The KROX Radio Athlete of the Week is University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle Softball player, Rocky Bjorge, a 5’7, senior first and third baseman, from Prior Lake majoring in Criminal Justice who is expected to graduate this spring in only three years. Bjorge has helped Minnesota Crookston break a program-record with 13 wins this season while hitting .272 with 17 RBI, 10 runs, 3 home runs, and 25 walks. “I think the mental approach is so important,” explained UMC Softball head coach Travis Owen of Bjorge’s success at the plate. “She does a good job of not overthinking it. That’s such an important thing to go in with a clear mind for hitters. She’s always had a really good swing and she’s trusted that as a hitter a little more lately. She doesn’t go up trying to hit a home run every time, which is smart, but she’s just looking to have a good at-bat, square it up on the bat and she has enough power to hit it out when she does that.” Bjorge’s contributions to her team extend beyond the stats she’s able to produce as her leadership has proven invaluable for her first-year head coach, “she’s been just a really hard worker, on the field she has good focus and a good attitude. In the box you know she’s always going to have a good approach. In the field, she’s been solid at third for us. She’s a good leader on the field defensively, has made some good plays. We’ve been having to move her to first base recently because of some arm issues, but she does a good job wherever you ask her to play.” Last season, Bjorge hit .323 in 35 games while scoring 8 runs, and plating 17 with one home run. During Bjorge’s first year in 2017 she appeared in 43 games, starting in 38 finishing her first season with 19 hits, 15 RBI, and 10 runs.
Prior to UMC, Bjorge was a two-year starter for Prior Lake High School where she hit .425 in 2015.
First started playing softball – Eight-years old playing in a 10u league
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Glove
Part of your game that needs work – Control in the batter box
The toughest pitcher you’ve ever faced – Pitcher who went on to pitch at South Carolina
Favorite field – Prior Lake High School Field
Do you have a pre-game ritual – I’m superstitious. I change it when I’m not playing well. I do have the same ritual before each at-bat.
Favorite sports – Football and Softball
Favorite sports team – Loves the Minnesota Vikings
Favorite athlete – Nolan Arenado, Colarado Rockies
Last movie you’ve seen – Jumanji
Favorite TV program – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Favorite food – Pasta
What music are you listening to – Anything
You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – Mom, and two older sisters
Plans after graduation – Become a Police Officer, she’ll be attending a skills academy at Alexandria Tech this summer before pursuing a career as a law enforcement officer
Family –
Dad – Kevin (Pilot for Delta Airlines)
Mom – Erin (Stay at home mom)
Brothers – Cole (26) works for Allianz and played baseball at Bemidji State
Ryan (31)
Brendyn (35) who manages a restaurant and bar at a hotel in Connecticut
Sisters – Gabrielle (24) played soccer at MSU-Moorhead and now works as a social worker for a school in Iowa
Katheryn (29) works for CHS in Warren after playing soccer at Bemidji State
Two younger twin-sisters adopted from Ethiopia named Maggie and Josie who are both in elementary school
