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WILMINGTON, North Carolina - With less than two months before the UNCW softball team begins its 2015 regular season schedule, UNCWSports.com wants fans to get a chance to know the players before the season opener on Feb. 13 with a new feature called "Around the Bases."

The first edition will feature Casey Rowland, a senior pitcher and outfielder from Albany, N.Y. A three-year letter winner for the Seahawks, Rowland was the team's top pitcher last season after posting a 3.01 earned run average in 33 appearances. She also tallied 179 strikeouts in 181.2 innings while earning a pair of shutouts.

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UNCWSports.com: Why did you choose to attend UNCW?
CR: I chose UNCW because of the location. I love the beach and the campus is beautiful. They also offered me a chance to play softball at an amazing university. I fell in love with the education building and program.
 
UNCWSports.com: Take us through your pre-game mental preparation routine.
CR: I read quotes from the book Mind Gym, listen to some good music and get my mind right.
 
UNCWSports.com: What are some community activities you or your team have done?
CR: We helped new students move in to their dorms, Volunteered at the Color Me Rad run. I also participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness volleyball tournament and volunteered and spent the morning with exceptional kids.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is your major and why did you choose that major?
CR: Elementary Education. I chose this major because I want to change lives. I love working and having relationships with kids and I want to be able to impact their lives for the better.
 
UNCWSports.com: Describe your dream job.
CR: A ball girl for the New York Yankees.
 
UNCWSports.com: If you could play another sport at UNCW, what would it be and why?
CR: Tennis. It was so awesome to see how much their hard work paid off this past year. Their determination is inspiring.
 
UNCWSports.com: Favorite team tradition/activity and why?
CR: Top Chef … because I love food!!
 
UNCWSports.com: Which teammate will have the most interesting job in 10 years and why?
CR: Taylor Matkins because she is a very interesting girl and she will probably be a pig herder.   
 
UNCWSports.com: What animal would best describe you and why?
CR: I think I would best be described as a giraffe because I am tall and awkward.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is your favorite quote or phrase?
CR: "If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think that you dare not, you don't
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost
For out in the world you'll find,
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can."
 
UNCWSports.com: What is your favorite type of food (i.e. Chinese, Mexican, Italian etc.)?
CR: ALL food. But mostly Zaxby's.
 
UNCWSports.com: Favorite place you have visited or traveled to and why?
CR: Any cruise I have been on with my family. St. Maarten was my favorite island - the water, sand and weather were perfect.
 
UNCWSports.com: If you could sit down for lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
CR: Derek Jeter. He has and will forever be my childhood hero and crush. I would love to talk to him about his career and what he had to do to get where he is today.
 
UNCWSports.com: Most addicting television show(s)?
CR: Gossip Girl and Friday Night Lights
 
UNCWSports.com: How will you change the world (or even just one person's world)?
CR: Educating children every single day!
 
UNCWSports.com: Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know …
CR: I HATE all seafood.
 
UNCWSports.com: What was your most-commented Facebook post about?
CR: Anything related to softball!
 
UNCWSports.com: What is number one on your bucket list?
CR: Travel to every MLB park.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is your best non-athletic skill?
CR: Juggling.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is your biggest pet peeve and why?
CR: Having to repeat myself because I don't like having to say something more than once.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is something you are afraid of?
CR: Hanging up the cleats for one last time.
 
UNCWSports.com: What is an obstacle you had to overcome in your life?
CR: Coming to UNCW as a freshman and being 14 hours away from all my family and friends. I struggled with homesickness for a while but thankfully they helped me get through it!