#Team26 Newcomer Q&A: Dallis Goodnight

Dallis Goodnight Bio Page

How did you get your start in softball?

"I used to play every sport - ballet, soccer, basketball and softball. My parents made me chose two and I just happened to chose softball as one of them. I think I just liked running around. I would hit the ball off the tee and just run. I felt free. My sisters played recreational softball and my brother played recreational baseball. I grew up at the ballpark so that might have been another reason I was initially interested."

When did softball become a more serious pursuit?

"I picked softball when I was three years old, but in elementary school I started playing travel ball. I dreamed of playing at Alabama after they won the World Series in 2012. I got more serious about the college process but still dreamed about playing here. Alabama has always been my number one."

Was there any specific moment you knew the goal of playing in college could be a reality?

"When I was in middle school, a few college coaches reached out to my high school coach about me. It was seventh grade, before I had even thought seriously about college. I realized that I had the potential to go where I wanted to go."

You're from the same hometown as Alabama All-American Brittany Rogers. Did you ever get a chance to meet her and talk softball?

"She went to Dacula High School, my rival high school. I would always see her at county tournaments and I would talk to her. She is an idol and was a great player here! Once I committed, we talked through things and she had so many great things to say about the program and the coaches."

You mentioned Alabama as your dream school, but what set it apart when you were finally deciding where to officially attend?

"I was open to going anywhere, but the ultimate thing was the family atmosphere here. I talked to current and past players who loved it here and I could tell they were being authentic. I came to a slapping camp here in middle school, and after that they kept up with me a bit. I loved the entire camp and appreciated the coaches always taking the time to talk with me and ask me about my life and my family. I thought it was cool that they cared about me as a person and not just as an athlete.

"I narrowed down to two schools, but I just knew in my gut that UA was the right spot. It just clicked with me. It was hard to think about being anywhere else. It was everything I wanted in a school."

Was it a relief when you committed or did you feel added pressure?

"Honestly, I was just relieved. I didn't feel any pressure. I got to freely focus on my game and the teams that I was on. I had always played my own game for me and not for college coaches, but it was still definitely a relief. Once I committed, all of the emailing and talking to coaches was out of the way and I just got to focus on this program and the people here."

How has the transition to college life been so far?

"Time management has been super important. I have always liked having a busy schedule because it forces me to get everything done. It is busy but I really like it. The transition has been fun being with the girls all day every day. It was long due to be here.

"On the field, the speed of the game upped a little bit, but at the end of the day it's still the same game. I try and keep that perspective and just remember that this is the same game I have played since I was three years old."

Did it help that there were so many other newcomers alongside you?

"It has definitely been helpful. We didn't know what to expect but having all the other freshmen and rooming with Megan [Bloodworth] has definitely helped. We have been going through everything together. I was never alone and it was extremely helpful. We are all in the same boat and entering a new team being not sure what to expect."

What was it like putting on the Alabama uniform for the first time this fall?

"It was crazy. You think you're ready for it but when you put that jersey on, it really hits you. I had been working and planning for that my entire life, but in that moment, it really hit me. It was extremely humbling to see all my work paying off."

What are your individual and team goals for this season?

"I just want to do whatever I can for the team. Whatever role I am given, I will do it. My goal is just to help the team in any way possible. As a team, we obviously want to go as far as we can but also just focus on taking it game by game. Our ultimate goal is to win the national championship."

What is your advice to young girls who wants to play college softball?

"Keep loving the game. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that love and passion for the game. Keep working hard because that hard work pays off."

University of Alabama Athletics