By Gabrielle Duncan

What type of music do athletes listen to before a game to get pumped up and in the zone? The 9-6 University of Louisville softball team shared what music gets them ready to compete. Sophomore outfielder Jennifer Esteban, junior pitcher Tori Collins, senior third baseman Chelsea Bemis and freshman catcher Maggie Ruckenbrod answered questions about their favorite kinds of music.

What is the one song that you have to listen to before a game?

Esteban: Recently, it’s been “Get Big” by Dorrough.

 Collins: Just, like, my favorite song of the moment. And it’s always current stuff.

Bemis: I listen to my walk-up song. And it’s “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco. And I listen to “All of the Lights” by Kanye West.

Ruckenbrod: “Yes” by LMFAO.

Everyone on the team chooses a walk-up song for when they go up to bat. What is yours and why did you choose it?

Esteban: “I’m Ready for You” by Drake. It just got me ready and in the mood to start the game.

Collins: “I’m So Fly” by Lloyd Banks. Because last year I had a really good year and I don’t want people to be like, “Well, she had one good year and now she’s done.” Because I’m back and we’re on a mission.

Bemis: I chose “The Show Goes On” because it’s just a good beat.

Ruckenbrod: “I’m Back” by T.I. I chose it because it’s a pump-up. It’s a rap song and the lyrics just kind of make sense.

Do you have a team song that you listen to?

Esteban: We have a lot of those, but right now it’s probably “Get Big.” We always walk out to that one.

What kind of music is on your iPod right now?

Esteban: All kinds.

Collins: It’s actually Chelsea Bemis’ list because I sync it with her computer. So it’s mainly current stuff, like stuff on 96.5.

Bemis: Everything. Not too much country, but everything.

Ruckenbrod: Mostly rap, and rap.

Do you have any guilty pleasure music?

Esteban: Probably like the old-school music. It calms me down before games and I like to listen to it.

Ruckenbrod: I’m a huge Beyoncé fan. But I wouldn’t say that’s a guilty pleasure because she’s really good.

If you could meet any musical artist, who would it be and why?

Esteban: Wiz Khalifa, because I just love his music right now.

Collins: Ne-Yo, because I’m in love with him.

Bemis: I would love to meet Pink and Rihanna – just because they’re cool and awesome.

Ruckenbrod: I would meet Beyoncé because I just want to be able to belt it and sing really loud like her.

Who is the one person on the team that always has her headphones in, listening to music?

Esteban: Chelsea Jordan.

Collins: Taner Fowler.

Bemis: Taner or CJ.

Ruckenbrod: Taner Fowler.

What is your favorite song on the radio right now?

Collins: Well, it’s not exactly on the radio or new, because I’ve been obsessed with it since last fall, but “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame. It always gets me pumped up.

Bemis: “All of the Lights” by Kanye West.

What’s the most played on your iPod right now?

Collins: It’s a Ciara song. I forget – something about “the beat.”

Bemis: I have, like, a Top 5. I like a bunch of Rihanna songs.