Photo by: Eric Evans Photography
Season Update: Mary Iakopo
04/17/18 | Softball
Halfway through the Pac-12 schedule, we're checking in with each of our freshmen for a Q&A. First up is catcher Mary Iakopo.
Q: How are classes at U of O going so far?
A: I'd say pretty well. I think the Jaqua really helps us, having eight hours of tutoring I get my stuff done.
Q: Do you have a favorite class?
A: I really like math. That's what I'm good at.
Q: What's your favorite part about living in Eugene?
A: I think the four seasons. I'm from Southern California and the sun is great. Being able to see all four seasons here is pretty great too.
Q: What's your favorite food spot?
A: Me and a couple of the other freshmen go to Mod Pizza all the time.
Q: What's your favorite place to unwind?
A: I'd say at the Jaqua. Not necessarily in a tutoring session, just by myself.
Q: What was your 'welcome to college softball' moment?
A: I think our conditioning test was a big eye-opener. It was like, 'this is how you get in or how you get out,' so you have to pass it. It was a big eye-opener.
Q: What has been the biggest change between high school/club softball and college?
A: Everyone is good. There isn't just one school that is good. Every team you face is out to get you and can beat you. Everyone is so talented and the level of intensity is really high.
Q: Who would you say you're closest to on the team?
A: I'd say we're close as a team as a whole. My two best friends are in my class, but I definitely have a lot of friends that are older girls that I can lean on if I need to.
Q: Is there anyone on the team you look up to?
A: Gwen Svekis. She's my idol. I look up to her. I'm glad I got one year to play with her. I have so much I can learn from her this one year we get together.
Q: What has been your favorite game or series?
A: I think, obviously, the Arizona series because we swept them. But the struggle in the UCLA one that we faced in the first game and coming back and winning the last two was definitely my favorite part.
Q: What is something you're looking forward to the rest of the season?
A: Getting closer to the postseason. Trying to find our way to OKC is definitely something I look forward to.
Q: Where do you think you've improved the most since you started playing for the Ducks?
A: I think my mentality going up to the plate. Obviously it's my freshman year, so I'm going to struggle a little bit, but I think I haven't been too hard on myself. I can bounce back in the box or, if I'm not doing so well on the offensive side, I can at least do my part on defense.
Q: What is it like playing at the Jane?
A: It's amazing. I love the intensity of the crowd. It's so fun that everybody comes. Even when it's raining we still have people out there. I think that's the best part.
Q: How are classes at U of O going so far?
A: I'd say pretty well. I think the Jaqua really helps us, having eight hours of tutoring I get my stuff done.
Q: Do you have a favorite class?
A: I really like math. That's what I'm good at.
Q: What's your favorite part about living in Eugene?
A: I think the four seasons. I'm from Southern California and the sun is great. Being able to see all four seasons here is pretty great too.
Q: What's your favorite food spot?
A: Me and a couple of the other freshmen go to Mod Pizza all the time.
Q: What's your favorite place to unwind?
A: I'd say at the Jaqua. Not necessarily in a tutoring session, just by myself.
Q: What was your 'welcome to college softball' moment?
A: I think our conditioning test was a big eye-opener. It was like, 'this is how you get in or how you get out,' so you have to pass it. It was a big eye-opener.
Q: What has been the biggest change between high school/club softball and college?
A: Everyone is good. There isn't just one school that is good. Every team you face is out to get you and can beat you. Everyone is so talented and the level of intensity is really high.
Q: Who would you say you're closest to on the team?
A: I'd say we're close as a team as a whole. My two best friends are in my class, but I definitely have a lot of friends that are older girls that I can lean on if I need to.
Q: Is there anyone on the team you look up to?
A: Gwen Svekis. She's my idol. I look up to her. I'm glad I got one year to play with her. I have so much I can learn from her this one year we get together.
Q: What has been your favorite game or series?
A: I think, obviously, the Arizona series because we swept them. But the struggle in the UCLA one that we faced in the first game and coming back and winning the last two was definitely my favorite part.
Q: What is something you're looking forward to the rest of the season?
A: Getting closer to the postseason. Trying to find our way to OKC is definitely something I look forward to.
Q: Where do you think you've improved the most since you started playing for the Ducks?
A: I think my mentality going up to the plate. Obviously it's my freshman year, so I'm going to struggle a little bit, but I think I haven't been too hard on myself. I can bounce back in the box or, if I'm not doing so well on the offensive side, I can at least do my part on defense.
Q: What is it like playing at the Jane?
A: It's amazing. I love the intensity of the crowd. It's so fun that everybody comes. Even when it's raining we still have people out there. I think that's the best part.
Players Mentioned
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