Crystal Gonzalez Q&A

How have you enjoyed your time at <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska so far and how are practices going for you? <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

"I’m having a blast here at UNL!  The atmosphere and the people here are all about their Huskers.  I have the best academic resources available to me, as well as the best facilities around.  I couldn’t ask for more.   Practices are going well, I’m learning a lot of new things, improving on my skills and taking in as much as I can. I love being out there on the field, I get to do what I love to do everyday, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

 

How excited are you for the upcoming season and is there any trip that you are really looking forward to?

"I’m pumped for this season - just thinking about it puts a smile on my face every time. One of the trips that I am looking forward to is definitely the Hawaii tournament. I’ve never been to Hawaii so just going there is pretty cool. Also it will be our first games to open up the season to show everyone all the hard work the Huskers have put in and show them what we are made of.   Husker Power."

 

What are your personal expectations and goals for the upcoming season?

"One of my goals for this upcoming season is to be consistent offensively by getting on base, moving runners and being a smart hitter.  I’m looking to make every play I possibly can and lay it out on the line.  I will continue to work and get better everyday."

 

How has the senior class, particularly fellow Californians Devin Porter and Jamie Waldecker, helped you make the adjustment to Nebraska?

"They have been a big help, they are like two older sisters that I don’t have.   They took me under their wing and made me feel comfortable.  They would tell me just to be myself and not to worry what other people think.  I knew that I could confide in them knowing that they have already gone through being away from home so it was really nice to have them around."

 

How has adjusting to the winter weather gone for you?

"Well ,I pretty much love snow except the wind makes it so much colder. So it hasn’t been too bad for me as long as I’m bundled up."

 

How do you see your role on the team this season?

"I want to come in and contribute to my teammates both offensively and defensively. I see myself as being a table setter being able to put the ball in play and keeping my opponents on their toes by making them try to get me out.  I want to make big plays in the outfields and help my teammates win."

 

Without having played a regular-season game yet, what would you say has been your toughest adjustment to competing at the Division I level?  

Coming from California there isn’t too much difference, except the hitters being a lot stronger and having to learn new signs and play." 

 

What made you choose Nebraska?

"This is the question I get asked the most since I’m from California people always wonder why I would leave the sun for snow.  I choose Nebraska because I knew since I was about 12 that I wanted to go to college away from California and experience a new culture and new people.  I’ve always heard great things about Nebraska and now that I’m here it was all true, I love it here.  They have the best academics around as well as great tradition. Hands down the best facilities and the atmosphere here is just awesome.  I wanted a small college town but not too small and Nebraska has that.  We have the greatest fans that support everyone and you can forget about the snow what more could you want? I love the snow, I actually snow board back at home and I prefer the mountains over the beach any day.  I choose Nebraska because it was the best fit for me and I’m glad that I can be apart of something great."

 

As a freshman, how has the adjustment to living away from home and balancing school and softball gone for you thus far? 

"So far I haven’t missed home too much since I’m used to traveling a lot and alone for the most part.  It is a big difference from going to a loud crazy house with all my siblings and parents to having me and my roommate in a quiet room or at least when we are in it.  I’ve always had to balance school and softball that’s why we are student-athletes.  School work is very important so I like to look at it as get your school work done first then you can go and play."  

 

What do you think fans can expect to see out of this team this season?

"We have been working really hard during our off season gearing up for our season to start and you are going to be seeing some great things happening with us.  All I can say is be on the look out for us to be heading to the Women’s College World Series, so pack you bags and get ready because Oklahoma here we come."

 

What is the thing you enjoy most about being a Husker?

"Knowing that you get to be apart of a great tradition of being able to play for Nebraska.  I also enjoy being apart of my new softball family - my teammates are like my sisters and the coaches are just amazing.  I love being here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Husker Power all the way!"

 

When you’re not playing softball, what types of things do you enjoy doing?

"Well for one I love going to the movies. I think it’s fun to get away from reality for a good 2 hours - your mind can always use a little break.  I also enjoy relaxing in my bed or in my comfortable chair watching TV with some good old friends because you can never have too many friends.  I love playing freeze dance with all my brothers and sisters, it’s so funny to watch them dance.  The best thing is just spending time with my family cooking together."

 

You’ve been a part of national championships with your summer teams. How do you think that will help you make an impact as a freshman with this team?

"In California you get to play against some of the best competition out there. We had to work hard and put a lot of sweat and sacrifices to become number 1.  I know Nebraska has great tradition about wining and winning big.  We look to strive to be the best and to be number 1 by working hard and giving everything we have.  I know what it feels like to be on a national championship team and what it took to get there.  I will continue to work and become better and bring the same attitude I always bring when I come to play and that is to win."