AUBURN, AL – A new era of Auburn softball is beginning under the direction of co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux and with them are eight new Tigers on The Plains looking to help make a mark in year one.
Hailing from Liberty, Indiana, AnnaLea Adams joins Auburn after an award-winning prep career that saw her win multiple First Team All-State and PGF All-American honors. The utility athlete set eight school records at Union County High School.
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball? What are some of your earliest memories of the sport?
Adams: I was four when I first started playing t-ball. Some of my earliest softball memories are youth league All-Star games and hitting my first home run on my birthing in 10u.
Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?
Adams: My dad and mom have influenced my career the most. When my sister first started playing, my mom would always take me to her games because I loved being around the sport. My dad would always let me warm up with his team and start playing the game from a very young age. They would always be willing to go out and help me with hitting or fielding – no matter my attitude. They have watched me succeed, fail, pass many obstacles and have always supported me no matter what.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?
Adams: Being selected as a PGF All-American three times and being a First Team All-State honoree all four years of high school.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
Adams: Advice I would give my younger self would be to not be so hard on yourself and always dream big. After all, it is just a game – enjoy it!
Q: Is there any athlete that you try to model your game after?
Adams: Although she stopped playing softball after college, I have always tried to model my game after my sister. She always worked hard and was a great hitter. Whenever we would take hitting lessons together, I would try to do exactly what she did so that I could hit the ball as far and as hard as she did. I knew I could always count on her to give me advice and help me get better.
Q: Why did you decide to commit to Auburn?
Adams: I decided to commit to Auburn because of the family atmosphere that this program has. Not only am I getting to compete for an awesome school, but I will also be getting a great education, too.