Editor’s note: UA senior center fielder Caitlin Lowe batted .700, scored eight runs and had nine stolen bases in the Wildcats’ three-game sweep of Missouri over the weekend. She was named the Pacific 10 Conference’s Player of the Week for her efforts.
The Wildcat caught up with the speedy Lowe to discuss her proudest accomplishments, play a little word association and talk about who she would like to be stranded on a deserted island with.
Wildcat: First off, congratulations on being named Wildcat Athlete of the Week as well as Pac-10 Player of the Week for your performance against Missouri last weekend.
Caitlin Lowe: Thank you.
W: Rank your following accomplishments in order of their meaning to you: Winning a national championship, being an All-American three straight years, being named Pac-10 Player of the Week and being named the Arizona Daily Wildcat’s Athlete of the Week.
L: Well I’d have to say national championship goes first, Wildcat Athlete of the Week is second, then Pac-10 player of the week and All-American.
W: That’s a lie.
L: (Laughs).
W: After going nine-for-nine on stolen bases over the weekend, you are now a perfect 23-for-23 this season. What does it take for a catcher to throw you out?
L: Well, you know, I think it’s both on the pitchers and on the catchers but I think really it’s all on me. If I get my good jump then I can get there and it’s fine, so truthfully it’s all on my shoulders and getting a good jump.
W: Your sister plays second base for Oregon State. Who wins in a foot race?
L: I do, she has longer legs, but I’d beat her (laughs).
W: What is the best part about being an Arizona softball player?
L: There is so much, we have so much tradition. Playing for (head) coach (Mike) Candrea is probably one of the best things ever and just getting to play with all the great athletes.
W: What’s your favorite memory from your four years at Arizona?
L: Definitely winning the national championship last year. There is no greater feeling than ending the year on a good note.
W: How often do you get recognized on campus?
L: Not very often, I mean unless I’m in Arizona softball clothes, which is probably 80 percent of the time (laughs), but I don’t really get recognized. I don’t think I’m that famous (laughs).
W: You’ve played on national TV and ESPN for the Women’s College World Series and for the U.S. National team. What has been your weirdest encounter with fame?
L: I get a lot of weird messages online and just that kind of stuff from people when I have no idea who they are or what their credibility is, so that’s probably the weirdest thing.
W: Would you rather steal home or hit a home run?
L: Hmm … that’s a good question. I think I’d rather steal home just because I’ve never done it before.
W: All right, let’s play a little word association.
L: OK.
W: Mike Candrea.
L: Best coach in the world.
W: Hillenbrand Stadium.
L: Tradition.
W: Oklahoma City (location of the World Series).
L: Winning.
W: Caught stealing.
L: Oh, I don’t know, I can’t even think of a word.
W: All right, wrapping up, what’s your favorite sport other than softball?
L: Baseball or basketball.
W: Favorite off-the-field activity?
L: Shopping.
W: What is your dream vacation?
L: Going back to Hawaii. I went there this summer and it is definitely my favorite place to go.
W: Last one. If you were trapped on a deserted island and you could bring any three people for company, who would they be?
L: My roommate (and teammate) Kristie Fox because she’s my best friend. I would bring my mom, and I would bring Derek Jeter (laughs).
– Interview by Cameron Jones
