In the Locker Room with Katie Baldonieri, Kristine Kuchta, and Kristen Dix
The softball team has made history this season. Led by new coaches and a small senior class, the Yeowomen have fought their way to a 14–26 record (4–12 within the North Coast Athletic Conference) and a season batting average of .300 — the best in program history. This week, the Review sat down with softball seniors Katie Baldonieri, Kristen Dix and Kristine Kuchta to discuss sports, lasagna dinners, dancing to Lady Gaga and everything in between.
May 4, 2012
What was the best moment during your senior seasons?
Kristen Dix: Beating Wittenberg [University]. We knocked them out of contention for the [NCAC] tourney on their Senior Day.
Kristine Kuchta: Yeah, they pretty much all cried. It was awesome.
What changes have you experienced in the program since your first year?
Katie Baldonieri: The makeup of the team has changed for sure. We are the first class to have been actively recruited. Since our arrival, the program has become much more serious.
KD: Definitely true.
What do you see for the future of this team?
KK: More good things in the years to come.
KD: It’s only going to get better.
KB: If we get good freshman classes consistently, we really have a shot at continuing to be more competitive in conference.
What do you enjoy doing off the field?
KD: I like to chill out on Wilder porch when it is nice out.
So that isn’t that often?
KD: [Laughs.] No. [It] happened today, though, so it’s fresh in my memory. I guess going to different concerts and things on campus fills my time as well.
KB: I like to cook and eat, and I love watching TV and movies.
What is your favorite thing to cook?
KB: Lasagna. I like to cook for the team. It happens pretty frequently.
How about you, Kristine?
KK: I like to take a nice walk or bike ride around campus; that’s all I got.
KB: [Laughs.] We are pretty boring people.
If you could play any sport other than softball, what would it be?
KD: I’d play tennis.
KB: I would probably play… maybe basketball? [Laughs.] If I was taller.
KK: I would run track as a sprinter. I did that when I was in middle school. I was pretty awesome at it.
If you guys had to give each other a superlative, what would it be?
KD: “Best Mom” for Katie.
KB: Kristen would be “Most Likely to Slip on Home Plate.” [Laughs.] She did it twice in one game.
KD: [Laughs.] True. It’s on video.
KB: Kristine [would] definitely [be] “Best Dancer,” especially to Lady Gaga.
To end on a serious note: ice cream or sorbet?
KD: Ice cream.
KB: Chocolate ice cream.
KK: Chocolate ice cream also.
