WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In the final six 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 sophomore shortstop Kristen Hoppman. The Sun Prairie, Wis., native played in 47 games in 2014, starting 36 at shortstop, three at third base and one as the designated player. She batted .206 with two doubles, a triple and a home run. Hoppman also scored 10 runs and drove in five RBI.
Learn a little more about Kristen here.
Sweet or salty: Salty
Dream vacation: Australia or New Zealand
Coolest place I've ever been: The Mayan Ruins or my family's road trip to Montana
Person I look up to most: Not many people know about her, but I really look up to a Youtube makeup artist named Jaclyn Hill. She not only does amazing makeup, but she talks about her life and how she lives it. She inspires me to live confidently and to not care about what other people do or think.
Best feeling (Defense): I love the feeling of being able to throw a runner out from the outfield. When you field the ball on the ground and look up to see the runner rounding third, knowing you have her dead at the plate.
Best Feeling (Hitting): The feeling of hitting a base hit to score a teammate on second fires me up!
Three words that describe me: goofy, determined, loyal
One word to describe my game: competitive/intense
Team I am most excited to play in 2015: Wisconsin. They won't get the sweep this year.
Most memorable sports moment with Purdue Softball: Getting my first collegiate hit against No. 13 at the time, Louisiana Lafayette. I couldn't tell you how nervous I was, but also how excited and grateful I was to be on the field.
Most memorable sports moment prior to Purdue: When my summer team was at Nationals in Alabama, we played our way through the losers' bracket, playing five games in one day. That same night, we played a team that was insanely good; knowing we were very tired from the day, we wanted to end our season having fun. We were laughing and messing around the whole game and almost beat them. It is a memory that our team laughs about every time we get together.
Pregame ritual: I can honestly say I do not have a pregame ritual. I find that having a ritual throws me off of what really matters in the game and takes the concentration away from my intensity.
Celebrity crush: Matthew McConaughey
Best non-athletic talent: I can draw, using chalk and pastels. I used to draw more than I do now because I had more time, but it definitely something I want to pick back up again.
Dream job: I would love to be a Big Ten athletic director
Song I have to listen to before a game: This varies as the years pass, because of new songs coming out all the time. If I had to pick one now, it would be Wild for the Night by A$AP Rocky.
Favorite things
Favorite spot on campus: The Engineering Fountain in the fall
Favorite food from the dining hall: I love the desserts they make.
Favorite tradition at Purdue: The fountain runs. Students run from fountain to fountain on campus when it is hot or when finals are done for example.
Favorite sweet treat: I love cheesecake.
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite sport besides softball: Hockey
Favorite sports team: Packers. Go Pack Go!
Favorite Athlete: Clay Mathews
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Movie: There are so many good movies. A couple of my favorites are Gran Torino, Finding Nemo, Just Go With It and Maleficent
Favorite Sports Movie: Miracle
Favorite Book: So Be It
Favorite Musical Artist/Group: Jake Owen