Kutztown University Sports Information Intern Sydney Fisher caught up with senior outfielder Rachel Lawes (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) of the Golden Bears softball team, which is currently on a 13-game winning-streak, for this edition of "Kutztown Corner". 
 
The team is currently 21-7 (4-0 PSAC) and on a 13-game winning-streak; can you touch on the team's early season success as it gets right into the heart of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play. 
I am proud of our current record, but the PSAC will truly show what we are made of. I am hoping we can continue our winning streak of course, but it is always a battle in our league. We still have improvements to make if we want to be successful within our competitive conference, but I believe in my team. Everyone has worked extremely hard, and we continue to work to reach our goals.

What would you say your team needs to work on this season to reach their full potential?  What are your team goals for the year?
To reach our full potential we just have to believe in our own abilities, our teammates, and our coaches. If we can unselfishly do what is best for the team, we can win. We have many team goals, but simply we strive to win every inning of every game. If we can do that, we will reach all the big goals.

Where do you see your team progressing this season?
If we suit up and show up to every single game, I see us having a successful season and potentially making a good run at post-season.

You're a senior now; do you have any final personal goals that you want to accomplish this season?
Ideally I want to have my best career season, offensively and defensively. My goal is to hit over .300 and have minimal errors in center field. Another goal of mine is to do whatever I can as a senior to help lead our team to a successful season.

Your mother, Judy Lawes, is the head softball coach; is it difficult to have your mother as a coach? Do you feel like she pushes you harder and expects more out of you because you are her daughter?
You would be amazed at the amount of times I have been asked this question. My answers have changed over the years. When I was a freshman, it was definitely difficult for the both of us. It is still difficult at times, but has gotten significantly easier. Of course she pushes me and expects the most out of me; but she pushes all of us and expects all of us to be the best we can be.

When you were a freshman you were part of the national championship game and your team won the PSAC championship for the first time in school history; what was that experience like? What was the most important thing you learned from that experience?
Winning the PSACs for the first time in school history was by far one of the best experiences of my life; especially being able to experience that with my mom. The feeling was indescribable and I will never forget it.  Being a participant at the national championship was amazing. Losing that last game was a heartbreaker, and it still hurts to think about it. I want so badly to go back and get another chance at the title. The most important thing I learned that year was to go 100 percent at every play. If you are able to honestly say you gave everything you got during every play, then you can't have regrets about how the cards fall.

How did having those experiences your freshman year shape you into a better softball player and why?
Those experiences gave me a whole new love and respect for the game. They shaped me into a better softball player because I developed a greater passion for learning the game and improving my skills.

As a senior you are one of the remaining three players from that national championship team; how close are you with Danielle Sienko (Philadelphia, Pa./William Penn Charter) and Krista Schauder (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown Area)?
The three of us are very close; we have been through so much together these past few years. We actually are roommates, and it is easy to say that we act like sisters more than anything. I love them and would do anything for those two, and I am confident in saying they feel the same way.

You are a 6x Dean's List honors student, in the honors program, a 3x PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a 2x D2ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient; how hard is it to balance your studies with softball and how do you do it?  What advice would you give to other students who have to balance a busy workload?
Balancing school and athletics is a challenge, but it is doable. Time management is imperative; it really comes down to making the right choices. Sometimes you have to choose to stay in or go to the library instead of be social.  I had to put in a lot of time and effort to reach my goals academically. My advice would be to set your goals high, reward yourself when you reach them, and surround yourself with those who also have high goals. I can vouch that it is possible to be a student-athlete and still have fun in college. Work hard, play hard. 

Who has been the biggest inspiration(s) in your life?
My parents without a doubt are my biggest inspiration. My mom was (is) a great athlete and successful coach. My dad also just has an amazing work ethic and high moral standards. I have always admired both of them and strived to be the best I can be to make them proud.

When did you first start playing softball?
I really couldn't tell you the age at which I started playing. As soon as I was able, my parents were playing ball with me.

What do you do in your free time outside of athletics?
During my free time I really like to run or be active in some way. When I am caught up on school, I like hanging out with my teammates and friends.

What is your favorite thing about KU?
My favorite thing about KU is my team. Being part of KUSB is by far the best part about being a student here. I have made relationships and memories with some really great people.

What is your best advice to give to incoming freshman at KU?
Make the most of every opportunity you have here at KU, the time flies by.