Aug. 10, 2012

BERKELEY - After an epic freshman year, CalBears.com wanted to catch up with the freshmen to see how things went. Named the USA Softball Junior Athlete of the Year prior to the start of the 2012 campaign, Cheyenne Cordes quickly took her spot in the starting lineup at shortstop. Cordes merited placement on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team after she posted an impressive .961 fielding percentage and hit .247. Though she hails from the Bay Area with roots in Fairfield, CalBears.com chatted with Cordes to hear all about her first year in Berkeley.

CalBears.com: Now that you've got one year of collegiate softball under your belt - what was the best part of the softball season?

Cheyenne Cordes: For me, the best part of the season was experiencing the Women's College World Series. For as long as I can remember, I have loved playing and watching softball, and it has always been a dream of mine to play in the WCWS.

CalBears.com: What was the best part about your fall or spring semester?

CC: The best part of my school year was getting to put on the California uniform for the first time. I have been committed to Cal since I was a freshman in high school and had been anticipating that moment for a long time.

CalBears.com: After two semesters of college academics, what are you planning on doing differently or the same next semester in terms of school?

CC: For me the adjustment to college courses was rough. So for me being successful in the classroom is a matter of staying focused.

CalBears.com: What is something you didn't know before you came to Cal but you now know?

CC: I didn't realize that athletes work closely together in everything. It's nice to always have people around that understand your situations.

CalBears.com: What was the favorite class you took this year?

CalBears.com: What was the best part about Cal softball this year?

CC: The best part about Cal softball this year was us coming together as a team to make this season what it was. We all bought into the idea of team work and caring for each other.

CalBears.com: What surprised you most about your freshman year?

CC: What surprised me most was how hard school is at Cal.

CalBears.com: What class are you most looking forward to taking this fall semester?

CC: I am most looking forward to taking Sociology117.

CalBears.com: Was playing at the NCAA Division I level what you expected or more?

CC: Playing at the D1 level was different than I expected. When you get to this level the game is more mental than anything, and keeping your head straight can be a challenge.

CalBears.com: What was it like to balance top-notch academics and playing on nationally ranked softball team?

CC: For me balancing the two was very difficult. School is mentally stressful, and the game at times can be mentally and physically stressful.

CalBears.com: What was the first trip to the postseason like for you?

CC: My first trip to postseason was everything that I expected it to be and more. You don't realize how many people are following you and your team.

CalBears.com: What is one of your most hilarious or embarrassing stories from your freshman year?

CC: There are many things that happened to me and others my freshman year that have made me laugh, so I can't pick just one.

CalBears.com: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

CC: Be ready to work hard!