Ashley Bertrand

P, 5-8, B-R, T-R, Senior, #21
St. Paul, Minn.
Como Park High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
Named to the All-WIAC Softball team and NFCA All-Great Lakes Regional Softball Team…NFCA Scholar Athlete…named team's most inspirational/spirited…lead team with 148 strikeouts and innings pitched with 148.2.

2005-06
Led team in pitching appearances and pitching wins…struck out 124 batters the highest for the year. earned the team's Most Inspirational/Spirit award…combined with Brittany Rathbun to pitch a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over Franklin & Marshall on March 13…NFCA Scholar Athlete.

2004-05
Led team in strikeouts (83) and innings pitched (107)…NFCA Scholar Athlete…started 32 of 25 games.

Personal:
Daughter of Mike and Wendy Bertrand ... has two brothers … also has a niece Anna and nephew Jake ... accounting major with math business minor.

Get to know Ashley:
Nickname(s): Bert
Why you chose UW-River Falls: close to home, liked the campus, and liked the softball program
3 words that best describe you: happy, energetic, encouraging
Favorite Class: business law
Favorite Food: mashed potatoes
Favorite late night snack: puppy chow
Favorite Book: The Horse Whisperer
Favorite Movie: Shrek
Favorite Quote (Source):
EXELLENCE is the result of caring more than
Others think is wise, risking more than others
Think is safe, dreaming more that others
Think is practical, and expecting more
than others think is possible
Favorite College Team: River Falls Football
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: The team beating Stevens Point after getting hit in the face
Favorite Spot on Campus: Training room with Stumpy
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Girls Next Door
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Real World
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Carrie Underwood
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Reese Witherspoon
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Paris, France
What is your dream job: Doing something with numbers and getting paid a lot for it!
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: a mall, Taco Bell, Jimmy Johns
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Read a book  
My most prized possession is: Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses, or any of my COACH purses
This off-season I worked on: My knuckle ball
The expectations I have for this year are: Completing our team goals, having a fun season, and making history.
What is significant about your jersey number: I was born on the 21st of August and it has been my number since I started playing softball. 
What is your pre-game ritual: My pitching routine. Too detailed to write it all down. Ask James or Margo!
Sports Hero: Jennie Finch
My favorite thing about this team is: We get along great.
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “After a great season last year, the Falcon’son the right track for an even better season this year!”

Emily Howlett

3B, 5-4, B-R, T-R, Senior, #7
Eagan, Minn.
Eagan High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
Named to the All-WIAC team and NFCA All-Great Lakes Regional Softball Team…NFCA Scholar Athlete … Named the Most Valuable Player and Co-Offensive Player of the Year of the team …Led the Falcons in hitting with a .478 average.

2005-06
Named to the first All-WIAC team… named Co-Most Valuable Player… also named the team's Best Defensive Player award winner … started all 42 games … had nine multiple hit games and three multiple RBI games.

2004-05
Played at Northern State University.

Personal:
Daughter of Beth and Rick Howlett ... has three brothers ... health & human performance major Options 1 and 3.

Get to know Emily:
Nickname(s): E-Ball
Why you chose UW-River Falls: Agriculture Education
3 words that best describe you: Passionate about softball
Favorite Class: Racquet Sports
Favorite Food: Cheese
Favorite late night snack: Jelly cookies
Favorite Movie: Hallmark Channel Movies
Favorite Quote (Source): “Be the best you can be!" - Kirby Puckett
Favorite College Team: UWRF
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: Feller stealingsSecond and no knew what was going on including her.
Favorite Spot on Campus: Softball field
What TV show would you like to guest star on: One Tree Hill
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Garth Brooks
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Dottie Hinson
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Ireland
What is your dream job: High school PE teacher and Varsity softball coach
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: Big Apple Bagel, Home Plate from my varsity softball field
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: spending time with her family and friends, coaching farming stuff, rodeos and watching the UFC
My most prized possession is: Signed Joe Mauer Jersey
This off-season I worked on: conditioning and hitting mechanics
Individual Goals: Improve batting average and help the team produce more runs so we can win and increase my range at third base.
The expectations I have for this year are: To win the tournament and go out on the top
What is significant about your jersey number: Amanda Peters would not go back to her high school number so I settled for half my lucky number and made this one lucky for myself. Plus is Joe Mauers number so it is has some luck already
What is your pre-game ritual: Depends how I hit the game before.  I’m very superstitious
Sports Hero: Carrie Gangl
My favorite thing about this team is: My teammates and the dedication we have for the team.

Ashley James

C, 5-4, B-R, T-R, Senior, #17
Mankato, Minn.
Loyola High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
NFCA Scholar Athlete…named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … played in all 43 games of the season.

2005-06
Hit first collegiate home run …NFCA Scholar Athlete … named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.

2004-05
Led team in hit by pitches … Named WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll …started 41 of 42 games.

Personal:
Daughter of Doug and Karen James ... has one brother Cory and wife Angie … also has a nephew Carter ... business administration-finance major.

Get to know Ashley:
Nickname(s): James, Squirt, Wanda
Why you chose UW-River Falls: Came in as an education major
3 words that best describe you: Easy Going, Quite, Energetic
Favorite Food: Sour Cream Enchiladas or Red Velvet Cake
Favorite late night snack: Chips and Salsa or Chocolate
Favorite Book: Harry Potter series
Favorite Movie: Wild Hogs or Tommy Boy
Favorite Quote (Source): "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." - Vince Lombardi.
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: Story hour with Faye Perkins!
Favorite Spot on Campus: Main isle of the Library
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Private Practice
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Amazing Race…so I could travel!
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Paula Deen
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Ellen DeGeneres
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Greece
What is your dream job: One I look forward to going to each and every day!
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: Jake’s Stadium Pizza, Hobby Lobby, and our Hot-tub
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Movie Nights, Hanging with Friends, Playing with my nephew, Reading, camping!
This off-season I worked on: Hitting
The expectations I have for this year are: Post season play!
What is significant about your jersey number: Been 17 for my whole life!
What is your pre-game ritual: It's all about the hair and clothing preparations.
Sports Hero: Lisa Fernandez
My favorite thing about this team is: When we joke around together!
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “Falcons win the Fastpitch National Championship Title!

Amanda Peters

1B/OF, 5-9, B-R, T-R, Senior, #14
Pepin, Wis.
Pepin High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
Named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … played in all 44 games of the season.

2005-06
Hit first collegiate home run … named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … played in all 42 games.

Personal:
Daughter of Dave and Maureen Peters ... has two sisters Krista and Hanna ... Majoring in K-12 physical and health education.

Get to know Amanda:
Nickname(s): Pete, Petie or WickaPETIEa
Why you chose UW-River Falls: The Education program and the softball program
3 words that best describe you: competitive, determined, intense
Favorite Class: Exercise Physiology
Favorite Food: Chicken Pita’s
Favorite late night snack: Yogurt and granola
Favorite Book: The Bible
Favorite Movie: One Night with The King
Favorite Quote (Source): "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi. "Your talents are a gift from God; what you do with those talents is your gift to God."
Favorite College Team: Wisconsin Badgers!!!
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: The entire game against Stevens Point in the Conference Tournament when we came back and beat them!
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Study lounge in Hagstad
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Price is Right with Bob Barker
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: The Amazing Race
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Mother Teresa
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Hilary Swank
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Australia
What is your dream job: To teach and be a head softball coach
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: my dogs, Lake Pepin, my church
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Stay active; play basketball, volleyball, hiking and going for long walks
My most prized possession is: The sling that I spend 2.5 months in because I made it through that surgery and recovery so I know anything is possible
This off-season I worked on: Hitting!!!
The expectations I have for this year are: Help the team win 35 games and to go to Nationals
What is your pre-game ritual: I braid E-Ball’s (Emily Howlett) hair and jam out to my iPod
Sports Hero: Reggie White because of his faith and athletic talent/determination
The last song I listen to before games is: Headstrong by Trapt
My favorite thing about this team is: How well all of us can read each other, we know how each other reacts to certain situations
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “Record Breaking Season!!!!”

Brittany Rathbun

P, 5-8, B-R, T-R, Senior, #13
Rochester, Minn.
Mayo High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
NFCA Scholar Athlete…named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll …WIAC Athlete of the Week … led team in pitching wins and appearances.

2005-06
NCAA Div. III statistical leader in saves …NFCA Scholar Athlete … named to WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … named team's Co-Most Valuable Player … WIAC Athlete of the Week … All-WIAC Honorable Mention.

2004-05
All-WIAC Honorable Mention … Named WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll …NFCA Scholar Athlete … named Co-Most Improved Player.

Personal:
Daughter of Rick and Sue Rathbun ... has one sister Marissa ... Majoring in elementary Eeucation with minors in coaching and communicative disorders.

Get to know Brittany:
Why you chose UW-River Falls: I wanted to play softball for UWRF, also I liked the atmosphere as well as the location.
3 words that best describe you: Responsible, Reliable, and Confident
Favorite Class: Sign Language
Favorite Food: PEPPERONI PIZZA!
Favorite late night snack: Jello with whipped cream and pretzels
Favorite Book: My Sister’s Keeper (Jodi Picoult)
Favorite Movie: Grease!
Favorite Quote (Source): Believe in yourself and believe in your teammates (Chris Stenzel, Former Mayo Girls Basketball Coach, RCTC Women’s Basketball Coach)
Favorite College Team: Minnesota Gophers
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: All Florida Trips!
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: The Bachelor or Bachelorette!
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Any Minnesota Twins Player!
If you could visit one place, where would it be: AUSTRALIA!
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Play basketball, rollerblade, watch movies, work with kids, spend time with family and watch the Minnesota Twins.
This off-season I worked on: getting into shape!
The expectations I have for this year are: To win 35 games or more and to make it to regionals and more!
What is significant about your jersey number: 13 – As unlucky as it may be for many, it’s lucky for me! My 8th grade year of HS Softball I was stuck with it being the underclassmen and we went undefeated. On Varsity there was not a number 13 so I wore 31 in reverse and when I got into college, it was available!
Sports Hero: Torii Hunter
On my day off, I like to: Catch up on sleep, watch movies!
My favorite thing about this team is: The camaraderie; for the majority of us, we have all been and played together for a couple of years now! We are comfortable and have a lot of fun as a team, the incoming freshman seem to fit in nicely!

Keri Feller

C/1B, 5-9, B-R, T-R, Junior, #23
Austin, Minn.
Austin High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
Named team's Best Defensive Player … lead team in fielding percentage with .987 … lead team in put outs … had a six-game hitting streak.

2005-06
Lead team in triples … hit first career home run.

Personal:
Daughter of Deb and Scott Feller ... has one sister Lauren ... Majoring in communicative disorders with minor in political science.

Get to know Keri:
Nickname(s): Feller
3 words that best describe you: sarcastic, competitive, honest
Favorite Class: Stuttering with Jerry Halvorson
Favorite Food: Chipotle
Favorite late night snack: Tombstone frozen pizza
Favorite Book: Where the Heart Is
Favorite Movie: Joe Dirt
Favorite Quote (Source):Life’s a garden, Dig it!-Joe Dirt
Favorite College Team: U of Nebraska and U of Iowa
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: Mooning the coaches as they passed the bus in Faye’s mini van
Favorite Spot on Campus: The softball field
What TV show would you like to guest star on: The Golden Girls
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Big Brother
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Oprah, of course
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Roseanne Barr
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Venice, Italy
What is your dream job: Being a pilot in the Air Force…Top Gun style!
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: Godfather’s Pizza, The Spam museum, and my next door neighbors, Genztler’s!
My most prized possession is: pictures
This off-season I worked on: everything, weight lifting, hitting, fielding
The expectations I have for this year are: to make it to nationals
What is significant about your jersey number: When I was younger it used to be #5, but I got older and learned that #5 is for skinny girls so 2+3= 5…get it?
What is your pre-game ritual: I put my uniform and everything else that I’m wearing on in the same order and my left foot always has to go in to my socks and cleats before the right one does.
Sports Hero: Pete Traynor
The last song I listen to before games is: Creed- Higher
On my day off, I like to: Sleep
My favorite thing about this team is: How much fun we have together and how much talent we have.
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “UNDERDOGS WIN IT ALL!!!”

Rachel Mathias

OF, 5-5, B-R, T-R, Junior, #10
Ripon, Wis.
Ripon High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … earned the team's Most Improved Player award for the second straight year … tied for the team lead with two triples … had a four-game hitting streak.

2005-06
Earned the team's Most Improved Player award … played in 35 games and started 26 times … had four multiple hit games and four multiple RBI games … hit first career home run.

Personal:
Daughter of Gretchen Tolsma and Lyle Mathias ... has two sisters and five brothers ... Majoring in elementary education with a minor in early childhood.

Get to know Rachel:
Why you chose UW-River Falls: I chose River Falls because I like the teaching program and the area reminds me a bit home my home.
Favorite Food: Steak, mashed potatoes, and corn
Favorite late night snack: Oreos and Milk
Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite College Team: University of Wisconsin Madison
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: My first home run
Favorite Spot on Campus: The bridge over the river by the ampitheatre
What TV show would you like to guest star on: The Gilmore Girls if it were still on
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Brett Farve
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Rachel McAdams or Reese Witherspoon
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Australia
What is your dream job: Kindergarten teacher
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: My best friend, my dog, and my land
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Play volleyball, be active, be outdoors, hunt, sleep, eat Oreos
My most prized possession is: My softball glove
This off-season I worked on: Throwing my hands to the ball and not dipping
The expectations I have for this year are: A great season with some very competitive ball playing and a lot of fun
What is your pre-game ritual: I listen to some pump up music when I am getting ready and then try to stay excited yet focused as I warm up
Sports Hero: Brett Farve
On my day off, I like to: Sleep in and take the day as it comes I don’t do a lot of planning so that I can do what I want to when I want
My favorite thing about this team is: The chemistry, we get along very well and we are all very committed to this team, we are tough!
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “Watch out WIAC they are back and ready for action!”

Cassie Peterson

2B, 5-2, B-R, T-R, Junior, #12
New Richmond, Wis.
New Richmond High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … played in 20 games.

2005-06
Earned the team's Co-Most Inspirational Player award … team's top pinch runner … had a .500 on-base percentage.

Personal:
Daughter of Brian and Debbie Peterson ... has two sisters Shelley and Megan ... Majoring in elementary education with a minor in coaching.

Get to know Cassie:
Why you chose UW-River Falls: Excellent education program and it was close to home so I could watch my sisters grow up and play high school sports.  
3 words that best describe you: Caring, energetic and dedicated  
Favorite Class: Math
Favorite Food: Potatoes of every kind!
Favorite late night snack: Coffee ice cream….. chips/cheese and salsa
Favorite Movie: Little Rascals
Favorite College Team: Minnesota Gophers
Favorite Spot on Campus: The softball diamond
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: The Greatest Race
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Joe Mauer 
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Reese Witherspoon
What is your dream job:  To teach 5th grade, and coach high school volleyball and softball.
My most prized possession is:  My scrapbooks
This off-season I worked on: Lefty slapping
On my day off, I like to: Watch movies and cook
My favorite thing about this team is: We are close on and off the field and we have a lot of fun together. We all share one passion and that the love for the game!
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year:  Kerri Feller is now top of the charts and is number one in the nation for BEST MANE ON CAMPUS!

Mindy Rudiger

SS, 5-7, B-R, T-R, Junior, #8
Menomonie, Wis.
Menomonie High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
2006-07
WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … played and started all 44 games … All-WIAC First Team… Team Co-Offensive Player of the Year … led the team in at bats (146), runs (46), home runs (12) and RBI (37) … set UWRF record with 12 homers … led the team with 11 multiple RBI games and had 17 multiple hit games … had a four game hitting streak … NFCA Scholar Athlete.

2005-06
All-WIAC Honorable Mention … WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll … Team Offensive Player of the Year … played and started all 42 games … led the team in at bats (135), runs scored (35) and doubles (12) … had 12 multiple hit games and seven multiple RBI games.

Personal:
Daughter of Steve and DiAnn Rudiger ... has two sisters Tina and Heidi ... Majoring in elementary education with a minor in coaching.

Get to know Mindy:
Why you chose UW-River Falls: My sister, Tina, went to school here, and ever since I also wanted to go here, then once I visited the campus, and meet my coaches I knew UWRF was the place for me.
3 words that best describe you: Competitive, outgoing, hard working
Favorite Class: Algebra
Favorite Food: My mom’s hot beefs
Favorite late night snack: Pretzels dipped in yogurt
Favorite Book: Thomas’ Snowsuit   By: Robert Munsch
Favorite Movie: Dennis the Menace, Feverpitch
Favorite College Team: Wisconsin Badgers!
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: Winning our 29th game of the season last year, breaking the school record
Favorite Spot on Campus: The softball field, with the tennis courts right next door
Favorite Quote (Source): "Seven days without laughter makes one weak." - Joel Goodman.
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Friday Night Lights
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: American Gladiator
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Brett Favre
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Rose from the Golden Girls
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Heaven
What is your dream job: To play for the USA softball team.
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: Fortune Cookie (the best Chinese restaurant), my house, Dean and Sue’s
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Go camping, go for walks, play tennis
This off-season I worked on: Reducing my number of fielding errors, and mental toughness
The expectations I have for this year are: To play every game to our full potential
What is significant about your jersey number:  In high school I was number 9, but when I came to college Breamber had taken my number, so instead I choose 8.  I’m now in love with the number 8!
Sports Hero: Lisa Fernandez
On my day off, I like to: Relax in my cozy bed
My favorite thing about this team is: The friendships I’ve made
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year:  “UW-River Falls Softball Team Heads to the National Tournament!”

Jessica Lundgren

U, 5-7, B-R, T-R, Sophomore, #3
Cushing, Wis.
St. Croix Falls High School

Athletic Career at UWRF:
06-07
Played in 22 games for the Falcons before a knee injury cut her season short.

Personal:
Daughter of Jim and Jenelle Lundgren … has two brothers Chris and Ben ... Majoring in agriculture business with dairy science minor.

Get to know Jessica:
Nickname(s): Da Lund, Lundy, Jesse Sue
Why you chose UW-River Falls: Because it is close to home and best dairy school in nation
Favorite Class: Animal Science
Favorite Food:  Pasta
Favorite late night snack: Chocolate
Favorite Book: Don’t Bet Against Me-Deanna Favre
Favorite Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire
Favorite College Team: Badgers
Favorite Falcon Softball Memory: When Feller dodges people when she is running bases
Favorite Spot on Campus: Lab Farm
Favorite Quote (Source): “God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."
“There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever” (Mohandas Gandhi)
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Any singing show, singing Bee
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Jesus
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Frances McDormand, she plays Marge Gunderson in Fargo
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Australia and go swimming in the coral reefs
What is your dream job: Own the best herd of cows in the world and have all the money I want to buy the best ones.
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be:  small town environment, the scenic view, my cows
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Be doing something outside, working with cattle or judging cattle, hanging out with my friends, laughing, being out on a lake.
My most prized possession is: I would have to say my cows or maybe my memories with family and friends (don’t want to lose those)
This off-season I worked on: My left handed slapping
The expectations I have for this year are: Go to nationals
What is significant about your jersey number: My brother was 1 (his friends called him Oney), other brother 2 (they called him twoey) so figures I better be number 3
Sports Hero: Brett Farve, he is always having fun when playing and always brings a fun moment into the game.
My favorite thing about this team is: We have fun while working hard
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year:
“You Should be Fearin’ the Falcons!”

Dana Book

U, 5-7, B-L, T-R, Freshman, #9
Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Champlin Park High School

Prior to UWRF:
2007 graduate of Chaplin Park High School … named All-Conference … Golden Glove winner.

Personal:
Daughter of James and Lorri Book … has two brothers ... Majoring in communicative disorders.

Get to know Dana:
Nickname(s): Bookie
Why you chose UW-River Falls: It's close to home but yet far enough
3 words that best describe you: Funny, Outgoing, talkative.
Favorite Class: Math
Favorite Food: Chipolte
Favorite late night snack: T Bell
Favorite Book: A Walk to Remember
Favorite Movie: Just Friends
Favorite College Team: University of Texas
Favorite High School Softball Memory: Senior Wake-up day
Favorite Spot on Campus: Dorm
Favorite Quote (Source): "Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game."
Person You Admire Most, Why?: My dad, he has always been there and coached me through everything I have done.
What TV show would you like to guest star on: SNL
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Real World vs
Road Rules
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would
it be: Britney Spears
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Amy Poehler
If you could visit one place, where would it be: France
What is your dream job: Rheumatologist
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would
they be: my bed, dog and hot tub
My most prized possession is: My camera
This off-season I worked on: Slapping and drag bunting
Individual Goals: Help the team out in any way I can
The expectations I have for this year are: Be above .500
What is significant about your jersey number: My brothers were 9 too.
What is your pre-game ritual: eat
Sports Hero: Megan Willis
The last song I listen to before games is: Bad by Ying Yang Twins
On my day off, I like to: Sleep
My favorite thing about this team is: They are all so funny!
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year:
“They are the team to beat...they are going all the way”

Tara Conlin

IF, 5-, B-R, T-R, Freshman, #35
Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca High School

Prior to UWRF:

2007 graduate of Waupaca High School … Tri-Sport Award winner for competing in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Personal:
Daughter of Michael and Tracy Conlin … has one sister Shannon ... Majoring in K-12 physical & health education.

Get to know Tara:
Nickname(s): Tar-Tar, TC
Why you chose UW-River Falls: The environment is cozy and my relatives went to River Falls for college and recommended it to me.
3 words that best describe you: Funny, energetic, and caring
Favorite Class: Math
Favorite Food: My mom’s tacos!
Favorite late night snack: Doritos
Favorite Book: Any of the Lurlene McDaniel books
Favorite Movie: The Holiday
Favorite College Team: Texas
Favorite Spot on Campus: My dorm room
Favorite Quote (Source): “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Anonymous (Cinderella Story)
What TV show would you like to guest star on: General Hospital
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Big Brother
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Zac Efron!!!!
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Jessica Alba
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Sydney, Australia
What is your dream job: Marine Biologist
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: My dog, the Chain O’ Lakes, and Scoopers
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: Play Phase 10 with the girls in my hall, sleep and eat.
My most prized possession is: Cell phone
This off-season I worked on: Cardio and throwing
The expectations I have for this year are: going to nationals and playing
What is your pre-game ritual: Eat sunflower seeds and listen to music
Sports Hero: Brett Favre
The last song I listen to before games is: Bring Em’ Out
On my day off, I like to: Sleep and eat
My favorite thing about this team is: We all get together like a family!
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “Watch out because here we come!”

Emily Eriksen

C, 5-4, B-R, T-R, Freshman, #15
Mounds View, Minn.
Irondale High School

Prior to UWRF:

2007 graduate of Irondale High School … Captain of softball team … awarded All-Conference Honorable Mention three years … Named team's Most Valuable Player two years.

Personal:
Daughter of Rune and Sharon Eriksen … has one sister ... Majoring in business administration with a minor in management.

Get to know Emily:
Nickname(s): Em, E, Eriksen
Why you chose UW-River Falls: It is close to home and a small campus
3 words that best describe you: Kind, Sarcastic, and Energetic
Favorite Class: English
Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes
Favorite late night snack: A bagel
Favorite Book: Gossip Girl series
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans and A League of Their Own
Favorite College Team: Notre Dame
Favorite Spot on Campus: My dorm room
Favorite Quote (Source): “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined.” –Henry David Thoreau
What TV show would you like to guest star on: Grey’s Anatomy
If you could be on a reality show, which would you pick: Deal or No Deal
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be: Matthew McConaughey
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Katherine Heigl
If you could visit one place, where would it be: Australia
What is your dream job: Owning a successful business and still have time to do what I want
If you could bring 3 things from your hometown to River Falls, what would they be: My dog, my bed and my car
When you are not playing softball, what do you like to do: hang out with friends
My most prized possession is: My cell phone
This off-season I worked on: Cardio, strength and throwing
The expectations I have for this year are: Become a better softball player and increase my GPA
What is your pre-game ritual: Being by myself, visualize the game, eat ramen noodles
Sports Hero: Joe Mauer
The last song I listen to before games is: Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
On my day off, I like to: Relax and hang out with friends
My favorite thing about this team is: The way we all bond like one happy family
Newspaper headlines will say this about UW-River Falls Softball this year: “UWRF Softball is on a roll and is going all the way!!!”

Krista Friberg

C, 5-4, B-R, T-R, Freshman, #18
Oakdale, Minn.
Tartan High School

Prior to UWRF:

2007 graduate of Tartan High School … Earned the Silver Academic Award.

Personal:
Daughter of Mark and Beth Friberg … has three brothers ... Majoring in elementary education with a minor in communicative disorders.

Get to know Krista:
Why you chose UW-River Falls: My major
3 words that best describe you: fun, outgoing, kind
Favorite Class: Political Science
Favorite Food: chocolate
Favorite late night snack: chips
Favorite Book: Lets Roll
Favorite Movie:  I don’t just have one favorite; chick flicks o