Meet the Tide: Mari Cranek
1/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Alabama welcomes six newcomers to the 2016 team. We will be posting Q&A features with all six leading into the season. Our second Q&A is with freshmen Mari Cranek from Needville, Texas.
What got you interested in playing softball?
"When I was younger, I liked to dance and I hated dirt and playing outside. But my cousin's team didn't have enough players so they put me in the outfield and I liked it. I was about eight years old and that was league ball. I actually stated playing and being competitive when I was 10. My parents made me choose between dance and softball and I chose softball. I've been playing it ever since."
When did softball become more than just a hobby and turn into something you could potentially play at the next level?
"In the eighth grade when I stated playing in big tournaments. First off, I was really nervous because I was in the eighth grade and I was playing against seniors in high school. I did well so I thought this would be something that I would want to pursue in college."
Did anyone else in your family play a sport?
"My mom played baseball when she was younger. My older cousin played at Texas A&M for softball. I have another cousin that plays softball for Galveston and my sister is going to Texas State for softball."
When you started looking at colleges, who stood out to you other than Alabama?
"Honestly, I had no idea where I wanted to go. I went on a bunch of visits and I knew that I wanted to try and go away from home. I didn't want to stay in Texas. I wanted to go somewhere and experience something new. When I came to my visit here, it was a lot of fun. I loved the campus and the team and it felt like a home away from home so I really liked that. It felt comfortable. I verbally committed to Alabama in December of my freshmen year."
What have been some of your first impressions of playing softball at UA and adjusting to college life?
"I was really nervous because I thought that school was going to be super hard. It's not as hard as I thought it was going to be. We have a lot of academic support and I really like that. I actually have time to study and do my work. Softball wise, I didn't have to practice as much back home and I had my parents giving me critiques on what I could work on. During my first game here, I did awful. I was really nervous and discouraged at the time but it has gotten a lot better since then. I just have to keep practicing."
What has helped you adjust to those in-game 'jitters'?
"Playing more games and having the support of my teammates has helped a lot. They are really supportive."
As a whole, how do you think your fall season went?
"The beginning was awful for me personally. Probably one of the worst games of my life. At the end, I did better but I still think that I can do better than that."
What are some of your individual and team goals going into the spring season?
"As a team, I want us to win a national championship. Individually, I just want to help my team out no matter what."
What advice would you give to a young aspiring softball player?
"Hard work pays off. When your parents are giving you feedback, don't get mad at them because they're probably right."
