Nov. 19, 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 LaRisa Jones. A local product hailing from Concord, Calif., Jones is a left-bating, 5-4 outfielder. She was named the MVP of her Clayton Valley High School team as well as All-DVAL. A member of the 4.0 Club, Jones also played varsity gold and still found time to attend 14U, 16U and 18U Gold Nationals. In her spare time, Jones hand paints designs on shoes and is contemplating the Peace Corps or culinary school following Cal. She was coached and mentored by former Golden Bears, whom she credits as one of the first things that drew her to Cal.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
LaRisa Jones: I chose Cal because it's always been my dream school, and it's close to home. Former Cal softball players coached me at a young age, which inspired me to come here and join the Bear family.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?
LJ: I paint original designs on shoes, and I love cooking.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?
LJ: The diversity and all the trees.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?
LJ: Having such supportive teammates and coaches. It's like having a second family.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
LJ: I grew up around former Cal softball players, and representing the same outstanding program they came from is a surreal experience.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
LJ: Running stairs at the football stadium!

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

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying to this fall?
LJ: SAGE, a class where we mentor a local elementary student.

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?
LJ: Make a daily schedule of things you want accomplish that day. You have a lot of free time you should use productively.

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

CalBears.com: What would you like to be doing in ten years?
LJ: Own and cook in my own restaurant.

CalBears.com: Which three people would you invite to dinner?
LJ: Jesus, Betty White, Tim Lincecum

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?
LJ: When people compare everything to themselves.

CalBears.com: Who is your biggest hero?
LJ: My mom.

CalBears.com: Do you have a hidden talent?
LJ: I can wiggle my ears.

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