As Auburn softball enters its fall season, new faces are making their presence known on The Plains. Each week, we'll spotlight each of the newcomers to the program that are looking to help the Tigers carry their 2023 success into a new season.
A true freshman from Chesapeake City, Maryland, Mariah Penta is followed her older sister's footsteps and found her new home on The Plains.
Q. Who has influenced your softball career the most?
Penta: My father, Mark, influenced my softball career the most because we fell in love with the sport together. Every time we practice or travel for softball, has always been him by my side.
Q. Why did you decide to commit to Auburn softball?
Penta: I chose Auburn because I loved the traditions and the ways that students get involved in the university. There's something here for everyone!
Q. How old were you when you started playing softball? What are your earliest memories of playing softball?
Penta: I started playing softball when I was around six. I played coach pitch for my local little league. My earliest memory was the mustard yellow shirts that they made us wear. They were not cute.
Q. If Auburn could play in a softball tournament anywhere in the world, where would you'd like to go?
Penta: I would want to play in Italy. I heard it's a beautiful place, and I've never been there before.
Q. What uniform combo are you most looking forward to wearing?
Penta: I am looking forward to wearing all navy, but I absolutely love the orange jerseys.
Q. What makes Auburn softball special?
Penta: Auburn softball is special because the team brings together talented girls from all over the country who become a family.
Q. What jersey number are you wearing this season? Does it have any special meaning?
Penta: I am wearing No. 5. It has no meaning to me, but I'm happy with my choice.
Q. What teammate(s) have helped you adjust since arriving at Auburn?
Penta: I love going to support other sports, so I've been attending some of the other games with Abbey (Smith) and Annabelle (Widra). They have made it much easier being so far away from home.
Q. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Penta: I don't have any pregame rituals or superstitions, but I love to jam to music before I play to loosen up.
Q. What HAS to be on your pregame playlist?
Penta: My pregame playlist would have to be Taylor Swift. She is my favorite artist. I could listen to her anytime.
Q. What's currently your favorite social media platform?
Penta: My favorite social media platform would have to be Instagram. My account is @Mariahpenta_.
Q. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
Penta: If I had any superpower, it would have to be ice powers. I've always wanted to be Elsa even since I was a kid.
Q. What's your major? What do you plan to do with your degree?
Penta: My major is exercise science. I hope to get my nursing degree with an extended program after I graduate.
Q. Describe your perfect slice of pizza...
Penta: My perfect slice of pizza is just cheese. I know it's plain, but I enjoy it a lot.
Q. What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Penta: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love the fall vibes and spending the day eating good food with my family back home.
Q. What is your favorite home cooked meal?
Penta: My favorite home cooked meal is lasagna. My mom makes it very well.
Q. How is Auburn different from your hometown?
Penta: I come from a small town that has a small population. I'm not used to so many people around campus on game days.
Q. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you pick?
Penta: I would want a tiger. They are so cute and cuddly.
Q. What's one movie you can quote word for word? Why is it your favorite?
Penta: My favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally. The fall aesthetic and romance warms my heart.
Q. What's one word you'd use to describe yourself on the field and one word to describe yourself off the field?
Penta: On the field, I am very focused. Off the field I'm more outgoing. When it's time to play, I can get very serious.
Q. What is your favorite dessert?
Penta: My favorite dessert is strawberry shortcake.
Q. Do you have any hidden hobbies or talents?
Penta: I really love reading books, especially on the beach or by the fireplace.
Q. If you were stranded on an island, what three teammates would you want with you?
Penta: I would call Emmah (Rolfe), Malayna (Tamborra) and Annabelle (Widra). That would be beautiful because they have already helped me this semester when my scooter died.
Q. If you could give a message to the Auburn Family about the upcoming season, what would to be?
Penta: I love this university, and I can't wait to play with my girls!