Newcomer Spotlight: McKaela Walker

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.

Transferring to the Plains for her final collegiate season, McKaela Walker looks to bring valuable SEC experience to a young Tiger outfield. A native of Marietta, Georgia, Walker is a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and appeared in 56 games over her three seasons at LSU.

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

Walker: I was four when I started playing softball. A memory I have is when I was in 10U. I hit a foul ball. It curved into the dugout and hit my teammate in her head.

Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?

Walker: I would say my grandmother and my mom. They’re my biggest supporters. Before my nanna passed, she would come to literally every single game, and you would always hear her above everybody. She’s my reason why.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

Walker: I would just say to not let what people think about you dictate your confidence. 

Q: Why Auburn?

Walker: I just connected with the coaches. I knew some of the girls on the team already, but I connected with girls that I didn't know also. It was just easy to come in and feel like family.

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

Walker: When I first got here, Kyla Stroud took me in. Even though I’m older, she showed me around. When my mom left, she helped me go grocery shopping. She and T (Thalia Martin) helped me set up my vanity mirror.

Q: What’s your major? What are your plans for after your playing career?

Walker: My major right now is interdisciplinary studies. After this, I want to be a sports agent.

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

Walker: Competitive, all the way around. Competitive.

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

Walker: I would love to teleport. That would be awesome.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Walker: Wings from American Deli.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent or hobby?

Walker: A hidden talent I have is that I actually know how to knit. My fifth-grade teacher actually taught all of us to knit, and it’s just something I never lost.

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

Walker: My highlight probably is coming to Auburn.

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

Walker: My jersey number is 27. I don’t know why we started wearing 27. I know my sister’s birthday is on the 27th. My dad wore that number, and so did my sister.

Q: What HAS to be on your pregame playlist?

Walker: On One Tonight by Gunna.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Walker: No, but every time I hit, I have to have gum in my mouth. I always have to have gum. It just calms me.

Q: Is there any athlete you try to model your game after?

Walker: I like to be gritty like Bianka Bell. She played at LSU.

Q: What keeps you motivated?

Walker: Knowing that I still haven’t accomplished what I want to accomplish yet. That keeps me motivated. I want to go to the Women's College World Series, so every day I come with that mindset.

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Walker: My biggest pet peeve is when people smack anything - food or gum.

Q: What was your dream job as a kid?

Walker: I think I wanted to be an actress or a singer. I feel like I still think I know how to sing. I don’t know how to sing, but I like to convince myself I do.