At a glance
Name: Nicole Rupp
University: Utah State
Sport: Softball
Number: 21
Year: Junior
Major: Math and Stats Composite Teaching
Hometown: Taylorsville Utah
Q: When and why did you start to play softball?
A: I enjoyed playing baseball with family and friends so my cousin told me I should give softball a try! Thus, when I was eight I gave it a shot and fell in love with the game!
Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
A: Basketball and volleyball.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Utah State?
A: They have a beautiful campus, a great teaching program, and it was close to home!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Running into a wall and breaking both my wrists. This experience could be an embarrassing one, but I think it explains who I am. (I was in P.E. class and wanted to win the race. I wasn't the fastest person in the class, but I found a way to beat the fastest. That is totally me. I have never been the fastest runner, or the biggest hitter, or the smartest student, but I believe in working hard and being determined).
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far as a student-athlete?
A: Surviving! Ha ha I think that our fellow classmates often think that athletes get everything handed to them. They see that we get to travel to all these great places and eat out, but they don't see us waking up at 6:00 in the morning to lift weights, running a timed mile and a half, doing service, or recognize how much class we really miss. Therefore, although maintaining a 3.8 is nothing exceptional, I think it is still pretty good.
Q: What do you still hope to accomplish as a student-athlete?
A: I want to succeed in both the classroom and on the field and go away from this school having no regrets! I also want to help my teammates look good! By that I mean, I want my teammates to get recognized for how good they are (i.e. not letting any balls hit the outfield makes our pitcher look like she is the absolute best)! Utah State doesn't get recognized much because of our past, but I want to help make a difference and see some of my teammates on the All-Conference team!
Q: What's on your iPod?
A: Country, country, and more country!
Q: What do you like to do when you are away from the field?
A: I love to just hang out with friends, family, and roommates! I enjoy playing games and going out for ice cream with them!
Q: Name your favorite class...
A: It's a toss up between Reading, Writing, and Technology, and History of Math! History of Math is really difficult for me, but I enjoy the way my professor teaches and I've learned a few interesting things! On the other hand Reading, Writing, and Technology, is a small class full of future teachers. It's enjoyable to hear everyone's views on how to get students involved in reading and content!
Q: What is your game day routine?
A: I don't do anything out of the ordinary or even very specific on game day. I think game day is game day! Almost all of the preparation/visualization comes before game day. However, on single game days I enjoy going on a jog in the morning to warm up and clear my head. The only other thing I must do before every game day is "tape" with one of my teammates to set a few goals or just remind each other of what is important!
Q: What is your favorite television show?
A: I honestly don't watch much T.V. so that is pretty tough. I enjoy watching game shows like Let's Make a Deal and Lingo.
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
A; My parents (Doug and Sharon) and best friend (Seth).
Q: What do you want to do after college?
A: I want to teach math and coach softball.
Q: What is the best advice you have received?
A: "Just trust your heat and you'll never go wrong,"
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: I don't know. Maybe Peyton Manning or Tiger Woods, but I'm really unsure on that.
Q: If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, which actress would play your role?
A: I have no idea???? But I asked my roommates and they said Kate Bosworth
Q: If you were to win a million dollars what would be your first purchase?
A: I would probably buy a moderate house or car (or maybe both) and then put most of it in the bank.
Q: Describe the perfect meal...
A: Pretty traditional and simple but I would say a salad with cranberries and cucumbers on it, a roll or some type of warm bread, potatoes, and ice cream for dessert! Yum!