Oct. 25, 2012

BERKELEY - With fall ball complete, CalBears.com is getting its softball fix by chatting with the newest Golden Bears. Jasmin Mejia is an outfielder out of Riverside, Calif. At Arlington High School, she was a first team all-CIF and all-league selection. A member of the Corona Angels, Mejia won the 2010 Champions Cup and the 2009 16U Champions Cup.

CalBears.com: What made you choose Cal?

Jasmin Meija: I chose Cal for many reasons. One reason is because I love the softball team and the competitiveness they have on the field. Also it is the best public school, and what's better than a degree from Cal?

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?

JM: I admire people with positive attitudes.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?

JM: I love being outdoors, my favorite place is the beach. I love hanging out with family and friends - they mean the world to me. I enjoy hiking, long boarding, biking, swimming and anything active.

CalBears.com: What would you like to be doing in 10 years?

JM: Have a career I love and a family to come home to every night.

CalBears.com: Do you have any unique stories about yourself that set you apart from your teammates?

JM: I grew up with three older brothers and I was always the guinea pig. They would make me test their new inventions.

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JM: When people think they know everything. Always have an open mind.

CalBears.com: If you had to name a fact about yourself that makes you unique, what would they be?

JM: I hate cold weather, but I love Berkeley.

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

JM: Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?

JM: The campus is definitely one of a kind - not only how it looks, but there is nothing better than Berkeley people.

CalBears.com: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?

JM: I would pay off my parent's house.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?

JM: Getting to play in such a great environment.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?

JM: I didn't grow up watching Cal specifically but I have always shown support for the Pac 12. Being a part of not only a Pac 12 school but Cal is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am very fortunate to have.

CalBears.com: What is one word that can be used to describe you?

JM: Outgoing

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?

JM: Definitely staying busy and always having something to do.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?

JM: My family.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?

JM: High school is nothing like college. You have so many more responsibilities, but the hardest part by far is school. Test scores are a massive chunk of your grade, so you really have to make sure you study on your own.

CalBears.com: What is one thing about your hometown that you miss?

JM: I miss being around all of the people I have grown up with.

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying this fall?

JM: This fall I've been enjoying my psychology class the most. My teacher makes every lecture fun and interesting for my classmates and me.

CalBears.com: Why did you pick your number?

JM: I picked No. 1 because I wanted a fresh start.

CalBears.com: What are your pre-game rituals?

JM: I don't really have any routines but just getting mentally focused before a game.

CalBears.com: How did you spend your summer? What were some highlights?

JM: I spent my summer playing softball for Corona Angels, but in my free time I went to the beach, laid out by the pool, hung out with family and got ready for college.

CalBears.com: If you had a time machine, what year would you travel to?

JM: 2001.