Newcomer Spotlight: Abby Herndon

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.

A left-handed pitcher from Killen, Alabama, Abby Herndon joins the Tigers after spending last season at Ole Miss. While not seeing action in her first collegiate season, Herndon has a highly decorated prep career as a three-time all-state honoree at Brooks High School. 

Q: How old were you when you first started to play softball?

Herndon: I was four when I started tee ball. I was around six when I actually started playing with a softball.

Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most? 

Herndon: My dad. We would always be in the yard, hitting off the tee and practicing at a very young age. It made me love the sport. 

Q: Who was a player you admired as a young athlete? 

Herndon: Jennie Finch. I got her book when I was 10 and read it. She was always a player I watched." 

Q: What advice would you give your younger self? 

Herndon: Take it all in. I feel like sometimes we're not in the moment or taking in the moment, so don't get ahead of yourself. 

Q: Why did you decide to continue your career at Auburn? 

Herndon: It was definitely the coaching staff. I love Ryker (Chason), Chris (Malveaux), Kate (Malveaux) and DJ (Sanders). They're awesome. Ryker, the pitching coach, actually recruited me to Ole Miss. I’ve always had a relationship with him. Since I was in eighth grade, I started going to camps at Ole Miss. 

Q: How have not only your teammates but the Auburn Family helped you adjust during your first semester? 

Herndon: I feel like we all talk to each other. It’s a good vibe. It’s a really good culture. I think we all get along. I talked to them pretty quick. It didn’t take me long to start to find my footing.

Q: What are some of your favorite spots on or off campus? 

Herndon: This is my first time at Samford Lawm. I kind of got lost coming here. This is my first time here. It’s actually really pretty. I might need to come here more often. It’s the prettiest place I’ve been on campus.

Q: What's your major? Where do you see yourself after your time at Auburn?  

Herndon: I switched to exercise science this semester. My plan with that is to go to physical therapy school. That’s the dream.

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

Herndon: On the field, determined. I feel like I keep a level head, and I don’t really get too far up or down. I try to stay focused. Off the field, I’m a little goofy. When you get to know me, I start to get a little funny.

Q: Have you experience any culture shocks since transferring to Auburn? 

Herndon: At lost of my teammates at my previous school were from the West Coast. It was a little but different. Auburn is a littre more my speed. A lot of girls are from the South. It feels more like what I’ve been around my whole life and grew up with.

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

Herndon: Making it to the World Series with Ole Miss. Even though I was redshirtting, it was still really cool to be a part of that experience. 

Q: What is your jersey number? Does it have any special meaning to you? 

Herndon: I wear 41. I grew up wearing 14, but I swotched it around to mix it up. 

Q: What is your favorite pregame hype song?

Herndon: Live You Life by Rihanna 

Q: Do you have any pregame superstitions or riutals? 

Herndon: I always wear the same sliding shorts under my pants, even if we play back-to-back days. I’ll wash them the night after the first game.

Q: What is your favorite postgame meal? 

Herndon: A steak would be amazing after a game.

Q: What was your dream job as a child? 

Herndon: When I was around 10 or 12, I wanted to be a lawyer before I switched to a physical therapist I went into college with an accounting major, and now I’m back to PT.

Q: What is your main goal for the season? 

Herndon: I haven’t thought about that a lot right now. I just want to help the team in any way I can, especially being a pitcher. I want to provide for my team and help them win.

Q: What are you most looking forward about playing at Jane B. Moore Field? 

Herndon: Definitely hearing the eagle above the scoreboard. I keep looking at it every day at practice. I really want to hear it.

Q: Any last messages for the Auburn Family? 

Herndon: I’m really happy to be here on the Plains, and I’m excited to get the season started.