Who I interviewed
For my community connections project, I interviewed Sara Hopwood-Riske who is a former team Canada player and played in Arizona for college. I myself play softball and am inspired by her because everyone always doubted her but she always proved everyone one wrong. She was not only hard working on the field but worked just as hard in class and everything she did. She is a role model for all youth players and continues to give back to the sport today.
1. Why are you passionate about softball?
I am passionate about softball for many reasons. First and foremost, it is because of the challenge of the game. You fail A LOT in softball. You strike out, you bobble a ground ball, you give up a hit, etc. But that challenge constantly pushes you to work harder so that those happen less and less. When you finally succeed at something you’ve worked so hard for, it becomes that much more rewarding and you tend to celebrate those successes more. Another reason I am passionate about softball is that it has given me many opportunities in my life that I may not have gotten without it. It has pushed me to do better in school because I wan
ted to further my softball career into college. I was able to get a college education, and of course, I was able to travel the world while playing for the National Team. I was able to all of this with all of my closest friends. This leads me to another reason why I love this sport, is because I have made some lifelong friends and supporters through softball.
2. What obstacles have you faced to get where you are today?
You have to sacrifice a lot to play at the highest level in any sport. You give up your weekends and time with your friends. You also have a gruelling training schedule and there are times where all you want is a break but you have to keep going. While I played, my body was constantly getting beaten up and I faced nagging injuries that would come and go. You also have to deal with failure and others doubting you. When I first tried
out for the National Team, I was quite a bit older than most girls who have had their first try out with the team. I was a year and a half out of college (most girls try out about 4-5 years earlier on average, or they play on the Junior National Team before then). I was told by many people that it was too late. I am glad that I didn’t listen to them and that I decided to go for it.
3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
I will always tell others to pursue their dream. However, it takes more than to just “dream” it. You have to be willing to put in the hard work and probably work harder than you ever have in your life. 
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have been retired from the National Team for 4 years now. I played from 2013-2016 and we won a Gold medal at the Pan American Games and a Bronze Medal at the World Championships. When I hung up my cleats, I went back to coaching and giving softball lessons, and playing for a Senior’s Women’s club team for fun. I also landed a great job at a company with a very team-orientated atmosphere that I love. The one thing I hope I continue to do for the next 5 years is to give back to the game that has given me so much. I work with many associations and provide lessons and training and I get to work with young girls who were just like me when I was growing up. As I am 30 years old now, 
I do want to have a family within the next 5 years, and who knows? Maybe I will have a little softball or baseball player that I can help reach their dreams one day.
5. What have you given up/sacrificed to be where you are today?
I think the biggest thing I have sacrificed is time with family and friends. But with saying that, I created a one of a kind bond with my teammates, and spent many weekends creating memories with my parents who cheered me on and supported me through my journey and career. 
I really appreciate that Sara got back to me and took the time to answer all my questions. After this interview, I gained so much more respect for her knowing that everyone doubted she would even make the team, and then she went on to win a gold medal at the Pan American Games. I think this is a goal I’m gonna set for myself and if I continue to play hard, practice harder I hope I can do something similar to Sara. She has really inspired me because she grew up playing at the same fields as I do and with lots of hard work she’s gotten to where she is today!
Photo sources:
http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=1002827&seasonid=30504
Pan Am Games: Best photos from the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto
(Rest of the photo’s from Sara)
Interview proof:
