As the fall semester winds down, Auburn softball is gearing up for a new chapter in its storied legacy. A group of nine freshmen join the squad, ushering in a new spin and new attitude for the Tigers. As we move closer to opening day, we'll introduce one of the new members of the Auburn softball family that is already making an immediate impact. Due up is Nelia Peralta, an infielder from Wellington, Fla.
Q: Why did you choose to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Peralta: I chose Auburn because of the softball program, school, traditions and fans. When I came on my visit, it had everything I wanted and more. Being here now has just made me love the Plains even more, and I can't wait for spring season to be here!
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Peralta: I always put my left sock on before my right, and I go over the foul line with my left foot first. I don't really know why though.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Peralta: If I could have one superpower, I would choose teleportation because I could go anywhere I wanted to go. It would make it so much easier to travel and experience new things.
Q: What jersey number will you wear, and does that hold any special meaning to you?
Peralta: I wear No. 13. I originally wore No. 2 when I was younger because Derek Jeter was my favorite baseball player, but I switched teams and that number was taken. I went with No. 13 because Alex Rodriguez was my next favorite player to watch on the Yankees.
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it?
Peralta: I'm currently majoring in exercise science, but my dream is to be a college softball or MLB coach.
Q: What type of music gets you hype before a game?
Peralta: Trippie Redd is my go-to artist! Love his music I don't really know how to explain it but it's like a calming hype that gets me in a good mood before games.
Q: If you could only watch one TV show for the rest of your life, what show would it be and why?
Peralta: A Million Little Things is a show I love to watch because its very impactful. It's not only about your friends, but it's a million little things needed to survive in life and just live. Also my favorite thing about it was that my mom and I use to watched it together at night when everyone was in bed before I came to Auburn.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete or sports team to follow?
Peralta: Sierra Romero has been a player I looked up to in softball. She reminds me of myself as a hitter and an infielder.
Q: What is one word you'd use to describe yourself on the field and one word you'd use to describe yourself off the field?
Peralta: One word I would describe myself on the field is passionate. I love the game, and I always strive to do my best when I'm playing. One word I'd use to describe myself off the field is laid back. I'm very calm. I don't stress myself out because I know there's always a solution to everything. It just takes time to figure it all out.
Q: Which do you prefer, offense or defense?
Peralta: Tough choice, but defense! I love the adrenaline of never really know what's about to happen or where the ball is going to be hit and then having to react and make decisions as situations play out.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that the Auburn family should know?
Peralta: Interesting fact about myself is that I really didn't like softball and wanted nothing to do with it when I was younger. I played baseball for the majority of my life and that's all I ever wanted to play. But as I got older, I knew I had to make the switch, and softball was the closest sport I could get to baseball. Now here I am, and I love it!
Q: What is your favorite memory with your teammates so far?
Peralta: I've made so many great memories thus far with my teammates. It's so hard to choose one, because I truly enjoy every moment I spend with them. If I had to choose, I would say playing our first fall game together because we enjoyed every moment, celebrated each other's successes and came out with our first WIN!
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn fans and family, what would it be?
Peralta: Thank you for being so great to us! It's been a dream of mine to play college softball, and now I can't wait to do that with the greatest fans cheering us on! See y'all soon at Jane B. Moore Field. War Eagle!