As Auburn softball continues to roll through the fall semester, a group of fresh faces are poised to make and instant impact and continue to take the program to the next level. Throughout the fall, we'll introduce the new members of Auburn softball as they prepare to put the Southeastern Conference and country on notice.
A multi-faceted athlete with the ability to pitch as well as play multiple positions in the infield, Annabelle Widra joins the Tigers after spending the 2022 season at Michigan. After carrying the Wolverines to a pair of wins and a quarterfinal appearance in the Big Ten Tournament, Widra warned Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors.
Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?
Widra: My brother, Tristan, has influenced me the most. I was able to grow up and watch him play baseball and live out his collegiate career. He inspires me to always push through adversity and not take any moments for granted.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes that want to play at the next level?
Widra: My advice would be to never change for anyone. Stay true to yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. Stay grounded. It's the work that no one sees that matters the most.
Q: What is your favorite home cooked meal?
Widra: My favorite home cooked meal is my uncle's BBQ and my mom's mac and cheese.
Q: What uniform combo are you most looking forward to wearing?
Widra: I am looking forward to wearing the pinstripe top with blue pants and white accessories.
Q: What makes Auburn softball special?
Widra: The atmosphere that Auburn has is truly special, but what I love the most about Auburn softball is the people. These people make the atmosphere fun, competitive and a place I love to call home.
Q: What's currently your favorite social media platform to use?
Widra: I like to use Instagram the most! (Give AB a follow, @ab.widra)
Q: If Auburn softball could play in a tournament anywhere in the world, where would you'd like to go and why?
Widra: I want to play in Oklahoma City at the Women's College World series. It's where dreams come true.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Widra: Christmas, hands down.
Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you pick?
Widra: I would love a jumping baby goat. They seem so fun and bring laughter to the house.
Q: What makes the coaching staff at Auburn different from other coaches you've had in your career?
Widra: This staff really allows us players to feel comfortable in our own skin. They bring us in and work with who we are and don't try to change us. They push us as any staff would, but at the end of the day, remind us that softball is a game and we are great human beings first.
Q: If you had to switch sports for a week, what Auburn team would you join?
Widra: I would love to be part of the dance team. I used to dance and to experience what it's like being on the football field on gameday seems pretty cool.
Q: If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Widra: Derek Jeter. He truly is the goat. I love how he looks at the game of baseball and how he composes himself. He is someone I look up to. My granddad. He was one of my best friends. He always put a smile on my face, and I would do anything to have one more coffee date with him. Tom Cruise. I am in love with Top Gun. I think it would be so cool to meet him and talk about the movies.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Widra: I chose Auburn because Auburn was home. Auburn has helped me grow in so many ways, and I am so grateful for my opportunity here. I chose Auburn because these people allow me to by myself and push me to be better. Auburn is a very special place.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Widra: I always get my hair braided and listen to Morgan Wallen before warmups.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Widra: I would love to be able to tell what people are thinking. I think it's funny to listen to their thoughts.
Q: What jersey number are you wearing this upcoming season?
Widra: I wear No. 66. I have been No. 66 my whole life. I chose this number because I wanted to be like my brother at the time when he wore No. 22. I started softball at the age of six. The No. 66 just stuck with me forever.
Q: What's your major? What do you plan to do with your degree following graduation?
Widra: I am a history major. My plan is to get an education master's degree and hopefully become a high school history teacher along with being a coach. My dream job would be to work back at my travel ball organization, Birmingham Thunderbolts.
Q: What type of music gets you hyped before a game?
Widra: Country music.
Q: If you could only watch one TV show the rest of your life, what show would it be and why?
Widra: I would watch Friday Night Lights because you just can't get enough of Dillon Panther football.
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?
Widra: On the field, focused. Off the field, compassionate.
Q: What is one movie that you could quote every line?
Widra: Office Christmas Party because my brother and I love that movie!
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that the Auburn Family should know?
Widra: My most interesting fact is that my middle finger is crooked from pitching. I never broke it, but it's crooked.
Q: What is a favorite memory you've made with a teammate so far?
Widra: My favorite memory has been all the tailgates and drives in the intramural fields for practice.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Widra: Thank you for letting me be part of the family. My plan is to help auburn softball be it's very best and bring home the NATTY!