ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: JENNA KROGH

A communication major and outfielder on the Portland State softball team, Jenna Krogh is lighting it up for the Vikings this season. As the team has nearly secured the top ranking in the PCSC Mountain Division standings, the junior transfer is focused on finishing out the year strong.  

“I am really looking forward to actually getting a shot to win our conference and play in the PCSC championship and really go out there and playing for something,” Krogh said.

She’s currently second on the team in batting with a .391 average. She leads the team in runs with 32 and total hits with 54. The outfielder sat down to talk about her growing leadership role, her hate for singing and everything in between.

Vanguard: Why did you come to Portland State?

Jenna Krogh:Well, I didn’t really like being at Colorado State and I’m from Portland, so I wanted to get back home. When I visited, I liked the open downtown feel of the school, and also the coaches and girls are great. It seemed like a good fit overall.

V: What has been your best moment on the field?

JK: I would say one of my best moments for college softball was last year at CSU with my first actual home run against Utah. I’m a slopper, so I don’t hit it out of the park usually.

V: If you could change one of your sport’s rules, what would it be?

JK:I wish I could get an extra strike sometimes!

V: What is your greatest strength?

JK: I think my greatest strength would be not really showing a lot of emotion when I play. I like to go out there whether we’re winning or losing and play with the same intensity.

V: Which is your favorite place to eat around campus?

JK: Well, because I’m really a freshman, I love eating at Smith. I have so many dining dollars! My teammates and I go and eat there all the time, and the pizza there is amazing.

V: What is your favorite thing to do around Portland?

JK: I think I like to just get together with teammates and just hang out.

V: What is the first item that you would buy if you won the lottery?

JK: I’d probably buy myself an Escalade. It’s my favorite car.

V: Do you have any hidden talents?

JK:I really don’t have any hidden talents. I can flare my nostrils, that’s about all!

V: Do you have any nicknames? Why?

JK: Pretty much Kro, just from my last name, and then from being younger, Little J or JK from my initials. They all pretty much just come from my teammates, and growing up my friends have called me some of them.

V: What is the last thing you cooked?

JK: I baked some brownies; I’m not a big cook but I like to bake.

V: If you could attend one concert or sporting event anywhere what would it be?

JK: I would love to attend to World Cup Final. If Italy or Portugal are playing that would be even cooler, I really like those teams.

V: What has been your favorite class at Portland State?

JK: I actually really enjoyed my Drug Education class, it was entertaining and interesting.

V: What’s on your iPod right now?

JK: It would “Down on Me” (by Jeremih). It’s a pregame song—we like to dance before games, and that’s a great song for dancing.

V: If you could have dinner with three people from history—alive, dead or fictional—who would they be?

JK: Well I would probably go with Luís Figo, (former) soccer player for Portugal. I would choose Mark McGwire and probably a favorite artist like Jack Johnson.

V: Do you read the Vanguard? If so, how often?

JK: I haven’t a lot, but I do probably try and snag one once a week.

V: What song are you most likely to sing at karaoke?

JK: I would avoid karaoke at all costs. I’m not a big singer. I know I’m really awful!

V: What is the last thing you read?

JK:I just finished reading the “Girl with Dragon Tattoo” and I really liked it. I am waiting for the summer, so I can read the other ones.

It’s part of a series and I would really recommend it.

V: Do you have a favorite superhero?  Why/why not?

JK: Spiderman, because he gets to climb walls and jump from building to building, which is awesome.

V: What is the most important thing you’ve learned this season on the field?

JK: I think overall, just taking on more of a leadership role. I am coming in from being a new transfer to trying to lead other teammates and everyone says I’m the fire-starter, so I am really taking on that role.

V: How was it playing your former team  this weekend and being on the opposite side of home field?

JK:It was really awkward at first. I had never in practice or games at CSU been on the visitor’s side of the dugout. It was just an awkward experience, but I definitely enjoyed going out there winning and playing really well against them. I think it would have been different if the head coach was still there, but it was still nice to see girls and friends that I met at CSU and getting to say hi again. ?

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.