As the offseason rolls along, we'd like to introduce the newcomers for the upcoming 2020 softball season. With first pitch set for Feb. 7 in Clearwater, Fla., at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, we'll check in with all 13 new additions to the squad.
On deck is freshman infielder Maia Engelkes.
Q: What is the best place you've traveled for softball?
Engelkes: Colorado. The views were amazing! I was able to play in the mountains and hike through different state parks during my free time.
Q: What does your typical off-season look like?
Engelkes: Spending time with family and friends, swimming and tanning outside, different types of spontaneous adventures, DIY projects, sleeping and playing the ukulele.
Q: How would your 10-year-old self react to the news that you would one day be playing DI softball?
Engelkes: I would laugh hysterically! I never expected to be playing at this level at one of the best universities in the nation. War Eagle!
Q: Who is a celebrity you greatly admire?
Engelkes: Tom Brady. He is a great leader and has overcome adversity at its finest… GOAT!
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
Engelkes: I love egg bake. My family eats it every Christmas morning, and it is AMAZING!
Q: What jersey number do you wear, and does the number hold a special meaning to you?
Engelkes: I wear #17. I have had this number since I played soccer and little league softball when I was a child. As I grew older, the number stayed with me and my journey. This number has seen it all: the blood, the sweat, and the tears.
Q: Do you have any gameday rituals?
Engelkes: I used to make and eat a waffle before every game day.
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what teammate would you bring with you?
Engelkes: I would choose Jaylin Calvert. We're roommates and she is always thinking outside of the box. I would also want someone who can have a good laugh, and Jaylin is the just the person for that.
Q: How is your hometown different from Auburn?
Engelkes: South Dakota is definitely colder than Auburn! Does it even snow here? Also, people in the Midwest like to be 20 minutes early to everything… It's a little slower in the south.
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it?
Engelkes: My major is Biomedical Science, pre-medicine. I plan to go to medical school then reside in orthopedic surgery.
Q: Why did you choose to play softball at Auburn?
Engelkes: As soon as I set foot on campus, I knew I wanted to spend my collegiate years at Auburn. I love the coaching staff, their style of coaching and the program they've created. Auburn itself is perfect. The people are kind, the university is welcoming, the weather is warm and the campus is absolutely amazing. Although I'm far from South Dakota, the softball family and the community has made Auburn my home away from home.