Jan. 7, 2013

Softball Countdown: Brittanee Grove

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• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

In our countdown to the start of the 2013 softball season, we will feature all 24 Hawkeyes over the next month.

Brittanee Grove is a junior from Indianola, Iowa. Brittanee is a triplet, along with UI teammates Malloree and Steviee. She transferred to Iowa after playing her freshman season at Creighton in 2011. Brittanee appeared in four games a year ago. She recorded her first hit as a Hawkeye in a pinch-hitting role in the 26-5 victory over Iowa State on Feb. 18

Iowa opens the season Feb. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and UT Arlington at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic.

What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
"I wanted to play softball with both of my sisters and we all thought, `what better place to go than Iowa, which is close to home.'"

Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
"My favorite number is 25 and since there is not a 25 jersey, 24 is the closest. Besides, who wouldn't want to wear the same number as the Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera?"

How is your academic path coming along?
"I am on the path to be a fourth grade teacher with a specialization in reading and a minor in acting."

Most influential persons in your life?
"My mom and dad."

First softball memory?
"Playing first base for the Altoona Rams."

Favorite kind of candy?
"Sour Skittles."

Do you have any hobbies?
"Reading, watching movies, hanging out with my sisters and friends, and playing basketball."

Favorite professional athlete?
"Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander."

If you were cast on a reality TV show, which one would you prefer to be on and why?
"Yard Crashers. It is on the HGTV channel. I love designing landscapes and building and constructing things, with the help of my dad of course!"

Favorite place to be on campus?
"Sitting on the benches outside the Old Capitol."

What is your favorite movie?
"Taken, and She's the Man."

Most prized possession?
"Besides my phone and iPod, my pink Carhartt."

What is your favorite food/meal?
"Crab legs and bread and butter."

Do you have any superstitions, on or off the playing field?
"Before I get done warming up, I end with a perfect change-up, and when I am completely done with warm-ups, the ball can't touch the ground until I have to use it to warm up again. I have to pray during the national anthem."

What is one word that describes you?
"Passionate."