Student-Athlete Spotlight
#7 Michelle Grap
Softball
Senior • Utility
Ellicott City, Md. (Centennial High School)
April, 2011
A three-year letterwinner, Michelle will start at either third base or shortstop for the Hens in 2011 for new head coach Jaime Wohlbach. Michelle provides a powerful bat in the lineup and is Delaware's active leader in virtually every offensive category. She has appeared in 135 career games and is the school's career leader with 22 home runs while ranking sixth in Delaware history with 80 career RBI and 13th with 181 total bases. She is serving as team captain for the second consecutive season this spring.
1. What is your major/minor at Delaware?
Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
2. What has been your best experience playing softball for the UD team so far?
Breaking both the school single season and career home run records.
3. Do you have any future goals when it comes to softball? If not, what are your overall future life goals?
I have been offered to play on two pro-teams overseas and one in the United States but I believe that in the future my goal is to work with animals in some way.
4. What has your experience been like at Delaware?
Being on the softball team at Delaware is an experience that has made me grow into a stronger and more understanding person. You have an unfailing support system with your teammates and coaches that is unlike anything you receive anywhere else. You learn to work as a team and be there for one another on and off the field. You understand the stress of the lifestyle and learn to embrace and love it because it keeps you on track and devoted to the things you really want to spend your time on. In general, I am very happy that I chose to come to Delaware for academics and softball and wouldn't take it back for the world.
5. Who was the biggest influence on your overall career?
In my overall career, my father was my biggest influence. He understood my ups and downs during the season better than anyone because he has always been there to watch and support me.
6. What were your feelings on being selected as the team captain two years in a row?
It is a true honor to be selected captain two years in a row. This year I feel more like a captain than ever, being a senior and also being selected by our new coach. I feel true respect from my teammates and coaches for the efforts and devotion that I put out for the team this year. I know that the work, effort, and passion that I have proven to this team in on past teams has led everyone to believe I am the person they can count on and look to for guidance and knowledge on and off the field.
7. What were your feelings being about representing Delaware at the CAA SAAC Summit last November?
The CAA SAAC Summit was an amazing experience which I was able to learn about leadership as well as voice my opinions to other SAAC representatives. Being the female representative for Delaware was an honor and I enjoyed being able to represent Delaware by bringing all of our ideals and positive experiences to be used by other CAA schools. Delaware is a great school. I was proud to be able to share all of our efforts in SAAC and other areas with everyone at the conference to better their school as well as listen to things we may need to improve on.
8. How did you feel when you learned that you are the leader in career home runs for UD softball?
I did not even know at the time what the record was for career, I only knew I was close for the season home run record. When I found out that I broke both on the same weekend, I was shocked. It was completely unexpected. Records are meant to be broken, so I am sure my day will come when I will be moved down to number two or lower, but that is ok. I know at one point I had the home run record at a Division 1 softball program. That's not something that many can say, even if it is for a short period. I will always be proud of that.
9. What are you goals for the rest of the season?
I hope to continue to be a leader for my team. I am not doing very well right now and it is hard to try and move forward, but good athletes know how to get past their low points and not look too hard into their high points. I hope to get out of this slump and close my senior season knowing I did the best I could possibly do. I hope that as a team we continue to work together and make it to the top four in the conference to be able to compete in the finals. We have the heart and we will do it.
10. Have you always played the same position in the field throughout your career?
Before college, I predominantly played third base and center field for my travel softball team and played shortstop for my high school team. When I came to college my freshman year, I played outfield and third base. Then, as a sophomore, I played third base. During my junior year, I practiced at third until the season started but circumstances had me at shortstop, trying to learn that position again. This year I have been at shortstop and third base, but we are a very versatile team and I am confident I could play at any position the coach decided to place me at any time (except pitcher---no one will want to see that!).
