The Daily Iowan: What made you choose Iowa?

McKenzie Leitgen: Honestly, just the culture surrounding the team. The school itself is a great school, but also the fans that show up for the games are just so invested in every sport. 

The coaches are new this year, but they have been nothing but the best. I think that they’re definitely leading our team in a great direction for seasons to come. 

What is your favorite softball memory?

I would say the one that’s definitely stuck out is one that happened recently against Army. I came in to pinch hit. It started with my teammates getting on base first. 

I wouldn’t have been put in that situation, but the bases were loaded. We were down three runs and I hit a walk-off grand slam. That was a memory I’ll remember forever, and being with my teammates celebrating was really fun. 

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of softball?

I’m from Arizona, so I really like to go hiking and work out in my free time. 

I also am a big dog person, and we have a place here called Petland, and I like to go hang out with the dogs and spend time with the people that I care about most. 

Who are your role models and why?

One of my biggest role models would probably be my grandpa. He taught my dad the sport of baseball and then passed it on to me with softball. He’s always been one of my biggest fans. He’s there all the time. He’ll bring his dog, and he’s just an incredible human being, and I look up to him. 

What is your go-to song to get hyped up for a game? 

My go-to song would have to be “Walk” by Foo Fighters. A lot of people don’t know that song. I listen to it on the bus, and it just gets me going.

Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what are they?

Yeah, I feel like I do. I definitely am very particular about my hair. If I’ve been doing good, I keep the same hairstyle every day. 

Would you rather hit a walk-off or make a game-saving catch?

I would probably have to say hit a walk-off. I love hitting. That’s my thing.

What is one movie or TV show that you think everyone should watch?

I really like to watch “One Tree Hill.” It’s a go-to for me, and I think it’s really good.