By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

MONT ALTO, Pa. - Freshman Spotlight: This Q&A will serve as a get to know you series for our Penn State Mont Alto spring freshman student-athletes.

1. Why did you choose to attend Mont Alto?

• I chose to attend Penn State Mont Alto because I graduated from a small high school that had a family environment and when I visited Mont Alto I felt that it had the same environment.

2. If you could change one thing from your first year, what would it be and why?

• It was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19 but I would not change a single thing about it. I was very engaged through many different activities, I made a lot of lifelong friends, and my teammates are amazing.

3. What is your major and why?

• I am majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. My dream job is to be a Mental Health and Substance Abuse counselor. I chose this because I want to be the change that I wish to see in the world. I want to make a difference in people's lives. 

4. What has been your favorite course at Mont Alto and why?

• My favorite course so far was Spanish. I enjoyed this class because professor Betonte made the class very enjoyable and he always shared his stories about traveling.

5. What is your favorite inspirational quote and who said it?

• My favorite inspirational quote is "Keep working hard pretty girl, I love you." This was the very last thing that my grandfather said to me before he passed away. I remind myself of it before every sporting event and it always helps me get through the tough times.

6. What is the hardest part of your sport?

• The hardest part of my sport is getting prepared. You never know what the other team is going to bring to the table, they could bring in a new pitcher who has great spin on the ball and often times it takes time to adjust.

7. Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome.

• Many of my previous softball teams did not have the motivation to do their very best or become better so I often struggled to find the motivation to achieve my goals but I pushed through it.

8. What advice do you have for a prospective Mont Alto student-athlete?

• I encourage them to get involved in activities on campus as much as they can. Try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Talk to new people that you meet and just really make the best of your freshman year.

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