By, Sara Vierra '15

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara University's Ashley Haney is a rising sophomore on the Broncos softball team, and looks to build on a solid freshman season. Playing second base and hitting at .300 through the first month of the season, Haney started in 13 games during the 2012 campaign. Haney (AH) sat down with the Santa Clara Broncos (SCU) and gave us some insight on her first season with the Broncos and how she is spending her time off while still preparing for the season to come.

SCU: How would you describe your first-year experience at SCU? Both academically and athletically.

AH: My first year at SCU has made me even more excited for what is ahead. Being on a team really helped my transition, both on the field and in the classroom. My first year has proved that SCU is the place for me, both in academics and athletics.

SCU: What are your goals for next season?

AH: I would like to see us gain some big wins in conference and present ourselves as a contender for a title. I believe we have a lot to show our competition and that next season will be very promising for us.

SCU: Do you think that rooming with a teammate made your experience easier?

AH: Yes, having a roommate who was experiencing the same things as a freshman student-athlete definitely made my experience easier. We both learned what it would take to be a student and an athlete at SCU. It also made getting up for weights a little easier!

SCU: If not, how are you preparing and keeping in shape for the upcoming year?

AH: I have been focusing on our summer work out packets and taking a lot of reps on the field. I really want to fine-tune everything before going back, both with my glove and my bat.

SCU: Considering the importance of your physical health throughout the year so that you can remain injury free, did you have to hold off on participating in your other hobbies such as motocross and snowboarding?

AH: Softball has definitely put a hold on my other hobbies. Since committing to SCU I haven't really participated in my other hobbies the way I had before. My time at SCU as a softball player is very important to me and I wouldn't want to jeopardize it with a preventable injury, so unfortunately I've had to put away my snowboard and dirt bike for the next few years.

SCU: Are you excited for school to start up again in the fall?

AH: I am very excited for school to start up.  SCU has been the perfect fit for me. I can't wait to get back with my teammates to start preparing for our upcoming season on our new field!