MELISSA MARTINEZ
STAFF WRITER
Not many athletes can say they’ve hit a home run almost every game, nor can they say they were one of two American’s chosen to play for a team in the Netherlands, however, Alyssa Dronenburg has accomplished many feats during her softball career at CSUSM. Dronenburg’s amazing play and softball accomplishment has made her an astounding player to watch for everyone and with graduation just around the corner; I was able to hear about the life and times of a legend.
Q: At what age did you gain interest in softball?
A: I have been swinging a bat since I was three, and I have always been very competitive. My dad is a sport fanatic and taught me when I was very young. Softball and sports in general are something I love to do. I enjoy playing them, and sports allow me to express my life frustration in a positive way doing something I truly love to do.
Q: How long have you been playing?
A: I started playing softball at age 8 or 9, but prior to that, I played baseball and made the switch to softball because I was discriminated against over my gender. […] In middle school, I began playing more competitively then, mostly traveling to L.A. to play with better competition.
Q: When did it become apparent that softball was a big part of your life?
A: I think it became apparent to me in high school because I could not partake in the same social events, parties, beach trips, concerts as my group of friends because I was playing high school softball and travel softball (in off-season) as well as soccer and field hockey.
Q: Do you wish to continue your softball career professionally?
A: I am leaving on May 30 to play for semipro team UVV in the Netherlands.
Q: What was your best experience playing softball?
A: My personal best softball experience was opening day of the new softball field on campus at CSUSM, three years ago. There was a great crowd of students, friends and family supporting us. We ended up beating Redlands University, a very good division III team. I hit two home runs my first two at bats, and that was very exciting.
Q: In what ways has playing softball shaped your life?
A: I believe softball and athletics in general have made me into the person I am today. It has taught my work ethic, discipline, and leadership skills which I am using currently in the work force, as well as open many opportunities such as playing softball in Netherlands and gaining great lifelong friends through all the team mates I have had.
Q: Has your family influenced you to be athletic?
A: My parents have always encouraged extracurricular activities to keep me busy as a kid. However, I decided athletics were something I wanted to pursue further and play in college. Both my mom and dad have always been supportive in taking me to all of my practices and games. As well as working on their own to help me grow into a better player both mentally and physically.
Q: What kind of support have you received during your softball career?
A: Athletic staff has been very supportive at CSUSM. Academic support has been very helpful too. […] The professors are, for the most part, very understanding and supportive.
Q: What are some negative experiences you’ve had while playing softball?
A: Last year, coming in fourth place was very rough on all of us. To make it that far at the National Tournament and lose was very disheartening. However, this year my senior year I think our team is even stronger. We have a much deeper pitching staff, strong defense, and a destructive batting line-up 1-9.
Q: What will you are receiving your bachelor’s degree in?
A: I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Q: Why did you chose that/those major(s)/minor?
A: Ever since my junior year in high school, political science and the excitement of politics has been an interest of mine. I grew to love being involved and studying the process of politics and seeing how one can make a difference. […] Political choices are going to affect your life and Americans have the right to vote to protect their liberties. I also choose this major because I see myself in the future making a difference in others’ lives through political decisions.
Q: What are some of your career goals for after you graduate?
A: After I graduate I plan on pursuing my master’s (maybe in Europe) continuing my study of political science, maybe going into international relations. After my master’s, I see myself working on the presidential campaign addressing social issues. I love campaigning; it is fun and exciting and sometimes very heated, and I would really love to be on that side of politics.
Q: We discussed how you’ll be going to play for the Netherlands after graduation. How do you feel about this opportunity?
A: I am very excited to be going to the Netherlands to play for a Semi-Pro team UVV. I am going with alumni Brenna Sanberg, who was our all-American pitcher last year. I am excited to represent for San Marcos athletically while also showing I am intelligent and a nice person.
Q: How has your experience playing for CSUSM changed/helped you through college?
A: I believe I have matured as a player and a student at CSUSM. I have stepped into the captain role the last two years at CSUSM, and I believe softball has helped me become a better leader. Also, I have learned discipline and [gained] a strong work ethic, which has helped me on the softball field.
Photo: Coach Dave Williams and Female Student-Athlete of the Year/ Softball MVP, Alyssa Dronenburg. Photo courtesy of Sierra Lansing from www.csusmcougars.com.