Pump up the jam: North Texas softball dishes on its walk-up songs
Scrolling through a playlist trying to find the right pump-up jam can be a strain. Sometimes it may be even more stressful than the game a player is competing in.
But every year, the North Texas softball team must make a decision on its soundtrack. Each batter picks a walk-up song that plays before they step into the box, and each pitcher selects songs to play while they are warming up.
While some stress over their selection and can’t narrow their choices down before assistant coach Natalie Kozlowski needs their decisions, others, like freshman Lacy Gregory, are not bothered.
Lacy Gregory – “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
The freshman chose the classic from the Peppers for one reason.
“I just like that song,” Gregory said. “Everyone else was stressed out. We had like two weeks and I just chose one.”
The choppy guitar riff from the intro settles the freshman into the box. It seems to help, as she’s hitting .362, good enough for second on the team in average.
Lindsay Gregory – “For the Stunt” by Russ
The other Gregory twin settles into the box with a chill beat that shows she’s ready to stunt – I mean that is pretty much what the entire first verse says. “Yeah, I do it for the stunt. I just do it for the stunt.”
Maybe this is why she’s hitting .353 with a .421 OBP.
Camille Grahmann – “Double Bubble” Trouble by M.I.A.
M.I.A. may be best known for her classic hit “Paper Planes” but this reggae-infused electronic jam is Grahmann’s choice.
Just wait until the bass drops.
Harely Perella – “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain
“Let’s go girls,” rings out over the public-address system when Perella steps into the box. This country classic is one for the whole team.
Bailey Thompson – “Im’ma Shine” by Youngbloodz
A classic from the “Step Up” soundtrack. If something from “Step Up” does not get you pumped, I cannot help you.
Did I just admit I’ve watched “Step Up”?
Hanna Rebar – “Jungle” by X Ambassadors, Jamie N Commons
This one is epic. The beat is big, the vocals are scratchy and the vocalist asks you to follow them into a jungle.
This will make you want to run through a wall. Perfect walk-up material.
Kelli Schkade – “Show Me the Money” by Petey Pablo
Schkade settles into the box a beat that is absolutely sure to get Lovelace Field moving. Show her the money. After all, Schkade leads the team in almost every offensive category with a .365 average and a team-best six home runs.
If only the NCAA paid its athletes.
Lauren Craine – “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
Another rap classic. It’s got it all the ingredients – money, marijuana and booze. And with Snoop Dogg featured on the track, you know its quality.
Nicole Ochotnicki – “Get Like Me” by David Banner ft. Chris Brown, Young Joc
2008 was a wild time. This song came out and Young Joc was actually still relevant enough to feature on something. Crazy. Glad Ochotnicki remembers a time like 2008.
Hannah Gerecke – “My Time” by Fabolous ft. Jeremih
A pretty good walk-up song. You’ve got to think it’s your time every time you step in the box. Must explain some of Gerecke’s clutch hitting and 13 RBIs.
Stacey Underwood – Elvis Presley songs
This is a different one.
Underwood only warms up to Elvis Presley, and will roll through about five songs before the game is over. But she always starts with the same one — Jailhouse Rock.
“It’s my favorite song,” Underwood said.
Head coach Tracey Kee is not a fan.
“Yeah, me and Elvis, that was nothing I was ever interested in,” Kee said. “For two years now I’ve listened to Elvis when she toes the rubber. Whatever works.”
Dani Gregory – “POWER” by Kanye West
It was only a matter of time before Yeezy made an appearance on this list. This is a Kanye classic, and the intro gets anyone hyped.
Grace Blagg – “Wabash Cannonball” by Boxcar Willie
This is the song that stands out the most to me. It’s the only bluesy, country rock choice on the list, and I love it.
Steel guitars, train whistles and harmonicas. Get up and stomp your feet like it’s the Cotton Eyed Joe, deep in the heart of Texas.
Jessica Elder – “They Just Don’t Know” by Gyft
Last year Elder had a really chill beat to settle her into the circle, but this season it’s a thumping rap beat by Gyft that gets her going. “People see me but they just don’t know,” says the lyrics.
Elder is out to prove a point. And with her 4.83 ERA, she is doing just that.
Rhylie Makawe – “Down” by Marian Hill
Are you down? That’s what the song asks. I don’t know. Are you? Makawe is.
Don’t tell anyone, but this is Kee’s favorite.
Featured Image: Hanna Rebar (8) swings at the ball. Rebar’s batting average is .213. Jake King
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