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Sarah Tacke and the Virginia softball team will travel to Radford on Thursday before welcoming rival Virginia Tech for a three-game series this weekend. On Sunday against the Hokies, Virginia’s field, The Park, will be rededicated and Athletics Director Craig Littlepage will be throwing out the first pitch along with former Cavalier softball players. Tacke recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to chat about the rededication, moving from outfield to first base and her passion for biology.
Question: What is the mindset of this week with Radford and Virginia Tech on the schedule?
Tacke: We can’t underestimate anyone; we have to come into every game thinking we are the underdogs and that we have to prove ourselves. This weekend is big and I am excited to get in some good games in against Radford and then go in strong for the weekend against Tech.
Question: The field is getting rededicated on Sunday. What do you like most about the new field?
Tacke: The field is awesome. But I am kind of upset that the grass is so nice now and I played three years in the outfield! And then I get moved to play in the dirt. But the infield is nice too. And I heard Cavman is coming out this weekend!
Question: What is the hardest thing about moving to play first base this season?
Tacke: The most challenging thing is since Karla (Wilburn) is such a good pitcher, everyone hits it off of the end of the bat and the ball spins like crazy to first base.
Question: Had you ever played first base before?
Tacke: I used to play first base back in the day because I was left-handed. But I don’t think I have played there since high school. And then this year coach says, “Tacke, you’re going to first.” I said you’ll have to teach me how to field ground balls again.
Question: Do you miss playing the outfield?
Tacke: I miss it a lot. As a group in general we were a little more relaxed. The infield is more stressful.
Question: What would you say is the biggest difference this season?
Tacke: We have a lot more confidence this year. The cool thing about our team is that if a couple of people aren’t pulling their weight, other people step up. You have the confidence even if you aren’t hot at the time. There are other people to pick you up and I think that is the biggest difference.
Question: How did you get started playing softball?
Tacke: I played baseball until I was 12 or so, pretty much doing whatever my brother did. Then I made the switch to softball. I like how it’s more fast-paced than baseball. It’s a shorter, quicker game, which is fun.
Question: If you could play any position, regardless of talent, where would it be?
Tacke: Center field. You’re in the middle, and you get to make big plays. Although I love double plays in the infield. I want to start a double play; that is my next goal. A little 3-6-4 action.
Question: What is your major?
Tacke: I am a biology major and I am focused on the ecology and conservation part of the biology world. I am starting a master’s project for next year in conservation and I am just getting going on that now. I will graduate in May and then be here one year in the master’s program.
Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa?
Tacke: Besides Mountain Lake? I am kind of into my global ecology class right now. We are studying global climate, changes, vegetation and of course global warming.
Question: What do you like to do for fun?
Tacke: I just got a sweet chair for my porch. It’s like a La-Z-Boy of outside furniture. I like to sit in it and listen to music when it’s sunny and warm outside. I like hiking a lot. My dad and I climbed Half Dome in Yosemite this past summer and that was cool.
Question: What did you choose to come to UVa?
Tacke: I really liked it when I came to visit. I didn’t think I was going to but when I came to Grounds, it was amazing. It was even raining and still I thought it was awesome.