Name: Bekah Harnish

Position: Catcher/Infielder

Hometown: Burlington, Illinois

Favorite sports team: Beverly Bandits

“The Bandits are the softball team that I grew up watching and are local in the area,” Harnish said.

Interesting fact: Loves Art

“Art is actually my major,” Harnish said. “I do a lot of sculpting.”

Favorite athlete/role model: The people I grew up playing with

“They are my role models and the people that always pushed me,” Harnish said.

Game strengths: Defense

“I feel like I’m always solid out there, and that’s where I think I help the team the most,” Harnish said.

Game weaknesses: Batting

“I tend to get in my own head while I’m hitting,” Harnish said.

Favorite teammate: Alex Frenz

“She is kind of crazy and always knows how to keep me smiling,” Harnish said.

Pre-game rituals: Game day hair

“I use to have a lot of rituals, but I got away from a lot of them,” Harnish said. “I always do my hair the same way.”

Post-game meal: Protein shakes

“After every game, the same thing: protein shakes,” Harnish said.

Favorite softball/baseball memory: Traveling with teammates

“I love hanging out and traveling with my teammates,” Harnish said. “We like to do a lot of things together.”

Why you enjoy playing for NIU: Playing Division One Softball

“Just having this opportunity to play for NIU is just a dream come true,” Harnish said.

Harnish has been a leader for the team during her time as a Huskie. Harnish played in 53 games in 2016. She was awarded first team all-Mid American Conference honors at catcher and scored 36 runs, which was the second most on the team.

“Bekah is our glue at times just because of her versatility and what she brings to our team,” said Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe. “When she is on all cylinders, she is our best at second, third and behind the plate.”

Bekah is hitting an impressive .313 this season through the first 10 games.

The Huskies will be back in action 10 a.m. Friday against the University of Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois.