Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to catch up with TN Mojo alumna Rose Roach as part of our Mojo Alumni Series. Rose, now a standout player at Auburn University, joined us via Zoom to share her journey from travel ball days to SEC softball, offering valuable insights for our current players and the entire Mojo family.
From Illinois to Auburn: Finding a Home Away From Home
Despite being from Illinois, Rose felt an immediate connection to Auburn University during her recruiting journey. “It felt like home,” Rose shared, describing the sense of belonging she experienced on campus. Her commitment to Auburn at just 15 years old showcases the importance of trusting your instincts when making such significant decisions.
Rose emphasized how her travel ball experience with TN Mojo prepared her for collegiate athletics, calling our organization her “second family.” It was heartwarming to hear how the Mojo name still carries weight for her as a college athlete, and how she maintains connections with her former teammates.
The College Experience: Beyond the Diamond
Rose’s academic achievements are just as impressive as her athletic ones. She graduated in three years with a major in fitness, conditioning, and performance and is currently pursuing a master’s in adult education. Her advice to younger players about academic success was practical and valuable: stay proactive, develop good relationships with professors, and get ahead on assignments (she aims to stay two weeks ahead on her coursework!).
Daily Life as a D1 Athlete
One of the most insightful parts of our conversation was Rose’s breakdown of her daily schedule as a Division I athlete:
- Early morning walks for mental clarity
- Treatment sessions for physical maintenance
- Team practices and weightlifting sessions
- Careful attention to nutrition and hydration
- Strategic time management for balancing academics and athletics
“It’s all about controlling what you can control,” Rose emphasized repeatedly throughout our conversation. This mindset has clearly served her well through the inevitable ups and downs of collegiate athletics.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Relationships
Rose spoke candidly about some recent challenges her team has faced, including feeling disconnected during play. She described how they addressed these issues through team meetings and by refocusing on playing for each other rather than themselves.
She also shared her experience adapting to new coaches at Auburn – a married couple whose leadership has “reignited her love for the game.” This perspective offered our current players valuable insight into how coaching changes, while sometimes initially challenging, can lead to positive growth.
Mental Game Wisdom
Perhaps the most valuable takeaways from our session were Rose’s insights on the mental aspects of softball:
- Slumps are primarily mental challenges that require perseverance
- Focus on controllables like effort and attitude rather than external factors
- Maintain positive body language, even after bad calls
- Trust the process through both successes and failures
- Embrace her personal mantra: “let go and let God” when facing obstacles
Looking Ahead
As Rose continues her senior season at Auburn, she remains connected to her Mojo roots. Her journey serves as inspiration for our current players, showing them what’s possible with dedication, the right mindset, and the foundation that travel ball provides.
We’re incredibly proud to have Rose representing the Mojo family at the collegiate level and grateful for her willingness to share her experiences with our organization. Her story reminds us why we do what we do – developing not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life.
Stay tuned for our next Mojo Alumni Series event, where we’ll continue connecting our current players with successful graduates who exemplify the Mojo way!