Recent Circleville graduate Cara Cooper has signed to play softball for the University of Indianapolis, an NCAA Division II institution led by Logan Elm alumnus Melissa Frost.
Cooper batted .660 and reached base nearly 73 percent of the time. Cooper amassed 14 doubles, 10 triples, four home runs, drove in 55 runs and scored 50 times, and also swiped 17 bases in earning Player of the Year honors in the Mid-State League Buckeye Division and Southeast District Division II. Cooper was also recognized as a first-team All-Ohio honoree and earned the inaugural Dave Truex Award earlier this week, which will be presented annually to the most outstanding senior softball player in Pickaway County.
Question: Take us through the recruiting process that you went through, how many schools that you looked at and what made Indianapolis the right fit for you?
Answer: Honestly, I didn’t look at very many schools since I was so late in the recruiting process. I knew I wanted to go to UIndy right away because the atmosphere was great. I love how competitive the team is and Coach Frost is amazing.
Question: What would you like to major in at Indianapolis, and why is that appealing to you?
Answer: I will be majoring in Early or Middle Childhood Education. I love kids and I really just want to work with them and help them grow into amazing people.
Question: What has led to your success in softball? What are your strengths as an athlete and what are a few areas you’ve had to work at the hardest to improve?
Answer: I have always loved the game of softball and my brothers and parents always pushed me. I think that’s why I’ve been so successful. Some of my strengths are my speed and my softball IQ. I’ve had to work really hard on the mental aspect of the game like knowing that i’m capable of hitting the ball even if I am in a slump or just struggling at the plate that day.
Question: What is your favorite brand bat and glove to use, and why?
Answer: My favorite brand of bat is a Louisville Slugger. I have always had one and feel amazing anytime I swing them. I have an A2000 glove, and I love it because of the way it isn’t too broke in.
Question: What are some memories from playing at Circleville over the last four years that you will treasure for years to come?
Answer: I loved everything about playing for Circleville. But some of my favorite memories would have to be from our spring break trip to Florida as a team. It was so much fun to be around everyone and play softball where it is always warm!
Question: Is there a softball player that you look up to and try to emulate?
Answer: There are many players that I look up to. Especially, any player that has been very successful after coming back from an injury like I had.
Question: Favorite meal?
Answer: Nachos, or any Mexican food
Question: Favorite place to eat out at?
Answer: Any Mexican restaurant
Question: Favorite store to shop at?
Answer: Target or Lululemon
Question: Favorite musical group or genre?
Answer: I love country music
Question: Favorite movie?
Answer: The Longest Ride
Question: Hobbies?
Answer: Working out, and shopping
Question: Favorite holiday?
Answer: Fourth of July because I love watching fireworks
Question: What is your most valuable possession?
Answer: My glove and bat
Question: Something that no one knows about you?
Answer: I can’t swim.
Question: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on in your life?
Answer: When my whole family was at the beach for my Aunt and Uncle’s wedding.
Question: Favorite memory from the Circleville Pumpkin Show?
Answer: Two years ago, we won our volleyball game at Gallia Academy and we ran through the streets of Circleville to make it to the Miss Pumpkin Show contest!
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