Eagle of the Week: Feb. 23 - March 1

Brie Dunckel, a senior from Valley Center, CA, was named Eagle of the Week last week due to her performance for the softball team against Pittsburg State University, Nebraska-Kearney University and Rogers State University. Dunckel scored the winning run in all three games for the Eagles. She had a total of five runs scored and three bases stolen across the games.

Dunckel answered questions about herself and her performance.

What got you into softball originally?

I didn’t play too much growing up, but my little sister did. I would practice with her and my dad in the driveway, and by doing that, I fell in love with it. [My] first year officially getting into it was freshman year of high school.

What do you do to mentally prepare for a game?

Most of my mental preparation consists of reminding myself to rely on the work and preparation I have put in throughout the years. I also try to remind myself that the success I have as well as failures are inevitable. We will all face them, but remembering that they do not define us and that my team has always got my back.

What’s your favorite part of softball?

Seeing my teammates’ hard work and dedications play out in the game. I love it when one of my teammates pulls through in an intense moment and we all go wild in the dugout or on the field.

The softball team has had a lot of success recently. What do you attribute that to?

I attribute my team’s success to us doing the little things right and trusting the process. Keeping a level head and supporting those around you is the key. Everyone has days that they are on and off, so one individual does not define a team, but instead all of us working together.

What, in your mind, is the biggest misconception about softball?

That it’s a slow-moving game.

How do you think the team will do the rest of the season?

I’m not sure how we will do per se, but I can tell you we will continue to work hard and continue to develop together. We are just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what these girls can do.

What’s your favorite post-game food?

My favorite post-game food is whatever my mama is cooking. It doesn’t happen anymore because she lives so far, but if I had to choose that’s what I would want.

What’s your favorite movie?

At the moment its “Nacho Libre,” if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it.