North Carolina State University Athletics
Getting to Know: Junior Kirsty Grant
1/29/2013 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 29, 2013
RALEIGH, N.C. -- NC State's 2013 softball season begins on Feb. 8 at the Florida International Panther Invitational in Miami, with a new excitement as the fast-pitch program enters its 10th season, now under the guidance of first-year head coach Shawn Rychcik.
The squad returns three seniors - Caitlin Dent, Katie Mansilla and Bethaney Wells - as well as 2012 ACC Rookie of the Year Renada Davis, a shortstop who set a school record last season with a .362 batting average and a .450 on-base percentage.
On this year's roster of 14 players are five juniors: Scout Albertson, Kirsty Grant, Leah Jones, Hayley Stowe and Chelsea Tate.
Grant came to NC State prior to last season as a transfer after one season at Tallahassee Junior College. She made 35 starts at catcher and played in 45 games overall. Her three triples not only led the Wolfpack, but was tied for third in the ACC. She also added four doubles and 12 RBIs in her 93 at-bats.
The native of Ontario, Canada, hopes one day to be an orthopaedic surgeon, and is well on her way after earning ACC All-Academic honors in her first year in the program.
Kirsty Grant
Oakville, Ontario
Lorne Park Secondary School
Catcher
Major: Human Biology
PERSONAL
Favorite movie: “Bridesmaids”
Favorite magazine: People
Favorite song/band: “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco
Favorite class/subject: Anatomy
Favorite flavor of ice cream: Gold Medal Ribbon
Your ideal fast food meal: Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s, French fries from McDonald’s, diet Coke, Mint Oreo milkshake from Cookout.
Favorite meal at a full-service restaurant: Steak and baked potato. Favorite “home-cooked” meal: Rib roast with mashed potatos, broccoli and Yorkshire puddings.
Career ambition: Orthopaedic Surgeon
What specific things did you do between the end of fall practice and the start of the spring semester to improve your game? Conditioned and lifted six days a week.
What is your favorite training/practice activity? Situational drills.
When did you first start playing softball, and did you play other sports before it?
I started softball at 8 years old, but played basketball even before that.
All sports you played in high school: Basketball, softball, volleyball, cross country.
POP CULTURE
Song/artist on your iPod that you are embarrassed to admit that you listen to: Taylor Swift
The TV channel or show you most watch: “Grey’s Anatomy”
TV show you are embarrassed to admit that you watch: “Toddlers and Tiaras”
ESPN/MTV/Food Network: ESPN
Give your dress style a nickname/explain: Comfortable/relaxed
Something that you cannot live without: Diet Coke
YOU & YOUR TEAMMATES
Best dancer on the team: Emily Weiman
Best cook on the team: Katie Mansilla
Best dresser on the team: Caitlin Dent
Best singer on the team: Emily Weiman
Most likely to play professionally: Lana Van Dyken
Most likely to be voted into NC State Athletics Hall of Fame some day: Renada Davis
Favorite activity with your teammates: Watching movies and relaxing at the house.
Based on your experience, what advice do you have for this year’s three freshmen? Keep on top of academics early and manage your time carefully.
FAMILY MATTERS
Brothers/sisters: brother, Erik Grant, sister, Amy Grant
What/how many pets did you have growing up: Chameleon, crab, dogs, gerbils.
Favorite vacation location: Panama City Beach, Fla.
Did either of your parents play college/professional sports
Father - Volleyball
For whom: University of Toronto
How long: Four years
How much influence did that have on your decision to pursue athletics: He was very active and competitive and I think it has rubbed off on me. He has always wanted more out of me and has pushed me to excel in everything that I do.
What’s the thing you miss most about home: Home-cooked meals.
ALL SPORTS, ALL THE TIME
Favorite teams: Toronto Blue Jays
Person in sports that you would most like to meet/why: Kobe Bryant because he is extremely successful in his sport and is a great competitor.
Proudest moment from last season: Beating Georgia and Kentucky.
Pregame routines or superstitions you or your teammates have? Drinking a can of Diet coke.
If you picked your “team’s song” for this year, what would it be: “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line.
