Batting at top of the order, second baseman Miranda Rohleder is expected to create hits and make an immediate impact in the game. She wants to make an impact off the field, too.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Rohleder fell in love with Fresno State during a visit with her travel ball team. She loved the softball culture, the atmosphere and the community. And even though she was recruited by two other universities, she knew that Fresno State was where she wanted to be.
She took over the second base position in her freshman year and has held it ever since. She also has become one of head coach Linda Garza’s best offensive weapons. In her last home game against Utah State, Rohleder managed to hit two doubles in the same inning, helping the Bulldogs take the victory.
Rohleder loves California, she loves the warm weather and she said that when she first came to Fresno State she clicked right away with her teammates. As she laughs and jokes around with her teammates, that is something that bonds them together and she enjoys every moment.
Garza believes that Rohleder embraces everything that Fresno State is as a community and as a softball program. Garza also believes something that makes Rohleder different from others like her is that she is not afraid to work on her weaknesses and as a sophomore that is great to see.
“I’d love for her to continue growing defensively. She’s gotten better as the season progress and I would want her to continue that,” Garza said. “I want her to be, not just a physical leader that puts up numbers, but also the one that rallies her team. That will help us in the long run.”
In a season that has the Bulldogs second in the Mountain West, Rohleder has become a big part of the team’s success. There is no denying she is an offensive force to be reckoned with, hitting .338 with 45 hits, 43 runs and 18 RBI’s.
Rohleder’s family is very supportive of her and her softball career. She said that even though it’s hard being away from her family members, they still visit and watch some of her games.
As a sophomore, Rohleder is excited for her future at Fresno State. She wants to grow, not only as a player, but also as a chemistry student.
“I not only want make an impact on the field, but I also want to make an impact off the field,” Rohleder said. “I think [the team] has done a really good job connecting with each other on and off the field. I feel like I belong here.”