First-Year Sun Devils: Marissa Schuld
TEMPE -- Looking forward to the 2021 season, we sat down with the new faces of Sun Devil Softball for a socially distanced Q&A. The freshman class was named the No. 12 recruiting class by FloSoftball, and is comprised of players from four different states. Head coach Trisha Ford and team also welcomes one junior transfer, Marissa Schuld, for a total of eight first-time Sun Devils.
Schuld, a Scottsdale native, returns to Sun Devil Country after spending two seasons at the University of Arizona, where the two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year further improved her ability to play in multiple positions of the game. A four-year letter-winner, Schuld graduated a two-time AZ Central Softball Player of the Year with first-team all-state, all-region, all-district, and all-conference recognition and a 6A State Championship title. In her freshman year at UArizona, the right-hander pitched 14.2 innings and started two games, earning a perfect 2-0 record. She completed the season with a brilliant 0.48 ERA and eight strikeouts to just one walk. A competitor to the core, Schuld improved her performance at the plate and emerged as Arizona's primary designated player in 2020, starting 15 of UA's 25 games. Schuld finished fourth on the team with a .350 average in 40 at-bats in the shortened 2020 season.
Get to know the pitcher/utility player and local product, Marissa Schuld.
Q: What is something unique about your hometown?
Scottsdale is unique because it is so diverse as far as it's ability to accommodate just about any age group with hospitality, to business, to shopping, and it is one of the fastest growing communities in the Southwest. It has great hiking spots and sights to see.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Arizona?
Mastros City Hall, True Foods, and Postinos.
Q: Do you have any game day superstitions?
I put everything on from right to left.
Q: If you could meet any professional athlete/celeb who would it be and why?
Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Marcus Stroman or Michael Jordan, because they are some of the best ball players and I enjoy their approach to not only the game, but in life.
Q: What sold you on Arizona State?
Close to home and was always a dream school growing up. I grew up an ASU fan and my family had season tickets to football and softball growing up.
Q: What is your go to warmup song?
I don't have a specific song, but before games I like to listen to a rap or down tempo beat music, mixed in with some country.
Q: Best softball memory?
Attending the Women's College World Series
Q: What hobbies do you have outside of softball?
Working out, hiking, painting, and tanning
Q: If you had to play another sport what would you choose?
Gymnastics
Q: What do you enjoy about ASU most?
Close to home and the atmosphere
Q: What is your go to mantra?
Live everyday like its your last, Height Doesn't Measure Heart
Q: How do you typically spend your off days?
Spending time with family and friends
Q: What about your jersey number is significant to you?
I try not to get too caught up in numbers
Q: Goal you aspire to achieve as a Sun Devil?
Win a national championship
Q: A pro tip on how you balance school and athletics?
Time management, staying focused
Q: Favorite ballpark food?
Chicago Dog
Q: What is your dream vacation?
Hawaii or Germany
Q: Who is your biggest hero?
My dad, he has been through a lot with surviving three heart attacks and spent weeks in a coma and a month in the hospital. Growing up he played football along with semipro football and was a body builder back in the day. He always proved to me that height does not measure heart, and taught me to fight for everyday in life and treat it like its my last and to cherish every moment, good or bad.