As the fall season is underway for the Elon University softball team, get a chance to get reacquainted with last year's freshmen class of Abby Barker, Ashtyn Foddrell, Callie Horn, Hailey Jomp, Erica Serafini and Elise Walton in a feature called "Extra Innings" as a follow-up to their "Seven Innings" write-up of a year ago.
 
The first installment focuses on Foddrell, a utility player from Warrenton, Va. As a rookie in 2016, Foddrell played in 40 games, starting 24 of them, and had a number of key performances for the Phoenix. She received a CAA Rookie of the Week award last year and batted .259 on the season.

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 Extra Innings with Ashtyn Foddrell
 
Describe your first overall year of collegiate softball? Was it everything you expected and more?
"My first year was an unforgettable experience. It was everything I expected it to be but, it is definitely a lot of hard work. Majority of your time is spent on the softball field and with your teammates. Your teammates become your family and your sisters. That was definitely something for me to get use to since I'm an only child. Being a part of the softball team made me appreciate the game a lot more. It really makes you have heart for the sport you play, because at this level you have no choice but to have heart."
 
What was your favorite overall memory both from a team and individual standpoint?
"My two favorite team memories were definitely going to Japan and beating (James Madison). Going to Japan is something I will never forget. We learned so many new cultural and environmental aspects of living that were so new to what we are familiar with. Beating JMU was such a fun, exciting moment to show us that hard work really does pay off, which was huge.
 
"My favorite personal moment was probably getting into the game versus No. 1 Florida where my aunt and uncle came to watch. They don't get to come to too many games so it was exciting that when I got into hit that game, a single to right field off of the Florida pitcher. They were super excited that they got to see me play and that my at bat was successful."
 
Of the road trips last season, which one did you enjoy the most and why?
Well considering my legs are long and my legs cramp on the bus, road trips aren't my favorite thing. But if I had to choose, my favorite would be the trip to Delaware, because on our way back home everyone was very happy that we made it to the conference tournament. Coach (Bocock) helped us celebrate by buying us all ice cream.
 
Your family was present during a number of games during your first year. How did it feel to have that support system when you were playing and which games stood out to you the most that they attended?
"Having my parents and family members at a lot of my games makes me so happy and thankful. I was use to both of my parents being at every travel tournament that I had ever since I started playing. They love Elon and our team and have become huge supporters of our Elon softball program. My dad studies the game a lot and knows quite a bit about the game. I love having his input on what he sees as a viewer after games and the inside scoop of what he knows on the other team before games. He is a huge help and supporter and without him I wouldn't be the player I am today. My mom has always been my biggest fan and supporter. She loves to see the team do well and she loves being around the game of softball. Her love for the game and the time and effort she has always put in to allow me to play is so appreciated. Without them my softball career would've never been possible."
 
Who, if anyone from the team, do you feel helped or guided you the most during your freshman year and why? Who do you think helped served as a great role model and/or friend for you from the team?
"Honestly, everyone from the team is such a huge help at different times. As a freshman, sometimes it was hard to adjust to certain parts of the new environment. My biggest one was time management. One person who I became very close with during my freshman year was Erica Serafini. We would always go to study hall together and she likes to stay for long periods of time. That forced me to stay longer so I could ask her for help. Whenever I needed someone, she was always right there whether it was with softball or personal issues. She was my right hand and I am so thankful to have found that friendship because especially in college you really need that person you can talk to when you are having a rough day. Erica and I have a friendship that will last a life time."
 
Finally, how much do you think you have adjusted to being an Elon student-athlete after your first year?
"I think I have adjusted tremendously. Like I said, I had a hard time in the beginning with time management. I would want to go back to my dorm room after class and take a two-hour nap. My coaches and teammates taught me that I can be using that time in study hall or getting extra work in. I would sometimes be the last person to do things but now I always try to be the first as much as possible. When you get use to a schedule and doing the same things on a daily basis it becomes habit and you learn very quickly. Especially, with your coaches, teammates and friends who are there to help."