In The Nest: Dolejs a Driving Force Behind BGSU Softball's Success
Presented by Medical Mutual
7/28/2022
Peyton Dolejs (Mentor, Ohio) recently completed her second season in the BGSU softball program. It's no coincidence that the last two seasons have seen the Falcons enjoy the most success in the last decade. After starting 25 games and batting .368 as a freshman, Dolejs started all 55 contests last year and excelled both at the plate and in the field for the Orange and Brown.
Q: Have you made any fun trips of done anything fun this summer?
Dolejs: I have gone to Michigan and Indiana to visit some teammates, which has been fun. I also go a lot of cool places as a counselor for summer camp.
Q: When did you start playing softball and how did you wind up gravitating toward the sport when you were a kid?
Dolejs: When I was younger, my parents put me into a lot of different sports. I started playing softball when I was 8. It was the most fun for me, and I was getting on better teams playing better competition. My teammates in softball were also my favorite. The softball community is something great to be a part of, so I’m glad I am still playing now.
Q: What made you decide that you wanted to attend BGSU?
Dolejs: I chose BGSU because I knew I wanted my parents to be able to come to all of my games, and I loved the feeling of being on campus.
Q: Your senior year of high school and your freshman year at BGSU obviously were a little different than you might have expected, due to COVID-19. What was it like beginning your collegiate experience, both in the classroom and on the field, during a pandemic?
Dolejs: COVID-19 was really hard for me because it was hard to meet people around campus. I was either in my dorm room or at practice most of the time because I didn’t really know anyone on campus. My sister helped a lot with the social aspect because she went to BG at that time. On the field was hard as well, because most of the time you build your connections off the field and that relationship transfers over. This past year was definitely easier in both categories.
Q: How did you decide upon your major, and what are your career goals after college?
Dolejs: I am an actuarial science major which is a specified math major. I was always good at math in grade school, so when I went to high school and we got to choose elective courses, the electives I chose were all math related. In one of my classes, our teacher brought in different people from many different math professions. He brought in an actuary, and I immediately wanted to know more. It kept peaking my interests, so I knew it was what I wanted to study.
Q: You are from Mentor, Ohio. What is your favorite thing and/or what is something people should know about your hometown?
Dolejs: I live right by Lake Erie, so I love going to watch sunsets on the beach. We also have a lot of cool parks where you can hike or walk some trails.
Q: What is your go-to restaurant or meal?
Dolejs: My go-to restaurant at home would be Scooter’s Dawg House because they have the best hot dogs and ice cream. My favorite meal would have to be ribs or chicken wings, but if ice cream could be a meal I would chose that.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Dolejs: My family definitely inspired and encouraged me the most growing up. My parents were both my coaches for my favorite sports which at times made it hard, but I wouldn’t change it because the ultimately made me better. I always wanted to be like my sister, so I wanted to play volleyball, but I realized really quickly that if I wanted to play volleyball I would have to be any position other than a setter because I didn’t want my sister to be obviously better at something than I was.
Q: Do you have any pre-game or game-day rituals? If so, when and how did they start?
Dolejs: I am a team hair braider, so I have a couple hair appointments pre-game. I always have to have my hair braided in some way, as well, so I guess that would be my game-day ritual. Look good, play good!
Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus and why?
Dolejs: My favorite spot on campus is probably the hill because it is the best spot to watch a BG sunset.
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team and why?
Dolejs: This is a hard question because most of our team is funny, but I would have to give that to both Marlie (McNulty) and Greta (L'Esperance). They both make the outfield a great place to be because of it.
Q: How would you describe your style of play?
Dolejs: I am definitely not a real flashy player, but I am someone who will give my all to the game. I believe that the game knows how to find you in the best in worst moments, so if you play and practice with your all, the game will know.
Q: You literally ran through a wall to make a catch during the NISC in Colorado. Can you describe what you were feeling when you made that play, and can you also describe how you felt when you saw a video of that play?
Dolejs: Honestly, I was feeling a bit of pain in my arm and shoulder, but it was such a cool thing to experience. It definitely wasn’t the first time I have hit a fence, but it was the first time I have knocked one over. The best was just seeing the other teams cheer me on in the outfield and my own teammates' reactions.
She made the #SCTop10?? Peyton's catch was No. 6?? on tonight's list??#AyZiggy | ?????????? https://t.co/k3flqnMLs9
— BGSU Softball (@BGSUSoftball) May 25, 2022
Q: Describe Coach Fenton-Bockbrader in one word…
Dolejs: Determined.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the BGSU softball program?
Dolejs: My favorite part about being in the softball program is just being surrounded by so many great girls on the team, and we have so many great staff members who support us publicly and behind the scenes.
Q: What are your goals, both personally and for the team, for the 2022-23 academic year?
Dolejs: My goal for us this year is to keep our momentum from last year and continue our winning ways. Personally, I want to be able to make a couple more catches like I did this past season. Academically, I want to pass a couple of my actuary exams this year.
