Newcomer Spotlight: Alyssa Hastings

As the Malveaux era enters its second season on the Plains, a bevy of newcomers will wear the Orange and Blue at Jane B. Moore Field for the first time. Throughout the fall, we’ll introduce the 13 fresh faces joining the program.

by Anne Trammell
Newcomer Spotlight: Alyssa HastingsNewcomer Spotlight: Alyssa Hastings
David Gray/Auburn Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. - As the Malveaux era enters its second season on the Plains, a bevy of newcomers will wear the Orange and Blue at Jane B. Moore Field for the first time. Throughout the fall, we’ll introduce the 13 fresh faces joining the program.

Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, junior utlity player Alyssa Hastings joins the Tigers after two seasons at Lipscomb, where she became the first Bison to ever earn NFCA First Team All-Region honors. Bringing expereicne and playmaking ability to the table, she set the Bison program record with 23 doubles last season, which ranked second nationally while  brings utility, experience, and playmaking ability to the table.

 

Q: How old were you when you started playing softball?

Hastings: I was four when I started playing softball. One of my earliest memories is playing with our very local travel team called the Angels. My dad and one of my best friends’ dads helped coach us, and it was so much fun.

 

Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?

Hastings: Definitely my dad. Being my coach for so long and learning the fundamentals and new things together has been a lot of fun. He went to school here. Now, I get to play here. That is probably more exciting for me than him because I just know I’m fulfilling something of his.

 

Q: What is some advice that you would give your younger self?

Hastings: Keep working hard even when it gets tough and people don’t think you can do it.

Q: Why did you end up transferring to Auburn?

Hastings: I love Chris and Kate (Malveaux) and everything they stand for. I know they want to compete, and I want to compete at the highest level. We can do that here. That’s so exciting.

 

Q: How have your teammates helped you adjust since arriving?

Hastings: They're very welcoming. They’re so funny and so much fun to be around. I really enjoy coming to practice and to every team thing that we have.

 

Q: What is your major? What is your plan for after your playing career?

Hastings: I’m majoring in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on business and sports coaching - basically like sports management. I think I want to be a director of operations for a sports team like what Garrett (Siemek) does for our team.

 

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Hastings: Probably teleportation so that I could go and see my people really quick.

 

Q: What is one word to describe yourself on the field and one word to describe yourself off the field?

Hastings: On the field, I want to be consistent. Consistent in my emotions, consistent in my play. Off the field, probably joyful. I love smiling. I love waving at people. It’s my favorite thing.

 

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

Hastings: I can juggle!

I love Chris and Kate (Malveaux) and everything they stand for. I know they want to compete, and I want to compete at the highest level. We can do that here. That’s so exciting.
Alyssa Hastings

Alyssa Hastings

Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?

Hastings: Numbers-wise, I broke the doubles record at Lipscomb for a single season last year, so hat was pretty cool.  The regular highlight would probably be all the friends I’ve made, like best friends. I’m going to be in one of my travel teammates’ wedding next year.

 

Q: What is your jersey number? Does it have a special meaning?

Hastings: I’m number twenty this year. It doesn’t. I like even numbers.

 

Q: What is a book you’ve recently read for fun?

Hastings: It’s called Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You It’s Too Small. Five out of five.

 

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Hastings: I don’t actually. I’m not very superstitious.

 

Q: Who are three famous people you would want to invite to dinner?

Hastings: Megan Moroney, Zac Top and Carlos Alcarez.

 

Q: What is a “no-skips” album for you?

Hastings: I really like Megan Moroney’s new album. Zac Top just came out with the new album. I’ve been listening to that. I don’t think I’ve skipped a song of his.

 

Q: What keeps you motivated?

Hastings: I would say the hope of there’s something more than softball. There’s something more in life than softball because of who God is and who He tells me that I am.

 

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Hastings: Ears being out of the visor. It looks odd to me. I know it doesn’t feel good.