Looking to Write Her Future

July 6, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. – As part of the nation's top softball signing class, Oklahoma incoming freshman Michelle Gascoigne is looking forward to her rookie season in Norman. Gascoigne brings a bevy of awards and honors to campus. Coupled with Jessica Shults, Keilani Ricketts and junior college signee Haley Nix, Gascoigne is a part of a talented class that could lead OU to a second straight Big 12 Championship.

Gascoigne recently wrapped up her senior campaign at Benicia High School. She was named the team's most valuable player after posting a 25-7 record in 2009. Named Co-Pitcher of the Year and Co-MVP by the SCAC, Gascoigne recorded an earned run average of 0.34 with 333 strikeouts. She threw two perfect games and totaled a batting average of .494.

SoonerSports.com recently caught up with Gascoigne during her busy summer schedule. She is currently playing with future teammates Amber Flores, Lindsey Vandever, Ricketts and Nix in the 16th Canada Cup International Women's Fastpitch Tournament in Surrey, B.C., Canada.

Among those topics discussed include her incoming freshman teammates, the transition from high school to college and her aspirations to become a screenwriter.

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Q: What excites you the most about coming to the University of Oklahoma?
A: I am most excited to come to the University of Oklahoma because of the great atmosphere and the excellent sports teams. I am excited to go to a school that supports its athletes and gives them all of the academic opportunities they want as well. The resources here are great, and I can't wait to be a part of the atmosphere.

Q: How do you think your game has improved over the last year?
A: I've gotten more consistent. I have really worked on hitting my spots on every pitch and making every pitch break the way I want it to.

Q: What assets do you bring to the young OU pitching staff?
A: I bring movement. I hope to continue to be a strong ground ball pitcher and keep batters off balance.

Q: What do you think your toughest challenge is at the collegiate level?
A: I think my toughest challenge will be to learn how to balance my sport with my school work and managing my time.

Q: What advice have you gotten about making the transition from high school to college?
A: People have told me to manage my time well, put in the study hours, and try to get plenty of sleep.

Q: What is your intended major?
A: As for now my intended major is professional writing. I love creative writing and would love to write for a television show one day or even become a screenplay writer.

Q: What genre would you like to write for?
A: Dramas. Something along the lines of Grey's Anatomy.

Q: How well do you know Jessica and Keilani?
A: I know Jessica (Shults) and Keilani (Ricketts) very well actually. Since we are all from California I see them both at tournaments a lot and have been playing ASA against them for several years. We also communicate through Facebook or through text messaging.

Q: Talk about your familiarity with the style of play Keilani and Jessica bring. What do you think they bring to the table? How do the three of you make OU better?
A: As a catcher I know Jessica is a great receiver. She has caught lefties a lot in her high school career, and she is a great left handed power hitter. Keilani is a dominant, hard throwing lefty and also hits well. The three of us are going to make OU better by giving the team pitching depth and a great battery.

Q: Where did you get advice from when trying to decide to come to OU?
A: I got advice obviously from my parents and travel ball coaches when deciding to come to OU. Other people who I know who have gone here or know about the University encouraged me as well. I don't think I heard a negative comment about the University throughout the whole process.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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