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. Stepping up to the plate, Denver Bryant, a student-athlete who just recently began her softball career after years of competing on the baseball diamond.
Q: Why did you choose to play softball at Auburn?
Bryant: I chose to play for Auburn because I loved the coaching staff and the campus. Auburn is also not too far away from home.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition, or what tradition are you most excited to experience?
Bryant: Rolling Toomer's Corner is my all-time favorite because it's fun, and after we are all finished, it's actually kind of pretty.
Q: What is your intended major, and what do you plan to do with it?
Bryant: I am going to major in physical activity and health, and I plan on becoming a physical therapist. I plan on opening up my own gym for recovering athletes.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Bryant: I draw a cross in the dirt, pray and then kiss to the sky for the people that I've lost along the way.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete to follow?
Bryant: Javier Báez. He has a lot of hustle and passion for the game, but he is also very smooth with it.
Q: How would your 10-year-old self react to the news that you would one day be playing D1 softball?
Bryant: Honestly, I would be in shock. It's not too often that D1 athletes make it out of where I'm from.
Q: Who is your go-to artist to listen to before a game to get you pumped up?
Bryant: Lil Baby or NBA YoungBoy.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
Bryant: I can actually play basketball really well.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge for you in transitioning from playing baseball to softball?
Bryant: I would have to say the speed of each game is very different. Baseball is very slow, and with softball, everything comes at you quick.
Q: What uniform combo are you most excited to wear?
Bryant: I am very excited to wear all navy blue. It's tough looking, but also cute.
Q: What is your biggest goal athletically while being at Auburn?
Bryant: To win a national championship.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn family regarding the 2021 season, what would it be?
Bryant: Get ready to rock and roll. This is our season. WAR EAGLE!