KUTZTOWN, Pa. – During the spring semester, Kutztown University will feature a variety of student-athletes in order to get an inside look on their everyday lives. Articles will not only focus on their athletic performance, but what they do outside of competition. This week’s feature is senior Bridget Newman from the softball team.
Newman is a team player and enjoys being around her teammates. She prides herself on bringing her teammates together and being a key communicator both on and off the field.
When you were a senior in HS what led you to KU to continue your athletic and academic career?
“I was playing travel softball and I got recruited by a bunch of different schools. I basically knew a state school was where I wanted to go. I visited most of them, but I think Kutztown really stuck out the most because of the environment and the town. I also met all of the girls on the team and thought they were really funny.”
What is your major? What do you see yourself doing when you graduate?
Newman majors in communication studies and has a minor in public relations. Although she doesn’t have a set job that she would like to do after graduation, she plans to apply to a variety of different places. Ultimately, she could see herself working for a sports team. She is a hockey fan, and her dream job would be to work for the Philadelphia Flyers.
What is one way your team has bonded throughout this season?
“At the beginning of the year we do our best to get the freshmen involved and try to do a bunch of different things. For spring break, we go to Florida and we usually have a day off and try to go to downtown Disney together.”
Who is your biggest supporter/inspiration in your career?
“My parents are definitely my biggest supporters they try to come to every game. It’s pretty crazy, they will travel just about anywhere. They traveled to Florida this year.”
How do you prepare in the offseason?
“I work a lot more on my hitting because I feel as if that is something that is really easy to slip away. I also play in summer leagues once or twice a week in my hometown.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
Like most athletes here at KU, Newman has a pretty set schedule. She wakes up and lifting is usually her first activity of the day. From there she goes to class and then straight to practice. After practice is over, she participates in study hall.
How have you been an asset to this team?
“I feel like I really help bring everyone together, definitely with communicating on the field, I’ll talk a lot. I also try to make everyone feel calm, I joke around a lot.”
Is anyone in your family a softball player/previously played softball?
“I have an older sister that is eight years older than me, so I basically grew up around softball because she played on a travel team. My parents also coach. My dad coached the travel team that I was on; he coached the older team, and I when I got older he was my coach.”
What is the best thing about being an athlete?
“At KU, the best thing is that you are always with people and you have a set of friends that you are automatically with all the time.”
What goals did the team have coming into the season?
“Our main goal is always to win the national title. But we try to make each goal as we go. We take one game at a time, we’re not really too worried about the future or what other teams are doing, we’re focused on ourselves.”
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