Isabel McElroy, Softball

Tell us about how you first got involved with your sport. When did you first get interested and began participating? What is it about the sport that you enjoy so much?

I first started playing softball when I was 6 years old and fell in love with it ever since. I have met some of the greatest girls throughout my teams and they make my time on the field unforgettable. When I play softball I can let my mind relax and just enjoy playing my favorite sport.

What got you here to Orange Coast College? Tell us about your journey to OCC.

My previous teammate played at OCC and told me great things about the program. I knew I wanted to continue to play softball after high school and knew I wanted to be in SoCal so OCC was a perfect fit for me. I loved the area and campus as soon as I toured it and knew I wanted to come here.

If I asked your coach or teammates about what type of person you are on your team, what do you think they would say?

I would think they would say I am a leader and positive person who wants what’s best for the team. I love to joke around with my teammates, but we also hold each other accountable.

Besides actually PLAYING the games, what are some of the best things about playing for OCC softball? What's the environment like? How's Coach Jodie and the staff? How would you define the "culture" of the Pirate softball program?

The best thing about OCC softball are my teammates. These girls are my best friends and who make me smile every day. We are all so close to each other and love playing with one another. Coach Jodie, Elise, Kimo, and Alex all want the best and expect the best from us. They push us to become better athletes and people every day. I can say that all of us have the same goal this season. We want to win and I know all of us girls and coaches are working hard every day to do that. The culture we have on this team is something that not everyone gets to experience. We are all so passionate about the game and trust each other. The chemistry on the team is so strong and something that is going to take us a long way. This year's team is so special and I know people are going to recognize that.

When you're not involved with your sport, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Any hobbies or interests and that keep you busy in your spare time?

If I am not at the softball field, I am most likely at my job at Starbucks because I hate being a broke college student. I love to go shopping and go to the beach. If I am by Newport and it is sunny outside, I am so happy.

If I could give you the opportunity to be great at a different sport ... other than softball ... which sport would you pick and why?

If I wasn’t playing softball I know for a fact I would be a dancer. I danced for 10 years of my life and quit because of softball. I am always dancing on the softball field and I know that if I wasn’t killing it on the softball field I would be killing it on the dance floor.

Favorite sports team? Any sport you want ... who's your favorite team and why?

I would say my favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Dodgers. I grew up watching them every year, so much we named our dog Kershaw!

Once your sports career is over, what do you want to do with your life, career-wise?

This is a very tough question for me as I am not certain in what I want to do. Though if I was talking about my dream job I would really want to be a veterinarian because I am the biggest animal lover.

What's on your "Bucket List"??? Somewhere amazing to visit?? A Sports event to experience?? Whatcha got??

I really would like to visit Singapore or Greece and explore them with my family. I think a really cool experience would be going to see The Women’s College World Series. I always each it on TV, but I think going to see it in person would be unreal.