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.
From Cullman, Alabama, Kim Freeland (2000-03) was an academic standout for the Tigers, receiving both SEC and NFCA honors for her work in the classroom. Freeland was tabbed to the SEC Community Service Team her senior season and appeared in over 150 games for the Tigers.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Freeland: Auburn felt like home from the moment I walked on campus to visit. Furthering my athletic career through playing softball at Auburn was a true blessing.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Freeland: There are many, but collectively, my favorite on-the-field memory was having fun being aggressive on the bases. I took pride in taking hard leads off first, leading to the opposing team shouting "Going!" followed by my teammates, led by Mary Petrie, cheering me on as the "bulldog on the base paths!"
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your career?
Freeland: Athletically, finding success transitioning from playing slow-pitch softball in high school to playing Division I SEC fastpitch softball at Auburn while receiving All-SEC Academic Honor Roll accolades each of my four seasons and being named to the NFCA All-Academic Team.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Freeland: Playing catch or "warming up," with Bug (Jennifer Hammock before each game - even if I messed up the quick toss ;)
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Freeland: Unique - I am so blessed to have experienced becoming part of the Auburn family as a student-athlete member of the softball team. I was given the opportunity to meet some wonderful people from all over the continent, play in some really cool ballparksand learn new skills in a game that I grew up loving.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Freeland: Mom and Dad (Judy and Larry Freeland) - they have always been my biggest fans, and they sacrificed a lot to teach me the value of hard work and provide some amazing opportunities for me to enjoy a game I love so much.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Freeland: Orange jersey, white pants, orange and blue stirrups.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Freeland: Make the most of it - it is just a blink of an eye, and it is over. No regrets - do all you can do to better yourself and your team. You may only get one chance to make a difference in someone's life - you never know who is looking up to you. Use the talents and abilities God has given you to bring glory to Him.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Freeland: Thank you for the support. I played in the days when fans brought their own lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the dirt hills of what is now Jane B. Moore Stadium. Many of those same fans I now sit beside when my family and I attend games. There is nothing like the Auburn family.
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Freeland: Bachelor of science in zoology/pre-med. I am currently a family physician at Auburn University Medical Clinic.