Fall practice is heating up as Auburn softball prepares to return to the field for the 2021 season. Head coach Mickey Dean will lead a squad of 29 student-athletes onto the field to compete, nine of which will be putting on the Auburn uniform for the first time. As the weeks leading up to first pitch count down, we'll introduce the newest Tigers to join the program. A native of Gainesville, Fla., Reena Falisi is the next student-athlete ready to take her hacks at the 2021 season.
Q: Why did you choose to play softball at Auburn?
Falisi: I chose to play softball at Auburn because of the culture. The staff and players both have a winning mindset, and I'm here to win, too. Auburn is also a great school for academics, so it's a win-win situation between the program and the education. I also love the smaller campus, and it's felt like home since I first visited four years ago.
Q: Do you have any softball icons that you looked up to growing up?
Falisi: Absolutely. They'd have to be Megan Bush and Sami Fagan. Megan held the home run record in the SEC for a while, and I grew up in Gainesville and eventually got to take lessons with her. I was so excited when I heard I was going to work with her because I worshipped her. She was an amazing player and person, and I wanted to be just like her. Eventually, she moved, and then I found Sami. I grew up near the Fagans and managed to get a lesson with her. It was history. She taught me all I know about slapping. She has a passion for the sport like no other person I know, and she helped instill that passion in me. She's taught me so much about the game and my swing. I still worship her today.
Q: Which aspect of the game do you prefer, offense or defense?
Falisi: I prefer offense despite the fact that it's failure based. I'm a slapper, and I can hit away. There are so many tools I can utilize depending on the situation, and it's fun to get to choose. Offense is challenging, but can be extremely rewarding. All it takes is one hit to change a game.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?
Falisi: I would definitely have to say the day I verbally committed to play softball here at Auburn. Before that, I would say placing fifth with my team at PGF when I was 16 playing with 18 year-olds.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Falisi: My favorite holiday is, without a doubt, Christmas. I love all the wintery things associated with Christmas: the lights, the tree, the cookies, the family gatherings, etc. I'm Italian, and Christmas is the best as it's a cooking frenzy but in the best way possible – getting to share time with family and friends.
Q: Where is your dream vacation destination?
Falisi: I would absolutely love to travel to Sicily, Italy. My father's side of the family is Sicilian, and I'd love to be able to experience all the foods and see all the scenery that they're always talking about.
Q: What is one word you'd use to describe Coach Dean?
Falisi: Motivated.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to younger Reena, who is just beginning her career?
Falisi: I would tell her to just chill out and enjoy the game because when it comes down to it, that's what it is – a game. I would tell her she needs to be comfortable being uncomfortable and that pressure will only help. And lastly, confidence is everything.
Q: Who is a celebrity you admire?
Falisi: I love Carrie Underwood. She's a country singer. I grew up listening to her music. There isn't a single song I don't know. She's also an incredible person and does a lot for those who are in need of help. We have similar ideologies.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that the Auburn family should know?
Falisi: I was actually not born here in the U.S. I was born in Russia and then adopted. I was brought to the U.S. by my family.
Q: What is your intended major and what do you plan to do with it?
Falisi: I am currently a pre-med major as I'd like to continue on to medical school and become a dermatologist. It'll be difficult, but science and medicine have always been my interests ever since I was young.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn family regarding the 2021 season, what would it be?
Falisi: We're going to come back better despite all the obstacles we've faced with the coronavirus. We're ready to play as a united team and to win as a united team because we now know that it can be quickly taken away like it was this past season. I think that we're renewed and ready to compete and win.
Newcomer Spotlight: Reena Falisi
