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.
An Alabama native and one of the newest faces to the pitching staff, Blayne Godfrey joins the program after a highly decorated prep career. From Danville, the right-handed pitcher was a five-time all-state honoree and recently won the PGF National Championship with the Birmingham Thunderbolts.
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball? What are some of your earliest memories of the sport?
Godfrey: I was nine when I started playing. My first softball team was the recreation softball team for my school. I remember making the all-star team my first year. After that, I found out that I wanted to pitch.
Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?
Godfrey: My grandparents have influenced my softball career the most because of how hard they have pushed me and never stopped believing in me no matter what.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?
Godfrey: The highlight of my career so far was hitting the walk-off home run and pitching an 11-inning shutout in the same high school game. Also, I won the PGF National Championship with my travel ball team over the summer.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
Godfrey: I would tell my younger self to never stop working for what you want. Believe in yourself and trust the process. You will overcome obstacles all throughout your life. What you do in your hardships is what sets you apart.
Q: Is there any athlete that you try to model your game after?
Godfrey: I really liked watching Kelly Barnhill growing up.
Q: Why did you decide to commit to Auburn?
Godfrey: I fell in love with the family feel of Auburn. Everybody was so welcoming. Auburn felt like home.