GoHuskies.com Profile: Hooch Fagaly
Senior 1st baseman Hooch Fagaly anchors the infield and is a top contributor at the plate for the 11th-ranked Huskies softball team. Fagaly, a 5th-year senior, is a double major in Medical Anthropology (Global Health) and American Ethnic Studies, with minors in Education and Diversity.
GoHuskies.com: You hit a walk-off home run vs. Arizona State in the bottom of the 10th inning on April 18. What kind of feeling was that to provide the final blow that got you and your teammates the win in a close game?
Hooch Fagaly: The homerun against ASU felt amazing, not only for the win but also for the feeling of completing a game that our team had worked so hard for. Our pitchers did a great job keeping the ASU hitters uncomfortable and I was excited to contribute the final blow for our team.
GoHuskies.com: Did you know it was gone off the bat?
Fagaly: I knew it was definitely high enough I was just hoping that it could go the distance. It wasn't until I rounded second that I saw the left fielder didn't come up with the snag and we had won the game.
GoHuskies.com: Would you rather come up with a big hit to drive in a run or make a great defensive play to save a run?
Fagaly: I think both are great, but both defense and offense are crucial so whatever the team needed at the time would be the choice I guess I would make.
GoHuskies.com: Growing up, who were some of your favorite athletes?
Fagaly: My dad is my favorite athlete because he has taught me everything I know, but if I had to pick a professional I would say that Chipper Jones was my favorite athlete ever since I was 5. He is the reason I wear the #10 and I used to go up to the plate and pretend to hit with him whether he was right handed or left handed.
GoHuskies.com: Are there any players – whether past or present, in softball or baseball – that you model your game on?
Fagaly: Chipper Jones. In softball, I would say Jenn Salling. I know that everyone aspires to be the dominant pitcher or homerun hitter, but Jenn motivated me as a person as well as a player and her passion for the game is unlike anyone I have ever seen. She is truly a role model for me and the millions of little girls she reaches out to.
GoHuskies.com: Coming out of high school, when you’re were considering which school to go to, what kind of things ultimately drew you to Washington?
Fagaly: The environment of people, the great family feel of the players, players parents, the coaches and the UW community. And I visited Seattle in September and the weather was gorgeous. I can't forget getting sun burned at the UW - BYU football game on my visit.
GoHuskies.com: If you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Fagaly: Chipper Jones. My whole career, I’ve looked up to him and his loyalty to his team.
GoHuskies.com: Where do you think you’ll be in 5-10 years and what will you be doing?
Fagaly: Have a job, family and house somewhere on the beach teaching kids, and giving lessons.
GoHuskies.com: When you’re not doing something related to softball, what are your favorite things to do?
Fagaly: Cook, travel, spend time with my family, swim, clean and spend time outside.