Nov. 1, 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 Arianna Erceg. A complete right-handed pitcher/first baseman, Erceg hails from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Erceg led her Palos Verdes High School team to Bay League Championships in 2009 and 2010, earning league MVP honors in the same years. In 2010, she had repeat All-Bay League and All-Area honors and landed on the 2010 All-CIF team and All-State steam. In addition to excelling on the field, Erceg was a four-year member of the school's AVID program and was a CSF member. With the Orange County Batbusters 18 Gold, took third place at the 2010 ESPN Rise Premier Nationals. She noted that her best sports moment was hitting a walk-off homerun in the playoffs of her senior season.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Arianna Erceg: I chose Cal because it has always been a dream of mine to play softball in the Pac-10. I also chose it for the outstanding academics, the location and the opportunity to work with this coaching staff.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?
AE: Outside of softball, I enjoying spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, and I love to eat!

CalBears.com: Do you have any unique stories about yourself that set you apart from your teammates?
AE: One thing that sets me apart from my teammates is that I am way taller than most of them. I'm 6-0.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley or the Cal campus?
AE: My favorite part about campus is that there is always something exciting going on. There are so many different people that bring the campus to life.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?
AE: The best thing about being a part of Cal softball is the family aspect, everyone makes you feel welcome. I love going out to the field everyday and practicing with them.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
AE: I grew up a huge fan of the Pac-10, and I am honored to be a part of it now. I am really proud to be able to represent Cal, and I absolutely love being a Bear.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
AE: My favorite part about college life is being independent and learning how to be responsible and take care of myself.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?
AE: I am thinking about majoring in American Studies.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
AE: The biggest transition from high school to college is making sure I stay on top of all my readings and knowing all the due dates for my assignments.

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying to this fall?
AE: I enjoy most is Education 98 on high performance for athletes.

CalBears.com: Now that you're in your 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?
AE: The advice that I would give to incoming student- athletes is to make sure you are organized with all your school work and to always use your time wisely.

CalBears.com: What were your initial impressions of Berkeley?
AE: My first impression of Berkeley was that it was extremely different than my hometown, which made me even more excited to start living in this new and exciting atmosphere.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?
AE: Something that I admire most in people is when they are honest with themselves and loving who they are rather than being fake and trying to be something that they are not.

CalBears.com: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
AE: The best piece of advice I have ever received was to always set goals and always work your hardest toward them because nothing is ever just given to you.

CalBears.com: Do you have any special pre-game rituals?
AE: One of my pre-game rituals is that I always have to put on my left cleat before my right.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?
AE: I wouldn't be able to live without my parents. They have positively influenced my life in so many ways and I am so grateful for every single thing they have done for me.