By Eric Coburn ’18 and Kelley McLellan ’17
Sports Editor and Associate Sports Editor
Senior Brittany Razo is a member of the softball team here at Merrimack College and is studying athletic training. The Anaheim, California native who is an outfielder for the Warriors, saw action in 33 games her junior year and had a batting average of .239. She scored 10 runs and had a home run during that season as well. Rizo is nearing the end of her time at Merrimack but will be at Johns Hopkins University the next couple of years. The Beacon sat down with Razo to get to know her a little more off of the field.
How and when did you start playing softball?
I started playing softball when I was about 7 years old. I grew up playing sports my whole life. I participated in the normal sports little kids do growing up such as gymnastics, basketball, swimming and soccer. But I really enjoyed softball because honestly it had the least amount of running and I had a pretty decent arm.
What is the most frustrated softball has ever made you?
The sport of softball is a pretty mental sport. I would say it’s about 90% mental and 10% physical. Your body can make the physical mistakes but on the next play your muscle memory can take over and instantly correct it. That’s one of the aspects of the game that I love so much about it. But it’s when your mind stays on those mistakes for too long or you over analyze a past play or situation in which makes it frustrating.
What is the most important thing you have learned from softball?
Growing up playing softball has taught me so many life lessons and helped mold me into the person I am today. Although, I have gone through ups and downs with the sport, I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for anything. The most important thing I have learned from softball I would say would be passion and determination. It has taught me to never give up on goals that I set (whether it be personal, academic, team or life goals) and to strive to be at least 1% better the next day.
Being from California, what were some of the adjustments you had to make coming to school in New England?
Ha! This is a good one. First off, I had to of course get used to the freezing weather. Even after four years here it still stinks. But some adjustments I had to make were just getting used to my surroundings and the way of life/culture of New England. Everyone talks different. The word wicked still doesn’t sit well with me and when I catch myself going to use it out of habit I stop myself. If you ask anyone that knows me from freshman year they were all so confused on the fact that I basically never had anxiety or a worry in the world. I guess being from California our way of life is much more laid back and out here in New England. I feel like everything is so fast-paced and everyone walks with a purpose and is ALWAYS on time…I never am.
If you could travel on a tour bus with one band or musician, who would it be and why?
Without a doubt Kenny Chesney. I’ve seen him in concert I think about 6 times and his last tour this pass summer I saw him first in California for my birthday and second at his closing show at the Patriot’s Stadium. He REALLY is a great performer and his concerts are always so exciting and he engages with the crowd so well. His music and style is very much laid back and all about the beach, traveling, and having a good time. He has his own private island and boat that you know wouldn’t be so bad to go hangout on and get away for awhile. Plus I love traveling.
If you could be one age forever what age would that be and why?
I think I would be 21 forever. For the obvious reasons, but after 21 you’re just old.
If you could describe yourself to a complete stranger in one word what would that word be?
I would definitely say sassy or diva. But most likely diva. If you know me, you know exactly why. I live up to the name diva and I wear it confidently.
If one clothing company could sponsor you, what would that clothing company be?
Under Armour or H&M. Most of my clothing are from both places.
What is your dream job?
Well my dream job would to be a wedding planner or even just to get paid to travel the world! But ideally I would like to become either an athletic trainer or a nurse on a military base one day.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would probably be the day we brought home my first family dog, Snowball.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
If I could live anywhere in the world I would definitely live in Germany. I traveled there my junior year for Thanksgiving break because one of my best friends from home was studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria. I was there for 12 days and loved everything about Germany! It seemed to be a big country and it was located centrally enough that it made it easier to travel to other surrounding countries to visit.
What is one pet peeve you have?
The pet peeve that drives me the most insane is when I am ignored. All my friends, family and teammates would I think agree that when I speak I like to be acknowledged or else I will speak my mind about it.
What is something or a piece of advice that you know today that you wish you knew 5 years ago?
I would say the piece of advice that I would tell myself 5 years ago would be to not take anything for granted and to definitely be appreciative for every opportunity that is thrown your way. For me to take advantage of any avenue of help that is offered and not be ashamed to ask for help. But most importantly to remember that “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts”.
What do you hope to take away from your time at Johns Hopkins University in the future?
I hope that the two years I will be spending at Hopkins are the best two years that they can be. I will have the opportunity to be in collaboration with six of the country’s best doctors from Johns Hopkins. I hope I learn so many new techniques and just the chance to grow into myself as a young professional in the field of athletic training.
What is one thing you are going to miss the most about Merrimack?
One thing I will miss about Merrimack is the close community feel and the fact that my best friends are all within walking distance to me. I will miss constantly being around my teammates and the whole college atmosphere.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I honestly cannot answer this question. I would love to be traveling the world one day but that’s obviously just a dream of mine. We’ll see where life takes me! Who knows what state I’ll end up in next to be honest! All I know is I am ready for whatever opportunities life puts in front of me. I always like to live by the motto of “Nothing is ever permanent unless you want to make it permanent”.
