Aurora University Athletics

Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
 
Senior Spotlight: Hannah Tomasko (Softball)
Majors: Accounting and Finance        Minor: Coaching
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan on getting my MBA at AU.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My best academic experience at AU was getting inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? My most memorable athletic moment at AU was going to Florida last year. We played very well but we also had a lot of fun. The best part of the trip was stopping at the same gas station every day because Coach McKenzie thought it was good luck.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? I also enjoy playing basketball.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? My favorite hobby is spending time with my friends and family. I also like watching baseball in my free time.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? My favorite meal in the cafe is a breakfast omelet and an ice cold chocolate milk.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Chad Trudo has had the greatest impact on me because he has pushed me to be the best over the last four years. He has put in his own time to help me become a better person and athlete, and for that I am very thankful.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? The thing I enjoy most about practice is scrimmaging. It's always fun competing against your teammates, while getting better that the same time. The thing I enjoy least is 5 AM practices.
Do you have any pregame rituals? My pregame rituals include: never touching the game ball until the game starts, using my own "lucky" ball for warm ups, tying my cleats a certain way, having my catcher dirty the game ball, and lastly, always having Coach Opie put the ball in my glove before the first pitch and telling each other something positive that is going to come out of the game.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Enjoy your time here! These last four years have flown by, but it has been a blast.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys because my parents would always sing it to me after I had a good game.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I was born in Ukraine and was adopted when I was 2.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why?       
The first person would be my grandmother. She was my biggest fan growing up and instilled her competitiveness in me.
Second is Jennie Finch. Aside from being an Olympic pitcher, she has also had an impact on a lot of young athletes. Her strength as a women and her love for her family and God are all things I admire.
Lastly, would be Coach McKenzie. He always has something witty to say. It's also always fun to remind him that the Cardinals are better than the Cubs.