Newcomer Spotlight: Caroline Umphlett
January 30, 2014 | Softball
Jan. 30, 2014
Leading up to the 2014 season, the East Carolina softball team will introduce each of its newcomers with each of their interests, favorites and other details. The latest introduction of the team's first-year players will be the last.
Full name: Caroline Morgan Umphlett
Nickname: Big Country
How I got my nickname: I’ve always been really tall and I played for a travel softball team in Virginia and they thought because I was from North Carolina that I was super country.
Most interesting thing I did this summer: I drove across the country from Utah to North Carolina
Phrase you over-text the most: “haha”
Weirdest thing your coach ever said to you: “You look like an old grandma.”
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesean
Favorite food I should never eat, but do: Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked ice cream
Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite athlete: Eli Manning
Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Favorite off-day activity: Sleeping and Pinterest
Favorite place on campus: Panda Express
Favorite Conference USA city: Greenville!
Biggest DVR obsession: Pretty Little Liars
Dream car: Chevy Tahoe
Dream job: Lawyer
Biggest fear: Not reaching my goals and the expectations I have for myself
How did you get started in softball? My dad took me to a few parks and rec games in my hometown, and I decided I wanted to start playing after watching. I had to give up dancing and cheerleading.
What are some of your routines on game day or during games? I can’t put lotion on my pitching hand because I don’t want my hand to sweat the oil out and make the ball slippery. I always have to have a ribbon in my hair and an extra pair of socks layered under my game socks. I chew the same flavor of gum when I pitch (Extra Polar Ice).
What is your favorite softball memory? Going to Las Vegas in 2009 when I was in high school and playing at nationals. I threw a no-hitter while I was there.
If you could change one thing about softball, what would it be and why? I would love for there to be instant replay or reviewable plays like in Major League Baseball. I think it would have changed the outcome of so many games.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to young girls who want to play? Never give up on yourself or your team. Always keep working hard no matter what the circumstances because your hard work will eventually pay off.
I wear my uniform number because: A family friend (Danny Talbot) who played for UNC’s football and baseball teams and later went on to play for the Washington Redskins wore number 10.
One thing about you that would surprise most people reading this: I like to clean – A LOT.
I can’t imagine going a week without: Working out
Actress who should play me on the big screen: Reese Witherspoon
Song I sing in the shower: Pitch Perfect riff off
First pro sports event you attended: A hockey game
I wish I: Could cure cancer
Award I would most like to win: The College World Series!
If I were a Pirate, my name would be: Queen C
If I could be a character in a movie or a T.V. show, it would be: Grey’s Anatomy
The first thing I owned that said “ECU” was: A t-shirt
The movie about my life would be titled: “A girl with big city dreams”
The best birthday present you ever received was: A laptop
