Leading Off With Carrie Monroe

AMES, Iowa - Each week Cyclones.com will bring you inside the Iowa State softball program by asking at least five questions to one member of the team. This week's featured student-athlete is Carrie Monroe, a freshman from Austin, Texas. Monroe has started the last 21 games at shortstop and is hitting .250 in Big 12 play.

Cyclones.com: When you were looking at schools what made you choose Iowa State? When did you realize that Iowa State was where you wanted to further your education and continue your playing career?

Monroe: There are a lot of great things about Iowa State, but the coaching staff played a huge role in my decision to come. They are all so genuine and I knew they were the kind of coaches I wanted to play for. Also, my parents felt really comfortable sending me up here even with it being so far from home.

I remember the moment I decided I wanted to spend the next four years in Ames. I was on my visit, sitting in the stands with (teammate) Rachel (Zabriskie), watching the softball team play. I glanced up and saw the banners on the outfield fence with the names of the other Big 12 teams and I realized I wanted to play against them as a Cyclone.

Cyclones.com: You had a successful high school career at Westwood High School in Austin. What has been the highlight of your playing career to date?

Monroe: The highlight of my softball career so far is winning district my senior year. We had a great team, a great coach and a great season. I definitely couldn't have asked for a better way to end my career at Westwood.

Cyclones.com: You are among three players from Austin on the ISU roster. Had you ever played against either Jacquelyn or Rachel and if so any special memories from facing them or any of your other teammates?

Monroe: I have never played against Jack but I've played sports against Rachel since seventh grade. I have a couple of special memories of competing against Rachel. My favorite would have to be from eighth grade volleyball when my team beat her team to win district and ruin their undefeated record. We joke about it every once in awhile but I think she is still a little bitter about it.

Cyclones.com: What has been the most difficult aspect of playing college ball to this point?

Monroe: The most difficult part of playing college ball would have to be all the traveling. It's totally different than any kind of traveling I've ever done. As soon as we started playing games we were on the road four days out of the week and it can be difficult to keep up with school work and keep up with your sleep. I remember one night we didn't get home until 4:30 a.m. and I had an eight o'clock class.

Cyclones.com: In the first at bat of your career you tripled against UW-Green Bay. Were you surprised to be standing on third after your first collegiate at bat?

Monroe: Actually I wasn't surprised at all. I led off that inning and as Coach G was walking past me to her spot at third base, she said 'See you at third,' or something along those lines. The next thing I remember is standing right there next to her. I think she knew I would get there but she probably didn't expect it to happen that quickly.

Cyclones.com: You have started the last 21 games at shortstop. What is the best part of playing short? Would you rather turn a 6-4-3 double play to seal a win or get a game winning single?

Monroe: The best part of playing shortstop is the opportunity to steal a base hit from someone. There is a lot of ground to cover out there but there's nothing better than grabbing a blooper in the 5-6 hole.

That second question is tough. I think as long as we are getting a win I'd be happy but if I had to choose I'd probably pick the 6-4-3 double play because they are pretty rare in softball.

Cyclones.com: You are a kinesiology major. What are your career aspirations for after college?

Monroe: I hope to either coach softball or work as a strength and conditioning coach. I have the opportunity to volunteer coach and volunteer at a strength camp this summer so hopefully I will have a better idea of what I want to do next year.

Players Mentioned

Carrie Monroe

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