Jan. 22, 2013

Softball Countdown: Micaela Whitney

• Read the January issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
  
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPad/iPhone app!
  
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
  
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
  
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

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

Micaela Whitney is a freshman from Omaha, Neb. The former Papillion-La Vista South High School standout wears No. 3 for the Hawkeyes.

The pitcher was a Nebraska Coaches Association All Star first team and Nebraska All-State Class A selection as a senior. Whitney was also a second team super state honoree after going 20-9 with a 1.42 ERA over 182.2 innings pitched, while posting 217 strikeouts and allowing 69 runs. She was a two-time all-metro conference first team and all-district first team selection. Whitney was a Class A all-state second team selection as a junior and an honorable mention all-district honoree as a sophomore. She led her high school team to two district championships and two state tournament appearances (2010, 2011) and a 2010 Metro title.

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

What is your most memorable softball memory?
"My first time pitching for Papio South (my high school) was the first game of the season against our rival and we had a record-setting crowd. I was on my last warm-up pitch when I tripped over the rubber sprinkler cover and fell in front of about 500 people."

What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
"The atmosphere and fan following really stood out to me when I took my official visit. Plus, I look really good in Black and Gold."

Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
"I prefer single digit numbers and three was the last one left, but I do have dibs on No. 5 for my junior year."

What is your first softball memory?
"Hitting a grand slam on my birthday in front of my entire family with my dad coaching third base."

What is your favorite kind of candy?
"Pull n' Peel Twizzlers!"

Do you have any hobbies?
"I love playing Xbox and making pottery."

Who are your favorite professional athletes?
"The entire 2005 Minnesota Twins roster."

What did you want to grow-up to be when you were a kid?
"I always wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer -- a lot has changed since then!"

What is your favorite place to be on campus?
"The lawn of the Pentacrest because I can nap between classes and it is normal because there is always someone else doing it too."

What is your favorite movie?
"Facing the Giants, Miracle, and Pitch Perfect!"

What is your most prized possession?
"The miniature clocks my grandparents gave me."

What is your favorite food/meal?
"Steak and apple crisp!"

Do you have any superstitions, on or off the playing field?
"I have to wear my batting glove underneath my glove even though I'm a pitcher."

What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
"Does Molly's Cupcakes count?"

What would be your ideal career?
"Children's psychologist."

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