WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In the final three 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 freshman outfielder Maya Hughes. Hughes was a three-time team Offensive Player of the Year and two-time team MVP on her Jack City college prospect team, on which she played in leiu of her high school team her final three seasons. For her Jack City career, the Nolensville, Tenn., native posted 114 stolen bases, 11 inside-the-park home runs and 14 triples. Hughes also competed in track and field for Oakland High School and was a state qualifier in the 100 meters and as a member of the 4x100 relay.
Learn a little more about Maya here.
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Dream vacation: Fiji or Italy
Coolest place I've ever been: Disney World
Person I look up to most: My momma
Best feeling (Defense): Making a diving catch
Best Feeling (Hitting): Hitting my holes when slapping or laying down a perfect bunt in the dead zone/meeting spot
Three words that describe me: perfectionist, scrappy (fighter), committed
One word to describe my game: EXPLOSIVE
Team I am most excited to play in 2015: UCLA
Most memorable sports moment with Purdue Softball: Passing my first 300 shuttle conditioning test
Most memorable sports moment prior to Purdue: Hitting my first slap home run
Pregame ritual: Talk to my parents, pray, take some deep breaths and clear my mind of anything but what is happening at that moment.
Celebrity crush: Shemar Moore
Best non-athletic talent: Baking/cooking
Dream job: School psychologist
Song I have to listen to before a game: Work by A$AP Ferg
Favorite things
Favorite spot on campus: Mackey
Favorite food from the dining hall: mashed potatoes
Favorite tradition at Purdue: Fountain Run
Favorite sweet treat: oreo balls
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite sport besides softball: basketball
Favorite sports team: Purdue softball
Favorite Athlete: Michelle Moultry
Favorite TV show: Scandal
Favorite Movie: White Chicks
Favorite Sports Movie: When The Game Stands Tall
Favorite Book: The Fault in Our Stars
Favorite Musical Artist/Group: Chris Brown