Q&A with Alyssa Ronquillo

East Ridge senior Alyssa Ronquillo was recently selected to participate in the 2011 Minnesota High School All-Star Girls Softball Series. Next fall, she will be attending the University of Wisconsin - River Falls to study Computer Science and Information Systems and play softball for the Falcons.

We sat down with the Raptors’ leader to find out more about her on and off the field.

What’s your favorite sports memory?

Our varsity team trip to Mankato. We had bad weather and numerous adventures driving down to Mankato, but we played really well. We made it into the championship round despite the harsh weather we had that weekend.

Do you have one individual performance at a game that sticks out as being a great one?

At our very first game this season against Park, I hit a lead off home run on the second pitch. Park was a really good team this season and to win against them felt like a great accomplishment.

Do you have one that sticks out as being a bad one?

When we played against Roseville, I could not hit the ball. I struggled to time the Roseville's pitcher because she threw really slowly and few strikes. It was really embarrassing because the pitcher was very young.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

There was one cheer that we did before a couple of games. Erin Kiefat was a player on our team and Jessie Simonson would lead the team to say, “Who’s fat? Kiefat!” It was funny and made us more relaxed, but at the same time pumped up to play some softball.

Do you have a nickname?

Coach Tom Nemo called me "Lyss" or "Ronquillo." I guess Lyss was just easier to say, but for batting lineups he always called me by my last name.

What do you like to do off the field?

When I am off the field, I like to go to my friends’ cabins. I love spending my whole day at a lake and boating.

What’s your favorite TV show?

Hands down my favorite TV show is Cake Boss. Buddy is super funny and one day I want to go to Carlo's bakery and be on the show, hopefully. The cakes are by far the most amazing and it’s elaborate how he comes up with the designs.

Favorite movie?

The Last Song. I have not read the book, but I thought the movie was good.

Who’s your favorite athlete?

B.B. Bates is my favorite collegiate athlete. When I was watching the 2010 NCAA College World Series, she was on the UCLA Bruins. She was a really smart batter and that motivated me to work harder in order to increase my batting average and on-base percentage.

What’s your favorite sports team? (besides your own)

The Minnesota Wild. I love the sport of hockey and will watch the Wild with my brother at the Xcel or at home on TV. Hockey games are by far one of the most intense sports to watch even at the high school level as well. The Wild were competitive and fun to watch.

What’s your favorite sport?

Softball is my favorite sport which I have been playing since I was 8 years old. I have made a lot of friends playing softball. I also like cross-country running. It was a new sport I picked up when the ERHS first opened. It is fast-paced and great for conditioning. Our team was really fun and ran well at each meet. Each person was self-motivated and I couldn't have asked for a better team for the last two seasons.

What advice do you have for young players?

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. It is more mental than physical. Any athlete can achieve anything, all it takes is motivation and practice.

Tags: sports, softball, updates, prep