Hull reflects on Tech softball successes

This past spring, the Jackets said farewell to several of their top athletes during graduation ceremonies. Amongst them was Colorado native Kristina Hull, former catcher of the Jackets softball team.

The Science, Technology and Culture graduate shared her thoughts and wishes for current and future athletes of her alma mater as well as how her college experiences have contributed to her career with the Technique.

Like a number of her fellow Jackets, Hull had a sensational season. The former Tech softball catcher enjoyed many strong appearances at the plate, keeping up a .273 batting average, a .500 slugging percentage and a .359 on-base percentage.

"One of the most fun things for me experience wise was when we were playing Virginia, and I hit a two-run homer to step us up big," Hull said.

Hull played her best year of softball in Tech's best season ever. The Jackets won 54 games, including five against state rival UGA. The team made an appearance in both the ACC championships and NCAA regional games.

When Hull first arrived at Tech, she was overwhelmed with the new environment.

"When I came here, it was a huge culture shock. I was exposed things I had never been exposed to before," Hull said.

She adjusted to things like the weather and living in a big city and learned the importance of flexibility in all situations in life, including softball, where she played many positions she hadn't even tried until she came to Tech.

"Position wise and throughout my four years, it's been an adventure. I came in playing outfield, but never played catcher before. It was fun and a great learning experience learning new positions I've never played before. Patience, leadership skills are part of the learning experience and adventure," Hull said.

Hull attributes many of her athletic accomplishments to her consistent cooperation with coaches and teammates.

"I've learned patience when playing softball and the mentality from being all-stars in high school to having to sit on the bench at times. I've never been in a fight with anyone. I've learned to experience other people's worlds," Hull said.

Hull made a significant contribution to the Jackets softball team during her time as a player.

Her steadfast dedication and cooperation with coaches and teammates earned her 47 hits and 31 RBIs during the past season. She also knocked home three game-winning RBIs.

Building on leadership and social interactions helped Hull prepare for her career. The liberal arts major had previously aspired to become involved in broadcasting to take advantage of her speaking skills.

However, Hull now intends to study at LSU and eventually become an athletic specialist.

"I was thinking of becoming a sports broadcaster. However, I don't think that I can go through with it. I plan to sing and intern at a campus ministry for the next school year. In 2008, I plan to attend LSU to get my masters in the field of kinesiology, the study of movement. Overall, I plan to become a collegiate strength coach," Hull said.

After considering a diverse set of opportunities, Hull decided not to pursue a career as a softball player. However, she said she still wants to be an active participant in the sports community.

"I don't think I'm going to play pro ball because I'm not at that level, but I definitely want to become a strength coach for softball, women's basketball or other women sports. Just relating to the girls and creating programs that they can relate to," Hull said.

She devotes much of her free time to faith-based programs and organizations. During her time at Tech, Hull was often involved with the school chapter of the Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF).

"With limited social time, I think the coolest thing that I participated in was CCF. I got to meet non-athletes and get away from athletics. You can't just have athletics be your whole life," Hull said.

Many upcoming freshmen deal with managing time for studies and social activities. Successful time management is usually more difficult for students involved in athletics.

Hull gives some advice for future freshmen and student-athletes.

"Learning to balance your life is a big deal for a Tech student or a student-athlete. With grueling academics and managing your life, you should manage your life well and be strong-minded," she said. "I certainly recommend at least an hour of sleep the night before an exam."

"I think [it's important to be] strong-minded and not let being tired distract you from your goals. Just keep battling your mind and keep up the physical training [for athletes]," Hull advises.

The former Jacket was also recently named as a top 10 finalist for the Lowe's Senior Class Softball Award and was president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board. She finished with 230 career games, eight most in Tech history.