Feb. 22, 2011

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BERKELEY - CalBears.com is helping you get to know the freshmen members of the California softball team, and this week's participant is Cassandra Vega. A pitcher/first baseman out of Rialo, Calif., Vega is not the first in her family to become a Bear for her uncle, David Ortega, played football for Cal. Though Vega attended Eisenhower High School for her freshman, sophomore and part of her junior year before transferring to Aquinas High School. For all four years of her high school career, she played varsity softball and water polo. During her senior year, Vega captained the AHS squad and was named first-team All-Christian League, All-County and second team All-CIF. In 2009 and 2010, she and her high school team won the Christian League championship as well as were CIF quarterfinalists in 2010. With SoCal Spirit, she went to the 2008 Western Nationals and 18U Nationals in 2010. Vega, who shattered her knuckles during her sophomore year, hopes to attend law school.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Cassandra Vega: choose Cal because of its outstanding academics and athletics. I also chose it because it's just the right distance away from home.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?
CV: I love to swim and play water polo. I also love to listen to music and hang out with friends.

CalBears.com: Do you have any unique stories about yourself that set you apart from your teammates?
CV: My uncle, David Ortega, is in the Hall of Fame here at Cal.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?
CV: My favorite part of campus would probably be the Golden Bear Cafe because people are always there.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?
CV: Building a sisterhood and having great coaches.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
CV: Yes! I have been a fan since I was very little. I love how everyone knows what I am talking about when I say, "Go Bears!"

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
CV: Getting away from home and being with my softball girls.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?
CV: I'm planning on majoring in political science but things can always change.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
CV: Not having enough time to do everything you want to do.

CalBears.com: Now that you're well into your second semester of college, what advice do you wish someone had told you about college or would you give to incoming student-athletes?
CV: Make smart decisions and try your best as an individual as well as a teammate.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?
CV: I admire honest, selfless people that just love to have fun.

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?
CV: I hate it when people disrespect elders, especially teachers and coaches.

CalBears.com: Do you have any special pre-game rituals?
CV: I like to take my time getting ready and listen to music.

CalBears.com: Who is your biggest hero?
CV: My biggest hero would probably be my mom because she has made it through so many hard times and has helped me through everything. Without her, I probably would not be where I am.

CalBears.com: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
CV: I would buy a new house for my parents. It's the least I can do for everything they have done for me.

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