As fall makes its presence known on the Plains, Auburn softball begins a new chapter in its stories legacy. A group of nine freshmen join the squad, ushering in a new spin and new attitude for the Tigers. As Auburn competes in the heart of its fall exhibition slate, we'll introduce the new members of the Auburn softball family that are already making an immediate impact. Our Freshman Focus series begins with Rose Roach, an infielder hailing from Elburn, Ill.
Q: Why did you choose to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Roach: I chose to continue my career at Auburn because it feels like a home away from home. Being from Illinois, I've always wanted to get out of the cold and go somewhere warm. I have felt so welcomed here, and I felt like I was a part of the Auburn Family as soon as I stepped foot on campus. Deciding to come to Auburn has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me!
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it?
Roach: My major is fitness, conditioning and performance because I want to be an athletic trainer or coach in the future.
Q: What is one program record that you'd like to break?
Roach: One program record that I would like to break would be the most base hits. As a hitter, I just do what I can to get on base and become a threat to the opposing team.
Q: Besides softball, what Auburn sport are you most excited to cheer on?
Roach: I am super excited to cheer on all Auburn sports, but definitely basketball because I have heard those games are a ton of fun.
Q: Which uniform combination is your favorite?
Roach: Auburn softball looks good in any uniform it wears, but I would have to say my favorite combo is white, blue, white because it just looks so sharp.
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three teammates would you bring with you?
Roach: Probably Bri Ellis because she is one of the funniest people I know and would make the island a lot more entertaining. Maia Engelkes because she is a genius and would definitely know how to survive, which is kind of important. Lastly, KK Dismukes because she is the mom of the team and would find a way to make it a lot better. She is a calm person that I love to be around daily, and her laugh is so contagious that it's hard to go a day without her wheezing.
Q: If you could go on any TV show, which would you choose?
Roach: I would probably have to choose Family Feud because it seems like a lot of fun, and I'm very competitive so I would try really hard to win.
Q: What are your athletic goals for this year?
Roach: To make an impact on the team, both on and off the field. I want to bring a lot of joy and positive energy to this team to make it fun because at the end of the day, that is all that matters. Another goal is to get stronger as a person, physically and mentally, and bring that hard work onto the field with me every single day.
Q: What are your academic goals for this year?
Roach: To earn academic honors both semesters and work hard toward my major so that I am set for my plans after college.
Q: What Auburn tradition are you most excited to experience?
Roach: Even though I have already experienced it a couple times, I am most excited to roll Toomer's Corner some more. It is such a blast, and it is so cool to see everyone on campus come together and have a great time doing it.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Roach: My favorite holiday would be Thanksgiving because I get to be surrounded by all of my loved ones and give thanks to each of them for everything they have done for me. I am a big family person and never take my loved ones for granted.
Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would that it be?
Roach: Chicken and rice because it's good for you, and I could eat it everyday and never get bored of it.
Q: How is Auburn different from your hometown?
Roach: My hometown of Elburn, Illinois is different from Auburn mainly because of how nice the weather is. Alabama has beautiful weather, kind of humid, but I love being in the warm weather. Also, my hometown has a lot of open fields and cornfields so it is nice to get out of that and see a different type of environment.
Q: What makes Auburn softball special?
Roach: Auburn softball is so special because we are not just a softball team. We are a family. In such a short time, we have created such great bonds with each other. We all are willing to sacrifice so much for each other, and I wouldn't want to call anyone else my sisters than the girls on this team. I can't wait for everyone to see all that we accomplish this season.
