Five seniors are listed among the 2023 South Alabama softball roster, and each Monday throughout the season, one will give fans a view through their eyes as they recap the previous week. On tap this week is catcher Emma Kropp.

Monday
Today was our off day and I spent it at the beach with Odalys (Cordova) and Meredith (Keel). We had a nice day relaxing and getting some sun, while listening to me and OD's favorite, Morgan Wallen! When I got home I cooked dinner and got ready for the rest of the week while watching The Bachelor! I'm a sucker for some reality TV. 

Tuesday
I started off the day by going to class at 8 am, and then again at 9:30. Right after class we had weights! We started a new lift this week and I really enjoyed it, especially since we didn't have time to work out last week because we played so many games! Then I went to open field to hit some before catching Jenna's (Hardy) bullpen. Afterwards I drove over to Fairhope to see my family for dinner! Then finally I went to an FCA meeting to close out the day!!  

Wednesday
After drinking my daily cup of coffee, I headed over to the student center for our FCA leadership meeting. At the meetings we talk about growing in our fellowship with Christ and becoming disciples of the Lord, while also planning weekly meetings for the entire FCA group! After the meeting, I went and ate lunch at my apartment before my bullpen with Olivia (Lackie). After our bullpen, we had team practice! Team practice ended around 6:30, and when it was over I went home, ate dinner and packed up all of my stuff to get ready to leave for Auburn on Thursday. 

Thursday – Travel Day
I have class on Tuesday's and Thursday's at the same time, so I started off today the same way I started Tuesday. After class I went with Bailey (Welch) to get my nails done. Of course, we had to have a coffee while we were at the nail salon, so I picked one up for us on the way from Coffee Monster. Bailey got a pedicure, and I got a manicure and it was so fun! After we finished at the nail salon, we headed to the field to pack up the bus for our trip. The bus left at 2 pm and it took us about three and a half hours to get to Auburn. Once we got here, we worked out in Auburn's weight room and then went to the softball field to practice. At practice, we hit in the cages, and I caught Madison's (Lagle) bullpen. Once practice was over we went to Momma Goldberg's, had dinner, and then headed to the hotel to get some sleep!! 

Friday – Game Day
Yay, it's game day!!! When I woke up I went to eat breakfast, and then I got ready for our games. Every game day I always do KK's (Hughes) hair, but today Marlayna (Capaldi) and Bailey asked me to do their hair too! Of course all three of them looked so cute with their hair all braided! Then we hopped on the bus and headed to the field. Today, we played Tennessee Tech and Auburn. We did a good job against TTU and got the win, but we fell short against Auburn. Tomorrow is a new day and we know what we need to fix to get the job done!! Once we got to the hotel, I ate dinner that was catered to us and hung out with my family for a little bit before bed! It was nice to get to see them. 

Saturday – Game Day
Game day again!! Today, we had to wake up early, so I didn't braid as many people's hair, but I did KK's on the bus on the way to the field. We started off against Bowling Green hot. We run-ruled them and hit the ball really well. Also, Jenna threw her first career no-hitter and I felt honored to get to catch her while she did that! I was so proud of her and I really enjoy working with her behind the plate while she's on the mound. I also hit my first HR of the season, so that was exciting! After that game, we ate Chick fil A and waited for our next game against Auburn. It was such a fun game to be a part of, and we won!! The game ended on a double play when Gabby (Stagner) threw the runner out at home, and we got so excited. Then we ended the day with a steak dinner at Big Mike's!! 

Sunday – Game Day
Game day and the last day of the tournament!! We played TTU again and we run-ruled them. In the fifth inning, the score was 4-0, and then Victoria (Ortiz) hit the farthest home run I think I've ever seen making the score 5-0…then OD hit a single, I got on base with a walk, and ABBY ALLEN HIT A PINCH-HIT, WALK-OFF HOMER MAKING THE SCORE 8-0!! It was so fun and I was so excited for her! Not to mention, all of these runs were scored on two outs. After the game we went and showered at a facility on Auburn's campus, and then we headed home. This weekend was great for the team and I hope we build on it as we get closer to conference play!! 

This weekend was also really fun for me because my bestie that I grew up with (Aspyn Godwin) plays on Auburn as a 5th-year senior. It has always been our dream to play against each other in college. When they came out with our schedules, she and I were so excited that we could play against each other before we finished our college careers. It really was a bittersweet moment and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to get to achieve a dream with my best friend!! 

Thanks for hanging out with me this week and Go Jags!! See y'all soon!!

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