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: Brianna Lewis (Softball)
Majors:Â Criminal Justice
What are your plans after graduation? I plan on pursuing the Probation field in hopes to get to the federal level someday.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My most memorable academic experience at AU was kick starting the new Criminal Justice Master's program in lieu of the pandemic. I was stripped from my last softball season due to COVID-19 and many staff such as President Sherrick, Luke Kerber, andÂ
Jim Hamad worked closely with me to make a program like so happen.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? My most memorable athletic moment at AU was hitting a walk off during my junior year of undergrad against Dominican.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? I used to play volleyball and ran track in high school!
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? I really enjoy doing CrossFit, hiking, going to the beach, and going on vacation with my family and friends.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? My favorite meal at the cafeteria was definitely asking for fresh scrambled eggs with ham, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Don Phelps to this day has had the greatest impact on me because he guided and mentored me through some of my toughest times at AU. He has always had an open door policy and grants the best advice. Aside from being a great mentor, he continues to support his Social Work students by attending all extracurricular activities that they are involved in.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? I really enjoy seeing the girls and bonding with them during practice. I have learned that even through those tough practices, we are all suffering together and can definitely laugh about it after. The thing I enjoy least is waking up before sunrise to practice some softball.
Do you have any pregame rituals? Yes. I have to chew gum during my batting warmups and right before I step onto the field I eat a sour mamba with Coach Opie and our Graduate Assistant,Â
Elaine Walker.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? If you have an extra year of eligibility definitely take advantage of it. I understand that everyone's circumstances vary, but AU offers a great plus one year program that can grant you that opportunity. If not, play every game like it's your last because life is too short to take it for granted.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield because it always puts me in a good mood!
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I did not start playing softball until I was 14 years old, so it was typically a lot later than most athletes. I managed to stay determined and made it collegiate athletics which was my ultimate dream.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? Chrissy Teigen because she is such an empowering woman who advocates for what she truly stands for regardless of the public's opinion. Another person I would want to spend an hour with is Serena Williams because she has continuously fought for women's rights and equality, especially in sports. Lastly, I would love to spend an hour with my track coach who recently passed, Coach Harold. If it was not for his guidance I would not be where I am today and I am truly grateful for the impact he has had on my life.
