WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In the final 14 days before opening day, we invite you to learn a little more about the 2015 Boilermaker softball team, including fun facts and a few of their favorite things.
Today, we introduce senior infielder Ashley Burkhardt. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native has been a mainstay on the field throughout her career, playing in 158 games and starting 155, mostly at first or second base. The two-time All-Region selection has posted a career .317 average, including a .346 mark with 10 home runs and a team-best 43 RBI in 2014 en route to first team All-Big Ten honors.
Learn a little more about Ashley here.
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Dream vacation: Australia
Coolest place I've ever been: Boulder, Colo.
Person I look up to most: My dad
Best feeling (Defense): Diving and catching balls
Best Feeling (Hitting): Blasting a home run
Three words that describe me: driven, social and patient
One word to describe my game: Fun
Team I am most excited to play in 2015: Northwestern
Most memorable sports moment with Purdue Softball: Beating No. 4 Michigan last year
Most memorable sports moment prior to Purdue: My first home run, which was a walk-off grand slam. The umpire gave me his cool umpiring coin when I crossed home plate.
Pregame ritual: Put on eye black
Celebrity crush: Tom Hiddleston
Best non-athletic talent: Braiding hair
Dream job: ESPN anchor
Song I have to listen to before a game: Renegade by Kevin Olusola (Pentatonix)
Favorite things
Favorite spot on campus: Greyhouse
Favorite food from the dining hall: skillets from Wiley Dining Hall
Favorite tradition at Purdue: Jumping over the train tracks during BGR
Favorite sweet treat: sour gummy worms
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sport besides softball: basketball
Favorite sports team: Miami Heat
Favorite athlete: Caitlin Lowe
Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings (all of them)
Favorite sports movie: Hoosiers
Favorite book: Mind Gym
Favorite Musical Artist/Group: Carrie Underwood