By Amber Roth:

This week, as promised, I will introduce you to the 2011 Fighting Sioux softball team.  I obtained this information by sending out an e-mail asking the girls to respond with their year in school, hometown, and anything interesting about themselves. The responses I got even taught me a few new things about this lively bunch. Some responded like normal human beings while others, let's just say "let their true colors shine through."

First, we have Courtney Gonzales, a freshman from Huntington Beach Calif. Courtney's interesting fact was, and I quote, "I am obsessed with being a Diva. Anything to do with Hello Kitty and I am the biggest creep known to man on Facebook ♥ Courtney."  So, chances are, if you don't know Courtney, she knows you (especially you guys out there)!

Brandee Ybarra is a freshman from Riverside, Calif. An interesting fact about Brandee is that she has a fraternal twin who is two minutes older than her and she knows lots of random facts. So if you have any random questions, she is the one to ask.

Kayla Goerke is another freshman from Monticello, Minn. Her favorite thing to do is to be outside camping at the lake with all her friends and family.

Jessi St.Marie is a sophomore from Zumbrota, Minn. Something interesting about her is she's obsessed with texting/Facebook/Twitter and just being on her Blackberry at all times.

Abby Jo Tometich, is a sophomore from Aberdeen, Wash. She apparently loves anything that sparkles, and has an obsession with jeans! I think they call this obsession with sparkly things ADHD?

Brittany Baker is a sophomore from Buena Park, Calif. When asked her interesting fact, she responded "everyone calls me Baby-bake, or b-bake. I love my family, friends and animals. My favorite thing to do is go riding with my dad and jam out with my sister Kristen!!"

Kelsey Olson is a sophomore and/or redshirt freshmen dealy (yes, this is supposed to say dealy).  She is from Minnetonka, Minn. Kelsey has this to say: "My height for a softball player confuses some. I say in response, 'There is no height limit in softball.' Just so everyone is aware. I also enjoy cooking and a good craft in my spare time."

Michelle Frank is one of the most "unique" on the team. I will not even try and translate the response I got from her. Instead, I will just leave as is and let you translate for yourself. "I'm a sophomore from Jupiter. I am majoring in corn dogs and sounds that cats make. I don't like activities or people. Get too close and I'll hiss at you!  K thanks bye meow." Don't be alarmed, we're working on getting her help.

Emma Gronseth is a unique story.  She is a sophomore from Forest Grove, Ore.  She comes to us on her "Rumspringa," which, for those of you who don't know, is a break from traditional Amish life to seek out other ways of life. We're so glad she chose to spend her time here with us. She has decided to major in communication sciences and disorders.

Kayelee Schoeny is a sophomore from Redlands, Calif. Here is what Kayelee has to say: "Some people might say I'm dumb...I would just say I don't like, nor care about, geography. Who cares that South Africa is on the continent of Africa, not South America?"  Also, just in case Kayelee forgot, Alaska is a state in the United States. Pronounced a l -AS -kuh.

Kenna Olsen is a sophomore from Issaquah, Wash. Her favorite animal is a giraffe, but has never seen one in person. Kenna also says, "I specialize in making baby quilts in my free time and am convinced that Lindy will have the next one of my quilts, hopefully a few years down the road."

Cami Bennett is a sophomore from Grants Pass, Ore. Some of you may know Cami because of her great impersonation skills. Her best act is performing "She Wolf" by Shakira. Also, on occasion, if you're lucky, you may also catch her doing "the raptor." Next time you see her, be sure to ask her to perform for you.

Erica Younan is a junior from Chico, Calif./ Fort Collins, Colo.  Apparently she isn't sure which one is her home. Her interesting fact is "pink Under Armour tank top, 'nuff said."

Liz Triplett is from Northfield, Minn. She is a junior who transferred here this year. Liz's response: "I am attempting to be a nurse and one day I am going to have a pet monkey." 

Kendra Wright, a freshman from Olathe, Kan. She is majoring in civil engineering. Kendra's interesting fact: "Currently, I have killed five fishes in my dorm, two of which were salt water fish living in fresh water, and the other fish (may he rest in peace) Courtney killed from cleaning the tank." After reading this, I thought to myself how many fish do you need for it to be considered fishes? Hmmm...

Amanda Johnson, a freshman from Ashby, Minn. According to Amanda, she is "an avid sleepwalker. The end."

Lexa Twist is a freshman from Winnipeg.  Lexa says "I love cupcakes, and chocolate... and pretty much desserts of all kinds. Oh and I kind of like hockey."

Caralyn Chewning, a freshman from Willamina, Ore. Caralyn describes her life as "Me, Kendra and 'D' are the three best friends that anyone could have. We are addicted to Netflix, Disney movies and sleepovers. :) Peace up a town down."

D Jantzer, a freshman from Grants Pass, Ore. She says, "My best friend is Amber Roth, but she never invites me to Applebee's with her. I enjoy playing Just Dance II on the Wii :)." I have no response to this one.

Maggie O'Neal is a junior from Overland Park, Kan. Although she may not be from the south, she does love big hair: "The bigger my hair the happier I am." Maggie is definitely the best hair teaser on the team!

Kendra McCall is a freshman from New York Mills, Minn.  "I'm the new mother of a fresh bunch of Mexican Jumping Beans. I enjoy singing Mulan songs to them so they bounce around, parallel parking in front of my dorm, and turkey club torpedoes from Quizno's."

Lindy Sippola, a sophomore from Grants Pass, Ore. "I am married and plan on wearing a yellow ribbon in my hair for every game this season to support my husband, who is in the Air Force and currently deployed to Kuwait. My ideal night consists of eating flaming hot Cheetos, watching To Catch a Predator (also widely known on this team as TCAP), dancing along to "Big Girls, You are Beautiful" on Just Dance 2 for the Wii, and topping it all off with a nice bowl of cereal."

Rounding out the team is Mallory Tacdol, a freshman from Medford, Ore.  But, apparently I left Mallory off my e-mail list and so, therefore, I get to make up an interesting fact about her.  Mallory spends her spare time liking everything you can possibly imagine on Facebook! Such as: Checking your phone every 5 seconds; I'm not mad at you I'm just done with you; Getting up to do something then forgetting what you're doing; Laughing at someone else's laugh; Truth is I really want to punch you in the face"  and many, many more.

Finally, that is the entire team and concludes your insider's look at the amazing personalities of the Sioux softball team! Check back next week for our season opener preview.