Checking in with Celene Funke

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With the 2020 season unexpectedly ended due to COVID-19, we are checking in with members of the team as they adjust to taking classes online while navigating time spent away from campus in what would normally be the middle of their season.

We begin with outfielder Celene Funke, a three-year starter who was a preseason all-ACC selection after coming off of a stellar junior campaign in which she led the nation in triples and set a school record with 13 while registering a team-best 48 runs and standing second with a .324 batting average and 29 stolen bases. She currently stands third on Louisville's career list for triples (18) and third on the all-time stolen base list with 62.

As the 2020 season started, the program's only two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American became the third player in program history to be named a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award®, an honor which focuses on the total student-athlete with achievements in community, classroom, character and competition.

Funke was leading the team in stolen bases (13-for-13) and triples (3) when her senior season came to an abrupt halt. The news came on March 12, just prior to Louisville's Atlantic Coast Conference-opening series against Boston College which was slated to take place March 13-15 at Ulmer Stadium.

"I was devastated when we got the news that our season was over," said Funke. "Like most seniors that are in a similar spot, I had never imagined my softball career coming to an end like this. However, I remain hopeful that the NCAA will find a way to make things right for student-athletes nationwide."

Now, two weeks later, she has begun to settle into a routine that includes online classes as she pursues her MBA, weekly team check-ins with coaches and teammates, at-home workouts and online meetings with fellow Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members.

While spending time with her family in her hometown of Carmel, Ind., Funke has had time to reflect on what she missed the most about Louisville.

"When I went home, I definitely missed my teammates and coaches the most although I do keep in contact with them through text, calls and social media. I truly took for granted the time we spent together and I would do anything to have just one more team practice or game together. I really miss our daily shenanigans on and off the softball field."

College athletes are often advised to cherish every moment of their journeys, because it all goes by so fast. In spite of the unexpected ending to the current season, Funke is grateful for the memories created and shared with her teammates- past and present.

"It is hard to narrow my list of favorite memories from my entire softball career…but I would have to say the top three are beating Florida to take the ACC series last year, walking it off (sprinting it off) against Kentucky at home after the field was named after the late and Cardinal forever, Don Dobina, and making it to the NCAA regional championship at Northwestern."

When asked if she had anything that she would like to share with her fellow student-athletes, Funke offered up the following words.

"I know that so many student-athletes had their seasons cut short and seniors whose careers ended abruptly. During this tough time, it is important to remember all the great memories we've had with our teammates along the way and to not be sad that it's over…but to be smile that it happened."

Getting to know Celene Funke
Full name: Celene Mue Funke
Hometown: Carmel, Ind.
Class: Senior
Position: Centerfield
Major: Pursuing MBA (earned finance degree in May 2019)

What do you do in your downtime? I've enjoyed some relaxation with Netflix binge watching, naps with my dog, video games on the Nintendo switch, and reading.
Are you doing any sorts of workouts at home? Before the gyms closed, I was able to do some cardio, but now I'm just doing some body weight work and joining my parents in their keto diet…or at least trying my best.
Do you have a favorite 'binge show or series?' I have been into documentaries recently, but my current binge is season 2 of All-American now on Netflix!
Favorite quote: "Just keep swimming…swimming…swimming" from the movie Finding Nemo. I feel like it is very fitting for the chaotic state we are currently living in. It reminds me to keep powering through all the uncertainty ahead.
Do you play any instruments? I used to play the saxophone and guitar briefly, but I do not anymore. I'm definitely not a gifted singer...although my showerhead might say differently
Do you speak languages other than English? I speak a little Japanese and Spanish, but not fluent by any means!
How would your friends describe you? I think my friends would describe me as positive, goofy, and loyal.
Sport you would play other than softball: I played soccer, basketball, and softball in high school, but if I could continue to play any sport other than softball it would definitely be soccer. I do miss it every now and then!
If you could see anyone in concert, who would it be? Morgan Wallen.

Funke's Favorites
Social media platform: Goes back and forth between Instagram and Snapchat.
Athlete: Albert Pujols. I grew up a huge St. Cardinals fan and he is just a great role model on and off the field.
Pump-up song: Kill the Lights by Alex Newell, Jess Glynne, and DJ Cassidy (*Chardonnay is a big fan too*)
Place you have visited: Japan to visit my mom's side of the family and see my grandma
Movie: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
Pregame meal: Eggs (of all sorts)
Hobby: Video Games on the Nintendo Switch

Finish the following sentences
I am… grateful for the opportunity I've had to wear the Louisville jersey. Thank, you Card Nation for an incredible four years!
I have always... wanted to travel the world.
Coach Holly was right when she said… your collegiate career flies by.

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