Nov. 7, 2006

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - To prepare for the upcoming 2007 season, purduesports.com will interrupt off-season workouts and sit down with each of the Boilermaker softball players for a short question and answer session. We go Inside the Dugout this week with freshman Kelsey Haupert, who discusses the tough transition from the West Coast to the Midwest, how her success on the diamond in high school will help her now, and why she thinks she was born in the wrong generation.

What are you most looking forward to in your first season as a Boilermaker?
I think I'm ready to start playing some games against high-level competition. We're in the Big Ten, so it's going to be a good experience. I'm excited for the competition that we're going to face.

What made you think that Purdue was the right school for you?
I really loved the coaches and when I came on my visit, I loved all the girls, too. I felt so comfortable when I came for my visit. It felt right.

Academically, has the transition from high school to college been difficult for you?
It's really hard, because it's tougher to adjust when you have to be the one initiating help with your teachers. They're not asking you if you need help, you have to go ask by yourself. That's been different.

So far, what do you think of the Boilermaker coaching staff?
Our coaches are great. They definitely push us, but it's easy to tell they care about our well-being at the same time. It's really nice because they're authority figures, but we're still able to talk to them.

What was going through your head during your first few practices here at Purdue?
I was more frustrated and excited than anything else. I didn't know what to expect coming into a Division I college practice. I was from a little 3A high school in Washington. I had no clue what to expect, but it was really exciting at the same time.

What teams are you looking forward to playing this season?
Any team in the Big Ten, but definitely Michigan. They have so been such a good team recently, it's going to be nice to get the chance to play them. I'm really excited for all of the California tournaments, too. Hopefully, I'll get to see some family and friends while we're out there.

How has it been tough moving from Washington to Indiana?
In terms of weather, it's pretty similar. I think it's a lot colder here. I can't wear flip flops when it looks nice outside because it looks nicer than it feels. It's not too bad. This is about the same size town that I'm from. I miss my family a lot, though. We're really close, so it's hard not sitting down and watching family TV shows or family movies. It's nice that I can call them. I call them every few days and catch up with them. I have two brothers that are sophomores in high school, so I'm missing out on everything they have going on. It's hard feeling like I'm missing out on everything.

You were named first team all-state twice during your high school career and also won a state championship your junior year. How is that type of success going to help you here at Purdue?
Well, the state championship was really exciting. It went nine innings, so it wasn't just a normal championship game. I think that, coupled with playing in nationals, is going to really help with my composure when I get into high-level games.

With all of that success, you list being named Most Inspirational after your freshman basketball season as your proudest accomplishment. Why is that?
It was a vote from my teammates, so I felt like it meant a lot that my teammates thought that I was inspirational to them. That's the basic idea behind encouraging people or cheering them on. It really meant a lot to me.

What's the story behind the number 27 you wear?
It was my dad's number when he played slow-pitch and my mom's birthday is on the 27th. I've had it for so long. There was one year where I didn't have it, but after that I knew that I had to hang onto it.

What is something that most people don't know about you?
It's actually kind of embarrassing, but I was definitely born in the wrong generation. Doris Day is my favorite actress of all-time and I love music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. I love musicals, but I know that I'm the biggest nerd because of it. I've been known to sit in my room and watch old movies and I've been listening to Frank Sinatra all day on my iPod. Those types of things are my favorites.

I saw that not only are you into old movies, but you also really like Disney movies, too. What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
My favorite Disney movie is definitely "Cinderella". She's the best. I love all of Doris Day's movies. I love Lucille Ball, too. I like "Yours, Mine and Ours", "Pillow Talk", "The King and I", "Singin' in the Rain", and "Oklahoma!" There's so many, though! I could go on all day.