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: Aly Teixeira (Softball)
Majors:Â Sports Management and Marketing
What are your plans after graduation? I have accepted the athletic communication graduate assistant position at Aurora University and will be pursuing my MBA.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My biggest academic accomplishment at AU is being awarded the SHAPE Outstanding Major of the Year Award for 2021.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? In addition to this season, one of my most memorable athletic moments at AU happened during my freshman season in our second game against Wisconsin Lutheran. I got called in to pitch hit in the bottom of the 7thinning when the game was tied. I was extremely nervous considering it was my first at bat of my college career. Although my emotions were high, I came through for my team and got a hit to score the game-winning run. This was a proud moment for me because I was able to control my emotions, and I ended up earning a spot in the starting lineup. I am thankful that Coach McKenzie and my team had the confidence in me to get the job done.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? In high school, I participated in volleyball and I really enjoy weightlifting.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? I enjoy traveling, working out, cooking, and baking.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? My favorite meal is the breakfast omelets.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? I have received so much guidance from many intelligent and hardworking professionals while attending AU. Professor Grabowski, specifically, has had a large impact on me. She has provided me with so much insight and valuable knowledge on how to be successful in the sports industry. She has always taken the time to schedule meetings with me, and she has helped me make connections within the sports industry. I am very appreciative for her support, for her ability to give me the extra confidence when I needed it, and for being a positive influence on me.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? I enjoy batting practice the most, while my least favorite thing about practice would have to be how early they are in morning, especially during the winter.
Do you have any pregame rituals? My pregame ritual begins with breakfast, usually eggs, bacon, and avocado toast. I then always listen to my pregame playlist while getting ready for my home games or while on the bus traveling to away games.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? One piece of advice I would give underclassmen is to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone. I would encourage them to get involved with activities outside of the classroom, like joining a club, attending networking events, and reaching out to professionals in the field of work they're interested in to schedule coffee chats and interviews.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Body by Loud Luxury because it is upbeat, always puts me in a better mood, and gets me game day ready.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? At the age of 12, I had scoliosis surgery and two rods were inserted in my spine to help straighten the curvature.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? I would love to have the opportunity to spend an hour with Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, and Erin Miller. These women are incredibility intelligent and truly inspiring. They empower and encourage women to use their inner voices and are constantly using their platform to educate others.
