ISU Bengal

Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Sports

Kandis Clesson is a sophomore pitcher for the ISU softball team. She reigns from North Bend, Wash. And is enjoying her time at ISU.



Bengal: I note from your schedule, that the Softball team has played 25 consecutive games on the road to open the season, many against top level teams. Talk about a road trip!

Clesson: The traveling has been really fun. Traveling a lot has allowed us to play in warm weather. We got to go to Hawaii, which was amazing. It has also allowed us to play some of the top teams in the nation. Although we have struggled against these teams, playing them is a great experience and will make us a much stronger team in the long run.

Bengal: Do you feel stronger as a team for having done it?

Clesson: I definitely feel like we are getting stronger. We have come a long way since last year and we can only get better. We have a very young pitching staff, but we're all getting lots of experience which will make us very strong when we become juniors and seniors.

Bengal: What is the highlight of your travels this season?

Clesson: I think going to Hawaii was the most amazing experience this year. I have never been there and it is a beautiful place. Not only did we get to play some really good teams, but we also got to experience the Hawaiian culture.

Bengal: What challenges have you all faced?

Clesson: I think our biggest challenge is learning to win. We have a very talented team and once we start winning we will be hard to beat.

Bengal: Is there a particular game that stands out for you this season?

Clesson: I think all of the games against nationally ranked teams stand out to me. Although the scores don't show it, we held our own in those games and proved that we can play at their level.

Bengal: How does the team train with spring weather like we're having here in Pocatello?

Clesson: We have been practicing in Holt most of the season. We just began to practice outside and although it is cold it has been pretty fun playing in the snow. It gets us ready to play in home games like the one against Utah State where it snowed the whole game.

Bengal: How do you juggle your studies with your team responsibilities and travels?

Clesson: It is definitely difficult to juggle these responsibilities. Most of my teachers and classmates are very helpful. I try to do a lot of studying and writing on the road. There is a lot of traveling time in the car and on the plane. Laptops make my life a lot easier.

Bengal: What kind of things do you like to do in your spare time?

Clesson: What spare time? Haha... softball and school are my life. No, seriously though, I love hanging out with friends and just being a college student.

Bengal: What should fans look for coming out to Rainey Park to watch the team play?

Clesson: They should look for high intensity games. Our team has been playing very well and we are very excited to be playing at home. Come support the Bengal Softball team. We love having a good crowd!

(Note - The Bengal Softball team winds up their season at home on Saturday, April 26, with a doubleheader at Rainey Park, beginning at Noon. Rainey Park is located on Arthur Street, right before it merges with the Bannock Highway.)

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