WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After a year away, the hometown girl has returned home. The 2015 Journal and Courier Big School Player of the Year, pitcher/first baseman Kaitlynn Moody opted to take her talents south to Indianapolis to begin her college career. When her head coach Amanda Rivera-Eberhart came to Purdue as an assistant coach last summer, the talented Moody opted to come along.
"Moody transferred from IUPUI this season and we are very happy that she did," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She has emerged as one of the best leaders on the team. She is vocal, will have the tough conversations when necessary, and truly wants what is best for the team. She will compete on the mound, at first base, and at DP. On the mound, she throws to all of the quadrants and has a nasty change up. At the plate, she can compete with any pitcher. She has great strike zone awareness and a lot of power. It is fun to see Moody really dig in and compete."
At IUPUI, Moody garnered NFCA All-Central Region second team honors after seeing acting in 42 games with 37 starts at pitcher, first base and designated player. In 29 appearances in the circle, she posted a 5-10 record with 89 strikeouts in 90 innings. At the plate, she batted .290 with five doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI. She also drew 20 walks and boasted a .416 on-base percentage. She calls her game aggressive and says her favorite things about pitching are getting strikeouts and being able to set the tone of the game. At the plate, she says the best thing is getting into the pitcher's head and making her scared to throw to you. Understandably so.
She credits her father for shaping her into the person and athlete she is today and marks her most memorable sports moment as being able to play softball for two years with her younger sister in high school.
This outgoing, hilarious and gritty player is full of surprises. She has visited Taiwan, can make a pterodactyl noise and calls herself a pro-napper. Learn more about Kaitlynn below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
Dogs or cats: dogs
Cooking or eating: eating
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: big city
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: Taiwan
Place I dream of visiting someday: Bora Bora
Person I look up to most & why: My father because he has shaped me into the person/athlete I am today.
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Turning a double play.
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Getting into the pitcher's head and making her scared to throw to you.
Best Feeling in the circle (pitching): dominating a team
Favorite thing about my position: getting strikeouts, being able to set the tone of the game.
Three words that describe me: outgoing, hilarious, gritty
One word to describe my game: aggressive
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: Minnesota
My most memorable sports moment: being able to play softball for two years with my younger sister in high school.
Celebrity crush: Ryan Reynolds
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Melissa McCarthy
Person I would like to have dinner with: Ellen DeGeneres
Best non-athletic talent: I am a pro napper.
My stupid human trick is: Being able to make a pterodactyl noise
Dream job: Being a coach at the D1 level
Song I have to listen to before a game: Walk It Out by Unk
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium): The amazing field that our wonderful field crew works tirelessly to perfect and make sure it's always ready for us.
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: Nebraska
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: My dad
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: Hershey Kisses
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sport besides softball: baseball
Favorite sports team: New York Yankees
Favorite Athlete: Derek Jeter
Favorite TV show: Scandal
Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite Book: Fault in Our Stars
Favorite Musical Artist: Drake
Favorite type of pizza: Hawaiian
Favorite Actor & Actress: Kevin Hart and Melissa McCarthy
Favorite Food: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite place on campus: Union
Favorite city: Orlando
Favorite outdoor activity: camping
Favorite animal/furry friend: White Lions
Favorite class at Purdue: ASL
Favorite Purdue professor: Robin Shay