The university softball team started their 2019 fall season on Sept. 13 with an 18-3 victory over Baton Rouge Community College.

A familiar Lady Lion, who played in the exhibition game, was senior pitcher Alley McDonald. McDonald, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was recruited by Rick Fremin, head coach of softball, in 2017 to play for the university.

The 2019 All-Southland Conference Second Team pitcher shared how old she was when she started playing the sport and who taught her how to play.

“I started playing softball at the age of 4, so I have been playing for 17 years,” shared McDonald. “They taught me most of what I know. They would always practice with me out in the backyard and taught me how to pitch. I really liked it, so I stuck with it and grew to love the sport.”

McDonald shared one of her earliest memories while playing Dixie-Youth Softball.

“It was a really great experience to play in the Dixie-Youth World Series,” commented McDonald. “I threw a complete game shutout at the age of 13, and I will never forget that.”

McDonald is one of 28 players on the softball team. On the roster, she shared that she is closest to Ali McCoy, a senior utility player, Ella Manzer, a junior catcher, and Cameron Beal, a junior infielder.

The Nashville native shared that her favorite aspect of the sport is hanging out with teammates and coaches every day.

“It is pretty cool getting to hang out with 25 of your closest friends day in and day out,” explained McDonald. “I get to see them and talk about what’s going on in school and outside of school every day. They are there for you when you need them the most. There’s not much more you can ask for with teammates. Playing softball gives you an interesting perspective that you’re a part of something bigger. You play for the university, you play for your teammates, and you are not just playing for yourself. You are representing more than just yourself as a student-athlete.”

With the softball season ending in mid-May, McDonald likes to spend the offseason with her family.

Her mentality is what helps her prepare for the regular season.

“I just think of where I want to be mentally and physically,” stated McDonald. “After I think of where I want to be and how I want to play, I go from there.”

Upon graduation, McDonald plans to move to Texas to be a chiropractor.