Softball Player Monica Abbott Shares Her Fitness Secrets

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

5 years ago

Monica Abbott is an American athlete who pitched for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, Abbott participated in the Beijing Olympics with Team USA.

During her senior season in college, she set the record for the most strikeouts in a Division I softball season and became the NCAA Division I Softball all-time leader in career wins, strikeouts, shutouts, innings pitched, games started and games pitched. She was the recipient of the 2007 Honda Sports Award for the Top Collegiate Softball Player in the country and was named the 2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. She was also named the 2007 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year.

Women Fitness President joins the exceptional softball player, Monica Abbott, as she shares her journey to success.

Namita Nayyar:

You hold NCAA records for strikeouts, shutouts, and wins, in 2008, you became the first player to pitch a perfect game in the Olympics. You are considered one of the most dominant players in professional softball. Walk us through your spectacular journey and tell us how you landed in this sport?

Monica Abbott:

I started playing as a young kid and once I started pitching I fell in love with the sport! After that I think I had a really good support system that helped set up good routines for me to be consistent in my practice. With that and some goals, I slowly started improving and reaching the goals I set, so we set more.

Namita Nayyar:

You have 17 different championship titles, an Olympic Silver Medal, and multiple Most Valuable Player awards. How do you feel after these incredible achievements? 3 keys to the making of a star.

Monica Abbott:

I think some of the biggest keys for me have been— 1. Consistency 2. Mindset 3. Being flexible to change and adjust in games and in the way you practice.

Full interview is continued on next page

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

Namita Nayyar:

Introduce us to a day in your life.

Monica Abbott:

A day in my life—

Wake up
Morning stretches & water
Coffee and Emails
Workout #1
“Odd’s & ends stuff”
Workout #2
Office work/Passion Projects

Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share? 5 essentials to enhance performance in a team sport.

Monica Abbott:

5 exercises I like:

1. Jump Rope

2. Shoulder Care- I like the Jaeger Bands Routine

3. Lunges

4. Footwork exercises

5. Planks/Core work.

Namita Nayyar:

Do you take some special diet that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit? 2 supplements that are essential for women.

Monica Abbott:

I’m not big on supplements I believe in a whole food “mostly” plant based, pescaterian diet. I try to stay away from red meat. And eat a ton of veggies. I don’t drink soda.

Big keys are:

1. BCAA

2. Water

Namita Nayyar:

Having to train constantly in extreme weather conditions, how do you take care of your skin and hair?

Monica Abbott:

Moisturise!!

Oh my gosh. Moisturise! Extreme weather, sun, and sweat do a number on your skin and hair. I believe in Sunscreen and exfoliating are key, and then a sheet face mask at least once a week. For hair— use hats. Also, once a week I use Castor Oil or Coconut oil on it to keep the strands hydrated, and only use hot tools if I have an event.

Namita Nayyar:

Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career? Quote, you live by.

Monica Abbott:

My greatest influence nad motivator has been my mother. She’s such a bad a$%! She raised 5 kids, showed tough love to me when I was down and pushed me to keep going when I needed it. I live by two quotes—

Live2BringIt

Life is made up of moments, little ones, big ones— and ones that will change your life forever.

Namita Nayyar:

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 have been delayed due to the pandemic situation, how are you preparing for 2021? What is your routine while staying at home?

Monica Abbott:

Right now, just doing my best to stay home and stay healthy. It sounds so simple but getting in home workouts, working on passion projects and training from home like it’s a modified off season until they are able to confirm more of a schedule for us.

Namita Nayyar:

Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and upcoming athletes who all are your fans? 5 tips to work upon their skills.

Monica Abbott:

1. Have Fun!!

2. Practice Consistently

3. Don’t be afraid to fail

4. Try something new!

5. Don’t ever GIVE up!

Namita Nayyar:

What is the most important component for an athlete while playing a team sport like yours?

Monica Abbott:

Probably — being able to work with a lot of different personalities and respecting people for who they are. A mutual respect for each others skills, effort and what they bring to the team is important.

Namita Nayyar:

In 2013, you founded the Monica Abbott Scholarship Fund to support the education of multi-sport female athletes. Tell us more about these endeavors of yours.

Monica Abbott:

Yes, in 2013 I started the MA14 Scholarship and it rewards 2 multi sport female athletes that demonstrate leadership in their communities. There’s a lot of people out there that can change the world and we want to help give them the opportunity

Namita Nayyar:

Share a few words about the website Womenfitness.net and message for our visitors?

Monica Abbott:

This is a great resource and community for the women out there that believe, and actively live a healthy lifestyle!

Follow her journey on:

This interview is exclusively taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.