Brooke Koran, senior, shortstop

How do you stay motivated throughout the season?

I’m a competitor. I just love to compete and just like to work towards a goal with people I like to be around. You just want to win.

Do you have any rituals before games?

The whole team does this warmup that’s really intense but looks really nice. We listen to music. And then myself, I kind of get pumped up and act crazy.

How do you bond with your team?

We are all pretty comfortable, especially this year. We’re all ourselves around each other.

Do you have any advice for younger players?

It would just be to compete. You got to want to win. Work with all the other years. So, if seniors are working with freshmen, you keep it consistent throughout. So, they [younger players] realize they are part of a competitive program and that will be them one year.

What’s your favorite memory from being a part of softball at East? 

There are so many, but it was probably in Tennessee my sophomore year. We won regionals the past two years.  There’s a lot of good times, but I don’t know if I could pick one.

Did anyone in your family play softball and have they influenced you in anyway?

No, but my brother played baseball. My number is his number backwards for travel. My dad introduced [softball] to me when I was younger, and I just loved it. I did it for myself.

Do you plan on playing softball in college and if so, where?

I’m going to St. Xavier and I’m really excited.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just want to give a shout out to Mr. Morris for everything he’s done for the program because he’s not coaching this year. I’m excited for this upcoming season with Coach Cress and Coach Grimes.