The Capital Athletic Conference website feature "INTRODUCING ..." highlights Gallaudet University senior softball standout Caitlin Mosholder.  She is a four-year starter for the Bison and has also been active in the GU and CAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC).

What is your background in the sport you play or coach? I started playing baseball at the age of five, then switched at age 12 to softball for the rest of my career.  Kudos to my county (Somerset, Pa.) for finally setting up a youth softball league program.  It will provide many opportunities for young girls to become introduced to the excitement of softball.  I have experienced NSA and ASA league, United States International team, and the NSA/ ASA World Series.  I played for four years for my beloved Somerset Golden Eagles in high school, and currently on my fourth year for Gallaudet.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  The upper level of the Gallaudet University Kellogg Conference Center hotel parking garage because there is a great view of Washington D.C. You can see the Capitol and the Washington Monument; it is very peaceful up there.  It reminds me of how far I have gone and that I have achieved against all the odds.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in?  I am involved with GU SAAC (Student -Athlete Advisory Committee) as the President. I believe SAAC is a powerful voice in the athletic program because we work on a goal to get our messages heard in order to improve our athletic programs. I am also involved with National Community Church few blocks off campus. This is the coolest church I've ever been to because it is in the basement of a coffeehouse that supports NCC. You can just walk in and order a cup of latte or whatever you please and go downstairs for church service. It's a friendly environment and it's always filled with happiness.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I feel that the most important societal issues facing college students are oppression, self identity and diversity.  We face oppression almost everyday and this has to stop in order to have a better and a peaceful future.  Often times , students face problems with self identity and this is important to self analyze to get to know yourself a little bit better to gain more self confidence. Diversity is an issue as well.   We come in different colors, sizes, shapes, gender, heritage and so forth, but we all are equal. It is very important to understand diversity and culture- and most of all, we need to learn how to respect each other.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am proud to say that my major is Recreation Leisure Studies with a Minor in Business.  I learned that we provide commitment to enhancing the quality of human life through recreation, leisure and play. People nowadays need to set aside their L-directed thinking brain after work, and use their R- directed thinking brain to relieve some stress through recreation and play. This leads to a good role in people's lives and it assists them to do well with their jobs or education.  

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Jen McIntee was the most influential person in my life. She was my camp counselor for a Christian sports camp when I was about 14 years old, she opened my eyes and made me realize that there's more to life than there is. She taught me the importance of self discipline, sportsmanship, moral values, citizenship and respect. Without her, I don't think I would be the same person that I am today. 

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Cherish your childhood life and grab as many opportunities as you can while you're young with fewer responsibilities! Live by each moment, make yourself a promise to follow and complete your dreams. If you dream...live it!

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Chatting over a cup of latte at a coffeehouse with a good group of friends and telling funny stories or whatever, that's nothing but pure relaxation and a stress reliever.   Also, surrounding a bonfire in the good ol' country backwoods with great friends connecting with nature, this is a cheap and a great way of having fun.   Also, watching Jim Carrey movies.

Outside of the Captial Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Dot Richardson a two time Olympic gold medalist in softball, commissioner of the PFX Tour and an orthopedic surgeon. I consider her as a legend, she is one of the most respected people that I have ever met. She helped me follow my dreams and emphasized her quote to me that states " Dream it, then work hard to live it."  On an additional note:  I am proud to say that I'm a fan of the greatest team ever ... the 2009 Super Bowl Champions, Pittsburgh Steelers!

Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.  I'd like to have dinner with my grandfather, who died before I was born.  I had a strange dream a few years ago that I actually met him, but we didn't talk. That dream has been with me ever since.  So I would love to have dinner with him and get the chance to know him from A-Z.   Jim Carrey- You don't have to agree with me, but I think in my opinion he's the funniest man alive.  I have always admired his sense of humor and goofy behaviors, he is just hilarious and does a good job making me laugh.  Last but not least- Jesus.  As a Christian, I long to look forward to see his presence as he died and sacrificed his life on the cross for us.