Blue Devil Softball Q&A: Ashleigh Rodriguez

DURHAM, N.C. - While Team One prepares for the inaugural season of Duke softball in February, get to know your Blue Devils with our player Q&A feature here on GoDuke.com. We continue the series with freshman infielder/outfielder Ashleigh Rodriguez.

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No. 13 Ashleigh Rodriguez
Infielder/Outfielder
5-6 • Fr. • HS
Las Vegas, Nev. (Liberty HS)

Favorite Moment At Duke So Far?
"Signing autographs after our first game for 30-plus minutes. Looking at all the little girls that want to grow up playing a game I love. I was in their shoes not too long ago. It's a really good and humbling feeling to reflect on the fact that other people would give anything to be in my shoes."

What's One Part Of Your Game That You Feel You've Improved The Most This Fall?
"Defense. I came in thinking I was going to be strictly an outfielder, but the coaches decided to move me to the infield. I am now primarily playing second base and I am loving it. Although, I do miss being in the grass a bit."

Describe What It Was Like To Be A Part Of The Program's Inaugural Game On Sept. 30.
"It was incredible. The atmosphere that was created from the 1,000-plus fans in our stands and grass areas was a unique experience. Not many people get to say they got to do something for the very first time in history, and we all can. Ultimately, I wouldn't have wanted to share that experience with another group of girls. Every pitch thrown, every play made, every hit was the first of its kind on that field in a true game fashion."

What's One Personal Goal You Have Set For Yourself During The 2018 Season?
"Become more consistent with my game, both offensively and defensively."

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Part Of Team One?
"There's a lot of expectations for us; we have our own apart from our coaches. We ultimately want to make a name for ourselves, have a legacy to leave behind and give others who come into this program something to aspire to be like or exceed. 'Playing for more' as we say."

What's One Quote Or Saying That You Live By?
“Control what you can control."

"The only things you can control in this game is your attitude and your effort."

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." – Babe Ruth

What's Your Pregame Ritual?
"Varies slightly, but listening to music is a constant."

Quick Hits:

Favorite TV Show?
Game of Thrones

Favorite Song?
“Your Song” - Elton John

Favorite Restaurant In Durham?
Beyù Caffè

Best Show To Binge Watch On Netflix?
Breaking Bad

Favorite Musician/Band?
Thomas Rhett, Zac Brown Band, Khalid, Blackbear, Ed Sheeran and Post Malone

Favorite Book?
Harry Potter series

Where's One Place You've Always Wanted To Visit?
Paris, France… specifically the Louvre

One Interesting Fact About Yourself?
I have to listen to classical music to do homework efficiently

Favorite Thing To Do When Not At The Field?
Movie/dinner dates with the team and watching our fellow Duke athletes play

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Huntington Beach, Calif.

Who On The Team Has The Best Scooter Skills/Tricks?
Definitely Rachel Abboud

#GoDuke