In the Nest: Makailah Dees Thriving as a Falcon
Center Fielder From Cali Has Come Into Her Own in Ohio
Medical Mutual
3/27/2023
Mikailah Dees is in her third season with the Falcon softball program. After playing in 61 games over her first two years, primarily coming off the bench, she has moved into a full-time starting role for the Orange and Brown in 2023. On the Falcons’ home-opening day at Meserve Field, she sat down to answer a few questions.
Q: Your hometown is Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. What is one thing people should know about your hometown?
Dees: It’s very different, I’d say. It’s a different part of California. It’s closer to the beaches, which is really nice. It’s a small town – I just love it there..
Q: How and when did you first start playing softball, and when did you know it was the sport for you?
Dees: I definitely followed in my sister’s footsteps. I was about eight years old when she picked it up. We had some family friends who introduced us to the sport. We were like, “Let’s give it a try,” and I loved it. It was the only sport I played growing up.
Q: Your sister, Sammy, also played softball at Bowling Green. Were the two of you teammates growing up as well? What was it like having her as a teammate at BGSU?
Dees: We were not teammates growing up, just because of our age difference. When I got to high school, I was on JV when she was on varsity. But then, when I got here to BGSU, getting to play with her for two years was amazing.
Q: With Sammy being recruited by, and ultimately coming to BGSU, you were probably aware of BG at an earlier age than many recruits. When did you become aware of BGSU?
Dees: I came on my sister’s visit, and I got the chance to tag along and tour the school with her. I just knew, when I saw the environment she would be joining, that this was the place for me, too. I knew I wanted to be a part of it as well. It felt like a home away from home.
Q: You moved from California to Ohio for college, and in your freshman year at BGSU (2020-21 academic year), there were still some Covid restrictions in place. What was it like to not only move across the country, but also to have such a different college experience in your first year?
Dees: That first year was definitely different, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I was happy to be given a chance to be at BG, and that first year helped shape my college experience. That year was very different, but I still had fun and was glad to be able to be here.
Q: You are a Communication Disorders major at BGSU. What made you decide upon that as a major, and what would you like to do upon graduation?
Dees: I started out in Applied Health Science, and kind of wanted to go the nursing route, but changed my mind. I had some family friends who were speech language pathologists, which is something I want to specialize in and possibly pursue as a career after I graduate.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Dees: Definitely my sister and my dad. They definitely have shaped me into the player I am today. They helped guide me through this adventure, and they have inspired me throughout my softball career.
Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
Dees: Yes. My hair has to be the same if I played well in the last game -- right now it’s two braids in a ponytail, slicked-back look – and I will use the same bow in my hair.
Q: A few non-softball questions. What is your go-to restaurant and/or meal?
Dees: I love Campus Pollyeyes. It’s a quick, easy meal. Pizza, breadsticks…
Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus?
Dees: I do love the BG hill. I like to go there if I'm having a good day, if I'm having a bad day, or just to see the sunset if it’s not cloudy.
Q: What is something that people might not know about you?
Dees: I come off as a shy person, but actually, I’m probably the craziest person you’d ever meet.
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team?
Dees: I love my roommate, Ally (Bezjak). She’s crazy as well, and she definitely can put a smile on my face. Our personalities fit very well together. (Sophie) Weber as well … if you’re in the same environment as her, she will definitely put you in a good mood.
Q: Describe Coach Fenton-Bockbrader in a few words.
Dees: She is very outgoing. I’ve said the word crazy a lot, but she’s definitely crazy as well.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the BGSU softball program?
Dees: Just the girls I’m surrounded by every day. The freshmen, the returning players, the coaches … the entire environment is very positive, and I love to be around everyone.
Q: The conference schedule just started last weekend. What are your goals, both personally and for the team, for the remainder of this season?
Dees: We want to just get ahead, whether it’s in a game or a series. We want to get out to a good start and put ourselves in a good position to get a win, a series win or even a sweep. As for myself, I want to make good contact at the plate, and I just want to have fun. That’s very important, not just to me but for the team. We just need to go out there, have fun and enjoy the opportunity to play softball at BGSU.
