Athlete of the Week: Lauren Cappello

Photo courtesy of Sports Information.

Sport: Softball

Position: Pitcher/First Baseman

Year: Third

Major: Sociology

Hometown: New City, New York

 

How Did You First Start Playing Softball?

When I was 10 I started playing in little league softball, my dad was my coach. I kept playing because I hated all other sports that involved a serious amount of running like soccer and lacrosse. I fell in love with the game even when I wasn’t any good, but I worked hard to get to where I am today because I always wanted to be better than the girls who were older than me.

Outside Of Playing Softball, What Do You Like To Do?

When I am not playing softball or doing school work I am usually drawing or reading. I also will hang out with my housemates, who are also my teammates.

Who Are Your Biggest Role Models?

I can honestly say that my biggest role models are my parents. They have shown me what it means to be a good person and to stay true to myself. My parents will always be the biggest influences in my life.

Are You A Fan Of Any Professional Teams?

I am not a huge fan of professional sports teams. I enjoy watching all sports, but I prefer to watch college sports. If I had to pick any team, I would pick the New York Rangers.

Do You Have Any Sports-Related Superstitions?

I am a very superstitious person when it comes to softball. When I walk into the dugout, my cleats, glove and helmet need to be laid out in the exact same way every time. In the circle as a team, I say the same thing before the start of every inning. I have to high-five every one of my fielders after we come in from an inning. I also have a superstition on where I stand in the dugout while my team is hitting. Although I have many superstitions, I will change things up if they are not working in my team’s favor.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?

My freshman year here, we played Plattsburgh and Potsdam at home, but our field wasn’t playable so we played at a neutral site. I remember these games so well because they were my first conference games here at New Paltz. That weekend we ended up sweeping the weekend, which means we won all four games. The best part is that in our second game against Plattsburgh, which was the last game of the weekend, in the seventh inning my teammate hit a walk-off home run to win the game. It was the first time I was a part of a sweep and it was the best feeling in the world to be celebrating with my new teammates.