Ahrens, starting catcher for the Raiders’ softball team, has been pivotal in helping it to an 8-1 start. Here is a closer look at Ahrens, who also was a member of the school’s volleyball team:
Q: Three songs you never skip on your iPod are …
A: “Shot Me Down” by David Guetta, “Come Together” by the Arctic Monkeys and anything from a musical.
Q: At your first varsity practice, you felt …
A: … so nervous I actually tripped over my own shoelaces.
Q: What did you work on most in the offseason?
A: I really worked hard with our pitcher, Meagan Friederichs. I catch for her. I also worked on my own skills such as blocking and framing.
Q: What are your goals for the remainder of the softball season?
A: To be a great leader. Of course, it would be nice to go to state, but what really matters is the relationship you have with your team.
Q: Most memorable moment as a prep athlete?
A: Beating Owatonna 25-21, 16-25, 25-18, 27-25 to get to the Class 3A, Section 1 semifinals in volleyball this past fall.
Q: One sport that you wish you could play, and why?
A: Tennis, because that is a sport you can play at any age.
Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?
A: I wish softball was in the fall, so we wouldn’t have to worry about it snowing in May.
Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: I have to cut Netflix to a minimum.
Q: Do you have a secret talent – and if so, what is it?
A: I love playing classical piano.
RON HAGGSTROM