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.
Newcomer number 12 of 13, Phoebe Florian, is up to bat.
Q: Why did you choose to play softball at Auburn?
Florian: When I stepped on campus I fell in love. I knew I was home.
Q: If Auburn softball could play in a tournament anywhere in the world, where would you want to play?
Florian: That's a tough one. I would have to say China. I played against the Chinese National Team once in travel ball, and I would love to have a rematch.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Florian: I would want to be able to teleport to anywhere I wanted. I live so far away from so many people that I love, and I hardly ever get to see them.
Q: Do you have any gameday superstitions?
Florian: I normally eat a hot dog before every game. When I was younger, I always felt like it would make me play better.
Q: Are you currently watching any new TV shows or movies?
Florian: I am watching "The Mandalorian" on Disney Plus and I absolutely love it, but I'm so bummed that the next season doesn't come out until next fall.
Q: What jersey number will you wear, and does it hold a special meaning to you?
Florian: I wear #99. When I first moved to North Carolina I couldn't think of a number I wanted because I would always pick a different number every year, but I wanted one that I would use for the rest of my softball career. I thought of my sister and how she had the same number her whole life, so I stole my number from her.
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
Florian: I'd say ice cream is my favorite because there are many different ways to eat it and so many different flavors. You want it in a cone? No problem. You want sprinkles? Easy. You can have it any way you want ,and that's what I love about it.
Q: Which do you prefer, hitting or defense?
Florian: Definitely defense because I love making plays that nobody expects me to make.
Q: What is your favorite fruit and your least favorite vegetable?
Florian: My favorite fruit has got to be apples, especially caramel apples. My least favorite vegetables are beets.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?
Florian: When I surprised my hitting instructor, Kelsey Bruder Brinson, by committing to Auburn. Seeing how happy she was for me was touching. It was a day I will never forget because it's the only time I have seen her cry.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn family what would it be?
Florian: Let's go win ourselves some championships. War Eagle!