Oct. 19, 2011

CHICAGO - Freshman catcher and utility player Erica Hampton (Wichita, Kan./Bishop Carroll) sat down with UICFlames.com for the inaugural Fireside Chat, the first of several chats that features the 2011-12 roster. Hampton, along with her teammates discloses information about themselves, both on and off the diamond.

First a word from head coach Michelle Venturella on Hampton …

"Erica is the kind of student-athlete that every coach wants on their team. She loves playing the game and works hard to get better each and every day. She will do great things during her career at UIC, both on and off the field."

UICFlames.com: Why did you choose UIC?

Erica Hampton: I chose UIC because I love the city. I had visited Chicago when I was younger and I just loved it and have wanted to come to the city ever since. I especially like the buildings and the honking.

UICFlames.com: Who were your role models growing up?

Erica Hampton: My mom is my role model because she has a good work ethic and always drove me to excel.

UICFlames.com: Do you have any nicknames?

Erica Hampton: My mom calls me "E" and my teammates call me Boricua because I am Puerto Rican.

UICFlames.com: What is the furthest from home you have traveled?

Erica Hampton: I have traveled to New York and California for softball, but we get to do some cool things outside of softball, too. My favorite thing was going to New York City because of how much I love the city and especially going to Chinatown. Then, when we went to California, we went a Padres game in San Diego and an Angels game in Los Angeles.

UICFlames.com: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Erica Hampton: "Never give up," from my mom.

UICFlames.com: What is your intended major?

Erica Hampton: I intend to major in bioengineering and I'm also interested in neuroscience.

UICFlames.com: Do you have any siblings?

Erica Hampton: I have two younger brothers, Anthony, who will be 17 on Nov. 1 and James, who is 14. I like being the only girl because I think if I had a sister, I would be too competitive.

The Fireside Chat resumes next Wednesday as UICFlames.com gets to know another member of the 2011-12 roster.

--UIC—