In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
Laying the foundation, Chris Steiner was a member of the inaugural 1997 season and would go on to compete three seasons with the Tigers. The Loxley, Alabama native is a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and holds the honor of slugging the first home run in Auburn program history.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Steiner: It was my dream growing up to play softball in college, and I grew up bleeding Orange and Blue. It was a family tradition as my uncle was a cheerleader at Auburn and my great aunts and uncles also went to school at Auburn. It was an opportunity for me to live my dream and get the best education. I wanted to be a part of something great. I wanted to be a part of building the foundation and groundwork for the program. I wanted to be part of the Auburn culture and history.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Steiner: Winning our first game … being on the field with my teammates … representing Auburn. I would say over the three-year span, we had lots of great memories and moments, but hitting the first home run in school history will probably always be my favorite.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Steiner: I got to play the sport I love with my sisters and have the privilege of representing Auburn every day. I got to play and graduate with my degree, which was a dream come true.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Steiner: Every bus ride was always full of adventures. I would say Mary Petrie was always full of excitement and brining the laughter with her. Never a dull moment and never know what would happen next.
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Steiner: Fierce competitor and good teammate. I felt like I pushed myself and my teammate to be better in every aspect and to give 100 percent every day. I pushed everyone around me to work, fight and compete every day for the team. I also brought the love and laughter as I wanted everyone to be successful and tried to lift them up and was full of dumb sayings and jokes.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Steiner: I really looked up and appreciated my coaches. I loved my coaches at Auburn for believing in me and giving me a chance to live my dream. I loved Pat Summit and her toughness and expectations as a coach. After I left Auburn, I coached both high school and collegiate softball for 21 years. I feel I have helped the growth of the sport and have learned a lot from the history of the sport.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Steiner: I always loved the orange jersey. Orange was my favorite color.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Steiner: When you play for Auburn, it is a privilege and an honor. When you take the field, understand the history and tradition. Understand the shoes you fill and the role model you become when you take the field. Play for all of us who wish we could still play and for all those who wish they could be in your shoes.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Steiner: Keep supporting our Tigers. Keep fighting for greatness. I appreciate all the love and support they give to the Auburn softball program. It means so much to the program.
Q: What degree did you earn?
Steiner: I earned a degree in physical education. I have coaches softball for 23 years with five seasons at the high school level and 17 collegiate seasons.