Get To Know The Softball Newcomers
January 08, 2026 | Softball
The Washington softball team has welcomed 10 newcomers ahead of the 2026 season, with nine of them joining the Husky squad in the fall as well as the addition of Grazia Mazzola in January. We caught up with the Huskies to hear about what got them to Montlake, some of their favorite memories on campus so far, and some hard hitting questions.
Ryan Maddox
What is your softball origin story?
When I was two or three years old, I agreed to give up my pacifier if my parents bought me a bat. That trade was the first step in my lifelong love for softball.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
My favorite part of being on campus is being at the softball field with Lake Washington in the background. It’s a reminder every day how special it is to play here.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky means representing something bigger than yourself and competing with pride, grit, and a standard of excellence every time you step on the field.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? Listening to country music, specifically Toby Keith.
Road trip must have? Blanket
Favorite athlete of all time? Anthony Rizzo
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Grey’s Anatomy
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak
Melody Acevedo
What is your softball origin story?
My parents put me into softball when I was like 5 because they said I didn’t really talk to anyone and they wanted me to make friends
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
The views on campus are very beautiful. My other favorite part about UW campus has to be all the Starbucks
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
What being a Husky means to me is being a part of something bigger than myself
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? How I put on my uniform/get ready (hair, jersey, sliders, socks, and then pants)
Road trip must have? My headphones and gummy worms
Favorite athlete of all time? Sis Bates/Kobe Bryant
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Jersey Shore
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Wendy’s
Kaycie Burdick
What is your softball origin story?
I got into softball because my dad played baseball and other family members had played softball/baseball in the past. Once I joined my first true travel ball team, Sorcerer, I knew I wanted to pour my time into softball.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
The dorms have been fun because we hang around a lot of other freshmen athletes. The campus itself is so beautiful, and the athletic facilities are amazing.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
Being a Husky is about being a part of a family while competing at the highest level. It’s about carrying on the legacy that the alumni have built before us and continuing to better the program.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? My jersey tuck-in has to be clean and perfect. I take a lot of time on it.
Road trip must have? Starbucks, snacks like goldfish and chocolate pretzels, music
Favorite athlete of all time? I have a lot but I’d say Simone Biles is super inspiring
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show Love Island or any reality TV
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak, hands down
Mila Reddy
What is your softball origin story?
My parents signed me up for softball when I was 5. Ever since I stepped on the dirt, I’ve fallen in love with the team environment and competitiveness of the game.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
My favorite part of being on UW campus has been interacting with other athletes and meeting some of my best friends!
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky means representing something bigger than myself. I get to be surrounded with people who push me to be the best version of myself every day.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? I have to put my right sock on before my left
Road trip must have? A good music playlist
Favorite athlete of all time? Serena Williams
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Gilmore Girls
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi
Marley Teasley
What is your softball origin story?
I grew up around the game watching my siblings play baseball/softball. I started out playing coach pitch at the age of 6, and ever since then, I’ve just had so much fun playing the game of softball.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
My favorite part of being on campus has been seeing all the different sports support each other.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
Being a Husky to me is such a privilege. The culture of Husky Softball is seriously like no other and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? Energy drink or any fun drink
Road trip must have? Headphones
Favorite athlete of all time? Cal Ripken Jr.
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Legally Blonde
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza
Amira Rodriguez
What is your softball origin story?
I used to play every sport, football, basketball, volleyball -- but I knew softball was for me when I started my pitching journey.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
The Starbucks cafes
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky means being able to show that compassion, selflessness, and competitiveness on and off the field whether it’s in the batter’s box or in the classroom.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? Pregame cookie
Road trip must have? My headphones
Favorite athlete of all time? Kobe Bryant
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? K-pop Demon Hunters
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza
Allie Thomsen
What is your softball origin story?
I started playing when I was 7 years old and I equally loved soccer and softball at that time. I continued playing both and then as I got older, my love for softball grew and I knew that was the sport I wanted to play for the rest of my athletic career!
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
All the resources they have for student-athletes. I have never felt so seen and I love being surrounded by a community
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
It means being hard-working and showing up every day no matter how hard times can get. Remembering pressure is a privilege and these tough moments are made for us.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? I always slick back my hair and put it in bubbles and then listen to some good music!
Road trip must have? A road trip must have in my opinion is my headphones so I can turn some music on and fall asleep!
Favorite athlete of all time? Sis Bates - she was such an inspiration to watch on the field, and she showed me how a real Husky carries herself.
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Grey’s Anatomy
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would definitely be good summer watermelon
Ally Hetzel
What is your softball origin story?
I started playing softball in Arizona when I was 6 years old. Not knowing any better, I actually stood on home plate during my first at bat!
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
The beautiful scenery! I love walking to my classes, getting the best view of campus.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky means showing up with pride and a strong sense of community. It’s about representing something bigger than yourself, honoring tradition, all while living out your softball dreams.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? Listen to Breaking Dishes by Rihanna
Road trip must have? My crocheting bag!
Favorite athlete of all time? Kike Hernández
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? Pitch Perfect
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Original Baked Lays
Zuri Patterson
What is your softball origin story?
Started playing tee ball at 4 and fell in love ever since.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
The beautiful scenery and the people.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
Carrying on a tremendous legacy of great athletes before me, and for the future Huskies ahead.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? My pregame playlist
Road trip must have? My airpods
Favorite athlete of all time? Kobe Bryant
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show Annie (2014)
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? A Jimmy John’s #13 (Jimmy Cubano)
Grazia Mazzola
What is your softball origin story?
I started playing softball at the age of 5 and have been playing ever since. My sisters and I grew up watching my Aunt Maggie play Division I softball at the University of Michigan, which inspired our love for the game. My grandpa, who has been my hitting coach throughout the years, played professionally for the Montreal Expos. My dad, mom, and aunts all played Division I baseball and softball at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Coming from a strong softball family, the sport has shaped me as a person.
What has been your favorite part of being on UW campus?
My favorite part of being on campus is the scenery. UW is beautiful throughout all seasons - the cherry blossoms in the spring and Mount Rainier on a clear day. Although Seattle is a big city, the campus still feels so cozy and homey.
What does it mean to you to be a Husky?
To me, being a Husky means playing for something bigger than yourself. It means being a part of a family and playing for the Huskies who came before us, carrying on their legacy.
RAPID FIRE
Pregame ritual? My pregame ritual is always to relax and listen to music.
Road trip must have? I must always have my pink Beats to listen to music.
Favorite athlete of all time? Freddie Freeman
Guilty pleasure movie/TV show? How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - Anytime I have nothing to watch, I always resort to this movie, it’s my favorite!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Burger and fries.
