Rachel Cunningham

Softball

Where Are They Now Wednesday - Rachel Cunningham

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

Rachel Cunningham played softball at Georgia State during a special time as the Panthers were competing for a CAA Championship every year while putting together some impressive win totals. Cunningham was a four-year starter who played in 222 games. Upon her graduation, she ranked fourth in program history in runs batted in, while batting just under .300 for her career. She earned All-CAA First Team honors in 2008 and was recognized on the CAA All-Rookie Team as a freshman. She still resides in Atlanta and is forever a part of the #PantherFamily.  

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to the last 10-plus years since finishing up at Georgia State (work, sports, family) 
I started a job the day after graduation working as a general manager for a corporate smoothie shop and spent the next six months working nonstop trying to learn the business. I became the corporate trainer and started opening stores, then was promoted to Business Consultant. After a couple moves to different companies over the next seven years, I became the Director of Operations for another franchise where I stayed until this past February. I made the very difficult decision to leave my decade-long career to get back into softball as a private hitting and fielding instructor. I learned so much over the past decade of work that I am carrying over into my new endeavor and I couldn't be happier and more fulfilled. I have two golden retrievers and two cats that are all rescues and while I am still waiting for "Mr. Right", I'm spending my free time hiking with my goldens, traveling, and spending time with my family.

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
It's difficult to put into words. I grew up a lot during my four years at Georgia State and learned the importance of leaving a good impression on everyone you meet because you never know who's watching. I made so many connections at GSU that ultimately helped start my career after graduation and I could not be more thankful for that. 

Your name still can be found throughout the Georgia State record book including 222 games played. Is there a game or two that sticks out the most to you?
Two games stick out to this day. The first was my freshman year at Drexel. This was hands down the worst game of my entire 19-year softball career and I basically was the reason for our loss (yes, people say one play doesn't lose a game, but mine did, it was terrible). That alone stands out and still haunts me today. I can see my teammates reading this and nodding their heads in agreement.
However, I came back the next day and played like I know how to play without letting the previous day affect my game which was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I think this was when I progressed as a player and a person. The second game is Coach Heck's 500th win. We didn't realize it at the time, but there was cake, reporters, and photographers ready during the game and we were all just so thankful that we won! It was also super cool to be a part of that. 
 
You played for legendary head coach Bob Heck who unfortunately recently passed away at the age of 95. What did Coach Heck mean to you and your teammates?
Coach Heck meant so many things to me! I'm so thankful for him! He gave me the ability to play a game I love and stay close to my family, to receive an education with a great school, but he also showed us passion, compassion, to have fun, and that weather should never be a reason to play badly - "it's just elements." He was also the definition of perseverance by showing up to practices and games right after a hip replacement. He had to use a cane for a while until he healed but he rocked it! He actually came to the mound in the middle of an inning when one of our pitchers was having issues with the dirt and started digging with the cane. Our facilities crew came running out with rakes and he shooed them away and went back to work "fixing" the mound. While Coach Heck was a kind and serious man, he also had fun. He danced and sang "Walk It Out" in the outfield before a game with us which is probably my favorite memory of him.

All these years later, do you still find yourself wanting to get back out on the field and play?
I still play co-ed slow pitch softball. I don't quite have the range for shortstop anymore, but my arm still works well so I play third. I've gone from playing four nights a week eight years ago to just one night a week now, but I couldn't imagine not playing. 

If there is one thing you could go back and tell the college version of yourself, what would it be?
'No one cares, work harder.' I wish I could've told myself that every day. 
 
 
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