Meet the Team: Senior Kaitlin Manuel

Feb. 8, 2017

Favorites

Food: Any type of Mexican food

Song: May We All - Florida Georgia Line

TV Show: Grey's Anatomy

Movie: PS I Love you

Quote: "Sometimes in the wave of change you find your true direction."

Part of Pittsburgh: Downtown because of how unique it is, especially during the holidays with all the lights and festivities.

Professional Athlete: Derek Jeter

Sport to Watch other than Softball: Football

Sport Related Memory: Going to the NCAA Regional tournament in Michigan when I was a sophomore. It was an amazing experience and such a proud moment that I will never forget.

Q&A

What made you choose Pitt?

I wanted a school that focused on the academics as much as the athletics and that is what I found in Pitt. The team felt like a second family instantly. As soon as my dad and I drove through the tunnel and saw the city, I fell in love. The city is so proud of all of its athletics and you can feel it during every home game.

What are your biggest strengths as a player?

My defensive toughness, I really enjoy making diving catches and taking hits away from the opposing team.

What are some areas of the game you'd like to improve in?

I would like to become a more consistent hitter throughout the entire season.

What is your (intended) major?

Economics

What are three words that describe you?

Loyal, Independent, Determined

What are your hobbies and interests outside of softball?

I love spending time with my family, friends, boyfriend and dogs. Especially being so far away from home, I try to spend as much time with them as possible. I love being outside; going to the beach, hiking and exploring what Earth has to offer.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

If anyone knows me, they know I love my hair. I make sure it is perfect for every game day. So if we win or I have a good game I normally keep the same hairstyle and use the same hairbands for the next game.

What are some of the differences between your hometown and Pittsburgh?

I am from a suburb in California, so there is quite a bit of difference besides the obvious city feel. Where I'm from, the temperature does not drop below 50 degrees (normally), whereas in Pittsburgh negative degrees actually exist. At home, I am a short 15-minute drive to the beach. In Pittsburgh, it is a day drive to any sandy beach (a lake does not count). There are really only two seasons in California; summer and fall. In Pittsburgh, we get to see all four seasons and it is just beautiful.

If you could bring one thing from your hometown to Pittsburgh, what would it be?

This is tough, but the beach.

What is the best advice you've ever been given?

To trust in yourself and trust in God. Whatever is meant to happen will and whatever is sent your way, you will find a way through it. Lastly, to always enjoy the little things.

If you could meet three people (past or present) who would you want to meet? Why?

My Uncle Joe: He passed away before I was born and I know he was an amazing man, father, brother and friend.

Eric Church: I love his music and his voice and I think it would be so cool to fan girl at his concert once. Jessica Mendoza: She is a star for the game of softball but also the first female commentator in baseball, which is a male dominated sport.

If you could be a star in any sport, other than softball, which one would it be?

Tennis, because they make the most money when you are a star and you get to travel the world.

Who had the greatest impact on your life? Why?

My mom is my absolute biggest supporter. She knows me sometimes better than I know myself. She says the right things even when I do not necessarily want to hear them. She always has my back when I need confidence, a shoulder to cry on and a hand when I need picked back up. She is my best friend and without her, I would not be the player or person I am today.

University of Pittsburgh Athletics

Meet the Team: Senior Kaitlin Manuel

Related News

Related Videos