NORMAL, Ill. – Bird Bits give Redbird Softball fans an opportunity to get an inside look at a handful of returners that will step back on the field in an Illinois State uniform in 2019.
We are almost done with our five-week series, and next on our list is Spenser Strandgard, who is the younger sister of recent graduate Riley Strandgard. The utility player made her collegiate debut against nationally-ranked Arizona State in 2017, pitching one inning for the Redbirds.
Name: Spenser Strandgard
Hometown: Sherrard, Illinois
High School: Sherrard
Major: Environmental Health with a minor in Safety
Q&A:
Q1: Why did you decide to attend Illinois State?
A: When I visited, I actually got the feeling "this is the place." The campus felt like home and the teammates' bond seemed unreal. My sister (Riley Strandgard) helped me make my decision. She had already been here for a couple years when I was trying to make my decisions. She convinced me that I would love it here, because of the school, professors, staff, teammates and softball program. I am very thankful that I listened to her because I couldn't see myself anywhere else.
Q2: What has your time at ISU been like so far?
A: AMAZING! And it has gone by FAST, actually too fast! I learned a lot of life lessons my first year; time management skills, prioritizing, work ethic and LAUNDRY. Along with life lessons, I have learned so much in the softball world. With the first year in the books, I am blessed to have done it with great people by my side; teammates, my sister, my parents, friends and coaches. Ready for next year to begin.
Q3: What has been your favorite part about being a Redbird?
A: My favorite part of being a Redbird so far would be having the opportunity to go to the same school as my sister, let alone play softball with her as well. Along with that, having 26 sisters to go through this journey has been another favorite part of being a Redbird.
Q4: Has anyone on the team, current or past Redbird, taken you under their wing since you've been here? If so, who, and how have they helped you?
A: Honestly, the whole team! Each player has impacted me in different ways and has helped me out throughout my first year as a Redbird, but a couple teammates took me under their wing more than others. One is Allison Spence, as she has helped me tremendously at first base, whether it be with drills, understanding the position better, encouraging me or challenging me. I hope to be half the first basemen she is. The other person would have to be my sister last year. She has always pushed me as an athlete. I also can always count on her to make me laugh and keep me loose.
Q5: What was your biggest adjustment when you got to ISU? How did you get through it?
A: Sharing a small dorm room and of course the small bed. Little did I know, I would only be in the dorm room when I was sleeping. I spent little time in the room because of studying, lifting, classes, study hours. On a serious note though, it wasn't bad at all. It made it easier that I knew who I was sharing a room with, along with having teammates the next two rooms over. The small bed was an adjustment, but after a week I got used to it. And when you are really tired, you can fall asleep almost anywhere.
Q6: Are there any classes you have taken so far that you really like?
A: I haven't taken any of my major classes yet, because I am just finishing my Gen-Ed classes, but my favorite Gen-Ed would be Com 110 with Lisa Martins.
Q7: What made you choose your major and what is it?
A: Actually, I am in the middle of changing my major. A teammate in my sister's grade, Abby Turczyn, had a sister graduate about four year ago with Environmental Health and Safety. My sister told me she could see me doing what Kelsey Turczyn does and that Kelsey loves what she does. Then I did further research about this career and during winter break, I job shadowed the safety department at John Deere. Later this summer, I am planning to job shadow the environmental department there as well. I am 98% sure I am majoring in Environmental Heath and minor in Safety.
Q8: When you aren't practicing, going to class and studying, what do you like to do?
A: I like to hang out with Andrea, Ashley, Brittni and Morgan (2021 Class) at the dorm. Shopping and hanging out with my sister at her apartment, and then there are some days where I enjoy lying in bed watching Netflix.Â
Q9: Do you have a motto you live your life by? If so, what is it?
A: "Too blessed to be stressed," because I find myself stressing out at times, but then I remember that motto and it reminds me to be thankful for what I have.
Fill in the Blank:
- I committed to ISU over other schools because:Â of the team. The teammates seemed like they had a tight bond (which we do, it feels like family). I also knew that the coaches would challenge and push me to make me a better athlete and person
- When I think of Redbird softball, I think of:Â FAMILY!
- My favorite part about being a Redbird student-athlete is:Â being a part of the athletic family at ISU and being involved with the community. It is an experience I will always be thankful for
- When I think of the Redbird softball fan base, I think of: parents, family, friends and community
- When I committed to the ISU softball program, I felt: all types of emotions, including anxiousness, excited and nervous
- I love softball because: it has brought lifetime friends. It has challenged me to be a better athlete and person
- My favorite moment as a Redbird is: getting the opportunity to travel with my teammates and getting to know each other better
- My favorite stadium we played at in 2018 was: If I had to pick one, it would be USF's Softball Stadium, but I also loved Arizona State
- An area of my game I want to improve in is: being quicker
Bird Bits:
- Favorite athlete: Chris Bryant
- Favorite professional sports team: Chicago Cubs
- Favorite junk food: Calzones from Benny's in Milan, Illinois
- Favorite concert you've been to: Carrie Underwood
- Favorite TV show: Riverdale and Grey's Anatomy
- My favorite place on campus: the student recreation center
- The farthest place I have traveled from home: Hawaii
- If I could take a vacation anywhere in the world, I would travel to: London
- Favorite book I have read: Lead for God's Sake
- My nickname on the team is: Spense
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