Oct. 25, 2010

BERKELEY - Each week, CalBears.com will help you get to know a freshman on the California softball team, and this week's participant is Ashley Decker. Decker, who bats left and throws right, can fill in for the Bears at second or in the outfield. In each of her four years as a prepster at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks, Nev., Decker was named to the first-team all-state and all-league, winning three Nevada state championships. She lists playing in the Under Armour All-American game during her sophomore and senior years as her best sports moments to date. Decker, who has been playing ASA ball since age 10 in 2003, took fifth place at the 2010 18 Gold Premier Nationals with Sorcerer Gold.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Ashley Decker: It's a Pac-10 school, gives you great education, is close to home and has great softball program.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?
AD: I like to camp and ride motorcycles.

CalBears.com: What is your favorite part about the Cal campus?
AD: All the different people, and I think the campus is amazing.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?
AD: Knowing that I'm playing for a Pac-10 school and I will be able to play the best competition.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
AD: Ever since I was young, Cal was always a top choice. It has felt really great to be a Golden Bear so far.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
AD: Getting to live on my own and meeting new people.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?
AD: American studies.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
AD: Living on my own, not having a specific time I need to be home by, and the classes are much different.

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying to this fall?
AD: SAGE, which stands for Student Achievement Guided by Experience.

CalBears.com: Now that you are in well into your first semester of college, what advice do you wish someone had told you about college or would you give to incoming student-athletes?
AD: Follow the rules and be safe.

CalBears.com: What would you like to be doing in ten years?
AD: Have a good career with a family.

CalBears.com: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
AD: My roommate, Alex.

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?
AD: When people drag their feet when they walk.

CalBears.com: Who is your biggest hero?
AD: God.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you cannot live without?
AD: My phone.