Leading Off With Michelle Dettmer

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 Michelle Dettmer, a sophomore from Waterloo, Iowa. Dettmer has played in 33 games and is hitting .246 on the season.

Cyclones.com: You came to Iowa State and didn't play softball your freshman year. During your second year at Iowa State you walked onto the team and were a squad member but did not play. This season you have seen action in 33 games, starting 20 of them. What made you decide to walk onto the team and has the experience been everything you thought it would?

Dettmer: I walked on because I missed softball, the team atmosphere and I knew I could do it. I wanted to challenge myself. Being on an athletic team is a feeling you can't find anywhere else.

The experience has been quite the journey to remember. The summer before I tried out I practiced almost everyday and when the try-outs came around I knew I was ready. From the first day I knew I would be able to compete and I told the coach from day one I would work my way up. The more I worked, the more I could see myself playing and I wanted it really bad.

It was tough not traveling last year and this year I came out driven to play. Overall, I have gotten all that I expected: the hard work, the team atmosphere, the fun, late nights and early mornings. It's been an experience I will cherish.

Cyclones.com: Against Wichita State you hit the first home run of your career, either high school or college. What do you remember about that at bat and were you surprised to see it go out?

Dettmer: Well I definitly did not expect it to go out. Coach had me slug for the first time during that at bat to see the ball a little better. Well if that wasn't coaching I don't know what is. I think it was the second pitch and bam I just hit it. I knew I hit it hard, but she was a good pitcher so when I saw it fall over center field fence, I just keep saying 'what?' in my mind. That was a good one!

Cyclones.com: What is your favorite thing about softball? Why?

Dettmer: I love diving for fly balls. Outfeild is so much fun. I could take fly balls all day. Of course, I love the team atmosphere and being able to call them all friends but making a tough diving catch is the best feeling.

Cyclones.com: Do you have any superstitions when it comes to softball?

Dettmer: Not so much a superstition but I just don't like to ever step on the chalk lines. Before the game, during the games, when I walk into the batters box. It's just a no-no for me.

Cyclones.com: Which teammate is your favorite to watch play? Why?

Dettmer: Hmmm. That's tough. I would have to say Ariel (Coburn). She makes all the plays look easy and when she is up to bat there's a good chance she's gonna hit it and hit it hard. There's something about her that makes it all look effortless and like she's only reacting to the ball, not thinking. That's a gift.