A San Diego, California, native, Mississippi State senior softball student-athlete Sarai Niu has come a long way from her immediate family, but found an extended family and what she calls a golden opportunity in Starkville.
Know Your Bulldogs: Sarai Niu
November 06, 2018 | Softball
by Shelby Spurlock, Student Assistant/Communications
A San Diego, California, native, Mississippi State senior softball student-athlete Sarai Niu has come a long way from her immediate family, but found an extended family and what she calls a golden opportunity in Starkville.
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The infielder traveled across the country, away from everything she had ever known, but it was well worth it.
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"I got recruited late in my [high school] career," said Niu. "I had the opportunity to take visits to other colleges, but Mississippi State was by far my favorite. When I came here the atmosphere was different from the programs on the West Coast. It was truly like none of the schools I'd ever visited before."
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While she is a long way from home, she finds comfort in her teammates and head coach, Vann Stuedeman.
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According to Niu, Stuedeman is singlehandedly responsible for pushing her out of her comfort zone, as she is adamant that her student-athletes form relationships with everyone on the roster, on the diamond and off. Â It isn't something she is completely comfortable with, which sounds odd for someone who can hit and field infront of big crowds at Nusz Park.
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 "I was really shy in high school," said Niu, "but [my time in this program] has forced me to get comfortable being uncomfortable."
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Aside from being a star on the field, with a career-high 51 hits during the 2018 season, coming out of her shell is just another thing she excelled at and took pride in as a Bulldog.
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While family is a big reason she chose Mississippi State, it is her relationship with family back in California that is a key factor in where she is today. Growing up, her family enjoyed and emphasized athletics, giving Niu and her siblings an outlet to bond.
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Niu's younger brother, Sampson, is a 6-foot-1 linebacker at the University of Oregon, something she is incredibly proud of. She is thankful for his opportunities and they both have their parents to thank for their experience in college.
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"[My parents] sacrificed everything they had so my siblings and I could have the opportunity to go to college," said Niu. "In my opinion, [giving my best] is my gift to them for all the years of hard work they put in for us."
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While her time at Mississippi State will be held dear when her time in Starkville is through, there is never anything more important than family.
Â
A San Diego, California, native, Mississippi State senior softball student-athlete Sarai Niu has come a long way from her immediate family, but found an extended family and what she calls a golden opportunity in Starkville.
Â
The infielder traveled across the country, away from everything she had ever known, but it was well worth it.
Â
"I got recruited late in my [high school] career," said Niu. "I had the opportunity to take visits to other colleges, but Mississippi State was by far my favorite. When I came here the atmosphere was different from the programs on the West Coast. It was truly like none of the schools I'd ever visited before."
Â
While she is a long way from home, she finds comfort in her teammates and head coach, Vann Stuedeman.
Â
According to Niu, Stuedeman is singlehandedly responsible for pushing her out of her comfort zone, as she is adamant that her student-athletes form relationships with everyone on the roster, on the diamond and off. Â It isn't something she is completely comfortable with, which sounds odd for someone who can hit and field infront of big crowds at Nusz Park.
Â
 "I was really shy in high school," said Niu, "but [my time in this program] has forced me to get comfortable being uncomfortable."
Â
Aside from being a star on the field, with a career-high 51 hits during the 2018 season, coming out of her shell is just another thing she excelled at and took pride in as a Bulldog.
Â
While family is a big reason she chose Mississippi State, it is her relationship with family back in California that is a key factor in where she is today. Growing up, her family enjoyed and emphasized athletics, giving Niu and her siblings an outlet to bond.
Â
Niu's younger brother, Sampson, is a 6-foot-1 linebacker at the University of Oregon, something she is incredibly proud of. She is thankful for his opportunities and they both have their parents to thank for their experience in college.
Â
"[My parents] sacrificed everything they had so my siblings and I could have the opportunity to go to college," said Niu. "In my opinion, [giving my best] is my gift to them for all the years of hard work they put in for us."
Â
While her time at Mississippi State will be held dear when her time in Starkville is through, there is never anything more important than family.
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