Athlete Profile: Gabrielle DeCleene

Pulaski senior having another monster season

The Pulaski High School softball team is in the thick of the Fox River Classic Conference title hunt again. Senior Gabrielle DeCleene is part of the reason why the team is in contention, batting in the heart of the Red Raiders’ lineup and also chipping in from inside the circle as a pitcher at times.

DeCleene was a Co-Player of the Year in the FRCC last season and should be one of the top candidates for that honor again as she’s produced monster numbers for Pulaski.

Through May 1, DeCleene had homered eight times, including three times against Sheboygan South on April 23. She homered once in each of the team’s four games that followed. DeCleene also had driven in 26 runs on 21 hits.

DeCleene has also pitched seven innings for the Red Raiders, not allowing an earned run during that span while striking out eight batters. She also earned one win.

Q: When did your interest in softball begin?

A: I’ve been playing softball since I was 5, and I never stopped playing and loving the game.

Q: What is your favorite part about the softball season?

A: My favorite part of the softball season is spending time with all of my teammates and seeing great things happen with the team.

Q: What has the game of softball taught you over the years?

A: The game has taught me a tremendous amount. Softball has taught me both physically and mentally that materialistic things don’t define you. One bad game doesn’t define your skills or you as a person. Just like in life, one bad day doesn’t rewrite your story.

Q: After a big junior season in which you earned Co-Player of the Year honors in the FRCC, what individual goals do you have for this spring?

A: My individual goals for this spring is to be the best player I can be. I hope I can be as successful as last year and receive recognition again, but ultimately with it being my senior year, I want to have fun playing the game I love.

Q: As the season continues on, what are the team’s keys to success?

A: Mental toughness, selflessness and passion for the game.

Q: How did you prepare for the softball season?

A: Throughout the offseason I prepared by getting a lot of reps in, and I also worked on the mental aspect of the game as well.

Q: As a senior, how do you lead the rest of the team?

A: As a senior, I want to be that teammate that they look up to. I want to make sure they know that in serious situations they can depend on me, and I want them to know I believe in them. I also think that leading a team comes from not only being a teammate, but growing friendships in the process.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: When the visiting team is warming up in the field, we play hacky sack. We like to think we are the best sackers in the FRCC.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Pulaski softball team?

A: Going to state my freshman year of high school.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Leap Year.” TV show — “New Girl.” Musical artist — CAAMP.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I want to live in Montana when I’m older.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to graduate from Carroll University with a degree for physical therapy and to play play softball at the collegiate level.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Gabrielle DeCleene

Sport: Softball

Positions: First base, pitcher

School: Pulaski High School

Year: Senior