Nov. 25, 2011

BERKELEY - After one of the most successful seasons in recent history in 2011, the California softball team has a lot for which it is thankful. CalBears.com caught up with the Golden Bears to find out what their favorite parts of Thanksgiving - past and present - are as well as what they are thankful for this year.

Cheyenne Cordes:
"My favorite memory is my family fighting over who gets the last slice of pecan pie. It gets really intense."

Ashley Decker:
"My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting together with my family and eating all day! I'm so thankful that I have such a close family and that we are able to stick together through anything."

Frani Echavarria:
"My favorite part of Thanksgiving is seeing my family and my mom's cooking! I'm thankful for my family's support through my years at Cal. I'm also thankful for my two brothers serving our country in the Air Force and keeping us safe. I'm thankful for my teammates, who are always there for me in the good and bad times and for being the sisters I never had. I'm thankful for my boyfriend and everything he does for me."

Danielle Henderson:
"My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to see my crazy family and everyone coming together. I'm thankful for an amazing family, coming to Cal and having another family here in Berkeley. I'm thankful for being able to go to Cal with my brother and sister."

Jolene Henderson:
"My favorite part of Thanksgiving is seeing everyone stop from their busy lives and appreciate that they have a life and the amazing people that are in it. Also another amazing thing is free laundry!"

Mary Lee:
"My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time with family! Some memories include eating my mom's dishes and family time. I'm thankful for my family, friends, teammates, coaches and to be a Golden Bear!"

NIcole Owens:
"My favorite part is eating as much as I do every other day but having an excuse for it. I'm thankful for my family, friends and my dogs."

Jamia Reid:
"I'm thankful to be able to spend time with my family and eat the plates of food that I help prepare, like sweet potato pie."

Alex Robben:
"My favorite parts of Thanksgiving are the family time and definitely the pumpkin pie. But it has to have homemade whip cream on top! I'm thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life, my amazing family and friends."

Taylor Vincent:
"My favorite parts of Thanksgiving are the mashed sweet potatoes and dessert. When my family makes Thanksgiving, there are always more dishes of dessert than dinner. I am thankful for having such a great family and my loving group of friends here in Berkeley [PINK HOUSE :) I love you guys ] who are always there for me. One of my favorite Thanksgiving moments was back in sixth grade. My parents convinced us that all the flights to LAX were booked so we were going to fly into San Diego. They said that we would spent some time in SD seeing all the attractions then would visit family in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving. When we got to the gate at the airport, my dad said he had some bad news for us and that we weren't going to San Diego for Thanksgiving. Rather, we were going to Hawaii. Neither my sister nor I had ever been so it took all of our energy not to scream in the terminal."

Jace Williams:
"My favorite part about Thanksgiving is being able to spend time with my family and close friends! I also love my hometown of Encinitas so it's a nice change of scenery. I miss the ocean, my beach cruiser and all the local hangouts so it's nice to revisit all these things that I miss when I'm up at school! I'm grateful God has blessed my family with good health and the opportunity to get together over the holidays!"

Lindsey Ziegenhirt:
Besides being home with my family, I love Thanksgiving food! I'm so thankful for my family, friends and for all the opportunities I've been given.