Get to know UCF Softball newcomers Allyse Volpe and Marina Rao as they each give their own thoughts and answers to the three questions below.
What are you most looking forward to in your first year at UCF?
Allyse Volpe: I think the things that I am most excited for in coming to UCF is playing a top 25 schedule and getting to play in a competitive environment! Softball in Canada is a small community of people and it's not one of the more popular sports, so the environment that coincides with playing a highly competitive schedule is something that excites me. Not only am I excited to play other teams, but I'm also excited to get to know my new teammates. All the girls on the team are great athletes, so in addition to playing a tough schedule which will allow me to grow as an athlete, I will have people who are constantly pushing me to be the best I can be. I also can't wait for the warm weather and palm trees!
Marina Rao: In my first year at UCF, I am most looking forward to being able to watch myself grow as a softball player, as well as an individual. I am looking forward to learning new things every day from our amazing coaching staff, and my teammates! I also am looking forward to working hard to achieve our goals as a team, as well as my own goals individually. UCF is a great place to be, and I am looking forward to starting this journey!
What qualities do you believe make a great softball player and how do you strive to meet these qualities?
Allyse Volpe: I think some of the most important attributes that characterize a great softball player are versatility, a relentless mindset, and being a good teammate. Being versatile offensively makes you less predictable for the opposing team when you're up to bat or on the bases. For me, that means using my speed to slap or drop a bunt, but also being able to stand in and hit for power. Having a relentless mindset can mean numerous things such as always having a winning attitude or refusing to give up regardless of the circumstances. Personally, I do my best to embody that characteristic by doing extra work on my own, always trying to push more weight when I lift, and continually setting goals for myself. Despite all of that, I think the most important quality of a good softball player is being the best teammate possible. I feel as though I have been blessed to have many role models in my life to look up to and what I drew from these athletes is their ability to always put the team first. For me, that means always bringing a positive and competitive aura when showing up to team practices and games, learning how to communicate with each of your teammates individually and learning what type of communication they respond to best, as well as embracing the role that you are given and doing that job to the best of your ability.
Marina Rao: I believe a great softball player is very determined, coachable, responsible, and confident. I strive to meet these qualities by setting goals for myself on the field and can hold myself accountable with my schoolwork while grinding every day. I believe a great softball player is also very patient and a great team player. I strive to reach this quality by trusting the overall process and sticking to a plan.
What are some of your favorite ways to spend your time outside of softball?
Allyse Volpe: Even though I'm not the biggest fan of the cold or the snow, I love to ski, and I have been skiing since I was two years old. Before completely committing to softball, I used to ski competitively and the feeling of going off jumps and floating in the air is an irreplaceable feeling that I often find myself missing. I also really enjoy cooking, especially for other people. Before transferring to UCF, my friend and I had a tradition of cooking dinner together every Sunday and the last two weeks of school we had a "cook-athon" where we would sometimes cook for our friends and try to make something new each time. I find that it's just a great way to bring people together!
Marina Rao: I love to spend my time outside of softball on the water. Boating, jet skiing, or simply being at the beach are some of my favorite things to do on my time off. I also enjoy going to the mall, painting canvases, and spendong time with friends and family.