ROCHESTER, Mich. —
Leah Bieniewicz is in the midst of her freshman season with the Oakland University softball program. The newcomer discusses her decision to choose softball over volleyball, her first year as a collegiate student-athlete with the Golden Grizzlies, and more in the latest Q&A.
I noticed that you were nominated for the 2019 High School Volleyball Player of the Year by the Detroit Free Press. Was it a hard decision to choose softball over volleyball?
I was honored to receive the nomination, but I think it came down to what sport I could not live without. I have been playing softball longer than volleyball, so that played a factor as well. Volleyball will always be a part of me, but I feel like I could not be myself without softball.Â
What has been the best part about your freshman season with the Golden Grizzlies?
All of my teammates are so encouraging and fun to be around! It makes softball just that much more fun to play.Â
As a freshman, what has been the toughest transition since arriving on campus?
Trying to figure out what classes to take was challenging, but my academic advisor Evan (Dermidoff) has helped a lot. Having resources like academic advisors around has made everything so much easier.
Have you been part of a team in high school or travel ball with high expectations similar to Oakland?
My travel team had high expectations, but my high school team also had immense standards. Something I have noticed is that our pitching staff, lineup, and outfield are all-around solid. You just have to keep worrying about who to pitch against and it is hard because our lineup has so much power.Â
As a utility player, which position do you like playing the most?
I mostly play out in left field, but honestly, I will play wherever the coach puts me. I just love being on the field, so wherever they want to put me, I am all for it. I played shortstop in high school and moved around a lot, but I prefer to be anywhere in the outfield.Â
Have any of your teammates taken you under their wing or given the freshman class advice?
All the upperclassmen have been great, but
Jen Krizka has been amazing since day one. I can just call her whenever and she will be helpful with anything. Overall, we have a very accommodating team and we all want each other to succeed and feel good.Â
I am giving you two tickets to an Escape Room. Which teammate would you pick and why?
I am going with
Madison Jones for two reasons. To start, she is so smart and would get us out of there with no problem. Secondly, she makes me laugh so much. Maddy does not try to be funny, but the things she says are just unintentionally funny.Â
I know you are just a freshman, but let's look ahead a little bit. In the upcoming years, what do you want to accomplish both academically and athletically?
When it comes to academics, my biggest goal is to get into the nursing program because I want to be a pediatric nurse. I always have loved working with kids, but I also love the medical field, so those two intertwine. Athletically, I want to see this team and the future teams winning the conference championship.
