worker you come across on campus always has a positive energy toward every day. The people make you feel welcomed and cared for. We are a big school, but we are one family.
Grace Jewell: My favorite part about UCF so far were the Knights Unlimited games [a series of UCF Softball intrasquad skirmishes held throughout the fall]. We got drafted every week onto new teams and the captains were the ones who had the highest points the previous week. We would play a single game during the week and then we would play a double header on Saturday. It was really fun playing because it felt like an actual game and it didn't feel like we were playing against our own teammates. We would earn points for offense, defense, pitching, team points, and game points. We would also get points if we guessed the right song Coach Bear played. The whole week was a competition and I'm glad we did Knights Unlimited.
Katie Burge: My favorite thing about UCF so far has been becoming so close with the other freshman on the team. I didn't think I would connect with these girls so quickly and immediately or know these would be my best friends for the next four years. I know the girls here are the girls that will be the bridesmaids in my wedding or my kids' godmother. All the freshman on this team are very genuine and real and that's something that stands out to me. They are one of the reasons my fall has been so memorable, and I am lucky I have them.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of softball? How do you like to spend your time?Jordan Almasy: Outside of softball, I love to go for walks or runs. I like to get outside and put some music in my ears and get going. I do it as a sense of time focused on myself. When I run, I feel free and ready to take on the day. In addition to running, I enjoy cooking and being with family. Typically, all the holiday meals and desserts, I am the one in the kitchen with my mom getting everything ready. Finally, though I don't get it often, I love a good Florida sunset on the beach. The colors are amazing, and I love seeing God's creation.
Grace Jewell: My favorite hobbies outside of softball are surfing and fishing. I grew up near the beach in Virginia and would be there basically every day during the summer, hanging out with my friends. My favorite beaches where I used to live were Sandbridge and the Outer Banks. For the couple months that I've lived in Florida, I was able to surf at Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona Beach. My dad and I would always go fishing back in Virginia. We would go pond fishing where we caught bass and catfish to ocean fishing where we caught flounder, stripe bass and croaker.
Katie Burge: Outside of softball, one of the things I like to do is cook, usually my specialty of rice and chicken. I also play golf here and there with my parents and spend a lot of time watching Tik Tok's about astrology or videos of people making Birra Quesa tacos. I love spending time with my dog Milo, my friends, or my family whenever I can.
Who is your favorite athlete you look up to and why? Along the same lines, what is your favorite sports franchise and why?Jordan Almasy: I always looked up to Tim Tebow and even today, his morals are something I can appreciate, along with his legacy. Besides being a great athlete, I also loved the fighter in him. Nothing came easy for this man and everyday was a chance to work and be better. My favorite franchise would be the New York Yankees. My dad's family comes from New York, so of course this team was the talk of the house. I met Mariano Rivera at dinner back home in Wesley Chapel when I was maybe nine. At the time, I was both a catcher and a pitcher and was too young to truly decide which one I wanted to commit to. Rivera asked me at the table whether I loved catching or pitching more, and unknowingly, I told him catching. I remember my parents being so mad at me for not saying pitching and talking to one of the best pitchers. I wish I could go back now and change my answer. To this day, I don't live it down and I still have the picture with him we took after dinner. Like Tebow, he was very family orientated and a super genuine person. I also loved players from the program like Derek Jeter, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, etc.
Grace Jewell: My favorite athlete that I look up to is Miranda Elish. I have always been a big fan of her since she played at Oregon and then transferred to Texas. I look up to her because she pitches, hits, and plays the field. I feel like I relate to her because I do all the same things as her. My favorite sports franchise is the Washington Nationals. Most of my family is from the D.C area so we are all National fans. My favorite players from their team are Juan Soto and Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman is also from my hometown and loves to represent where he comes from!
Katie Burge: My favorite athlete I look up to at the moment is the captain of the Italian National Team, Erika Piancastelli. She seems to have it all figured out. She works hard, she has a beautiful swing, she's expanding the game of softball in Europe, she's passionate about softball, and most importantly, she seems like a good person. She is big on the way you treat people and how you hold yourself which to me is more import than being a standout athlete. My favorite sport franchises include the Miami Heat, the Miami Marlins, and the Miami Dolphins because I will forever by loyal to the 305, so there is no question if I will support every team that plays here.