A great player profile today from a Southern California senior who’ll be suiting up in the Big Ten.

She loves softball, but picked her number because of a hero in another sport and you have to check out her response to the “one thing she’d want to have on a deserted island.” One of the best answers ever!!!

 

Name: KAITLYN EVELAND
Grad Year: 2015
Pos: Catcher/Utility
High School: Loara (Anaheim, Calif.)
GPA:   3.8 GPA (4.0 scale)
Club: LA Royals                                                                                            
Honors: All-CIF (2013), League MVP, OC Sidelines 3^rd Team All-County     
College: Michigan State

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FullCountSoftball.com: You have college level softball talent, but I hear you’re a huge hockey fan, particularly the Anaheim ducks… yes?
Kaitlyn Eveland:  True!  In fact, when asked what my number preference is for my incoming year, I took Teemu Selanne’s No. 8.  Go Ducks!  Also, I volunteer with an organization that Ryan Getzlaf, the Duck’s captain is passionate about, Cure Duchenne.

FCS.com:  It must pretty cool living in Anaheim so close to the Ducks, Angels and the Happiest Place on Earth (Disneyland) plus Knott’s Berry Farm…
KE:  Yes, there is always something to do in Southern California plus both of my parents work for the ‘Mouse.’

FCS.com: So you are headed to Michigan State… how many times have you been to Lansing, Mich. and what are your thoughts?  Is it a bit of a culture shock?
KE:  I’ve been to Lansing twice, it’s absolutely beautiful.  I grew up around ice rinks and traveled a lot with my parents for my brother’s hockey team and I love the snow … though living in it will be quite different than an 80 degree Christmas!  Here’s hoping my blood thickens quickly!

FCS.com: What is your earliest memory of playing softball?
KE:   In 8U, I was a new kid and had signed up late.  My dad taught me how to hit.  I came up to bat against the best pitcher in the league at the time and drilled one up the middle that hit her in the chest/shoulder area and knocked her off the mound.  My favorite, though, was playing in 10U All-Stars.  I was catching and a girl took a fair size lead off second.  I faked her back to second base and as she headed slowly back to the bag I took off running straight at her.  She panicked, froze and I tagged her out between second and third base.  My parents still regret not having this on film for America’s Funniest Home Videos.

FCS.com: Let’s talk recruiting… tell us how you were first seen by the Spartans coaches, then how long until they offered?
KE:  I was first seen by the Spartan coaching staff during the Triple Crown Fireworks Tournament in July of 2014.  An incoming recruit was on an opposing team when they first saw me.  The offer came shortly thereafter.

FCS.com: What led into the decision to commit?
KE:  I visited a number of schools and my brother said, “When you find the one, you’ll know.”  And I did.  I continued to visit campuses, but felt nothing compared to Michigan State.  I wanted to play in the Big Ten or Pac-12 for a school that had a lot of sports and it felt like the right fit so I committed a few weeks following an unofficial visit.

FCS.com:  What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
KE:  My softball IQ.

FCS.com: What’s been a top memory or two for you in your athletic career?
KE:  Winning a National Championship for the first time in (softball) league history and being recognized by the city of Garden Grove for our achievements.

FCS.com:  What’s been the biggest challenge for you in your career, either on or off the playing field?
KE:  My brother was injured his sophomore year in college and the injury nearly took his life so my recruiting process was put on hold as his health and well-being was our family’s first priority.

 

Quick Hitters 

 

What do you want to major in?
Vet med, business or forensic science.

Fill in the blank… I’m happiest when:  __________________________
… I’m playing hockey with my brother.

What do you think are the biggest issues in the world today? 
World peace and illegal drugs.

Favorite food: 
Puerto Rican steak.

Least favorite school subject: 
Psychics.

What’s your dream vacation? 
Bora Bora (Tahiti).

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know? 
There are several: I am Puerto Rican from my mother’s side, I will graduate from the same school as (singer) Gwen Stefani, I have a passion for rescue animals, especially German Shepherds, and lastly, myself and a 2016 recruit would be Coach Charles Fobbs final recruits prior to his tragic accident [Editor’s note: the Michigan State assistant coach was killed in an automobile accident in Sept. 2013]

How would your friends describe you in one word? 
Outgoing.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be? 
My dad.  He would know what to do and he’s not just my dad but he’s my dad first, he’s my friend, my coach, my mentor, my teacher and can give a hug that makes everything feel like it will all be okay.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals? 
Yes … but one of my superstitions is to not share my superstitions!

Team you love to hate: 
Firecrackers.

What’s your “guilty pleasure,” something you hate to admit you love? 
Ice cream donut.

If you could have a super power, what would you want it to be? 
To fly.

What’s playing in your earphones/buds right now? 
Meghan Trainor’s “It’s All About The Base” … get it?

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? 
My grandpa, I miss him every day.

What did you want to be when you were little? 
Trainer at Sea World for the whales.

Favorite athlete: 
Teemu Selanne.

Nickname(s): 
“Baby Beast,” given to me my freshman year in high school by my varsity coach.

Something on your “must do” list: 
Visit a beach with clear water.

Your philosophy or motto in life: 
Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

What’s the No. 1 goal you’ve set for yourself in 2015? 
Secure a starting position in the Spartan lineup.