PSAC Student-Athlete Feature - Stefanie Poates Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:31 PM ARCHIVED PROFILES STEFANIE POATES IUP - Athletic Training Major Yorktown, Va. / Grafton HS Poates is a junior catcher for the IUP softball team. The two-time All-PSAC Central Second Team selection played a key role for the 2011 Crimson Hawks as they captured the school's first-ever PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Regional crowns. A year ago Poates hit .264 and ranked second on the team with six home runs and a .509 slugging percentage. She also led the league in hit by pitch (11) and ranked among the top 10 with 19 walks. In 2010 she was selected PSAC Central Freshman of the Year. Why did you choose IUP? When I attended my official visit, I liked the team and the university also offered the major I was interested in. What are your career plans? To become an athletic trainer at a college or university. What is the biggest adjustment you had to make going from high school to college? Getting used to doing all the little things on my own instead of them being handled by my parents. What person has had the most significant influence on you from an athletics perspective? My dad, Scott Poates. What do you consider your most memorable athletic accomplishment throughout your life? My most memorable athletic accomplishment is going to the Division II Softball College World Series. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Always go with your gut. What is the thing you’ve enjoyed most about college? Meeting and developing good relationships with not only my teammates, but also with my athletic training peers. Among athletes in the family, where do you rate? I rank at number one because my family is not really that athletic. If I could change one thing about the sport I play, it would be: Make the infield base paths five feet longer to compensate for the amount of pop that bats have today. What is your favorite pro sports team? The Pittsburgh Steelers. Who is your favorite athlete and why? Aaron Rodgers because he started out as a underdog who worked his way all the way up to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. My hidden talent is: ballet dancing. Words your coach says that you swear you can hear in your sleep: SWAGGER. I would be a lot more effective if I would spend less time: watching TV. Who is your celebrity crush? Matt Damon. Stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? IPhone, a sailboat and paddles in case there is no wind. Fill in the blanks: When you’re in my hometown, you should try the chicken quesadilla at Plaza Azteca. What’s on your Ipod during pregame? Lots of Lil Wayne. If I could go pro in any sport it would be: mountain biking. The most addictive snack food for me is: SOUR PATCH KIDS Did you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? I always eat a couple Sour Patch Kids before a game. Sport I would look bad doing, and why: Gymnastics. Because I do not even know how many times I would fall. My favorite movie I’m embarrassed to admit: All of the Austin Powers movies.