Passion unites UA softball fans | News

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC)- The NCAA regional softball tournament is underway in Tuscaloosa and the fans - no matter which team they're cheering for - have one thing in common: They're passionate.

Shirts, shakers, and sombreros are just a few sights you'll find at Rhoads stadium in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

"This whole outfit is the rowdy outfit so when I start jumping up and down it's kind of the signal to everyone else in the crowd to do the same," said Emily Pitek-Clifford.

Pitek-Clifford has become known as the super fan among Alabama softball. So what does it take to become a super fan?

"It takes a loud voice, some creativity, and the ability not to get embarrassed," said Pitek-Clifford

Pitek-Clifford doesn't get embarrassed easily. Before the game she goes around the stadium fist-bumping with fans, even from opposing teams.

They don't seem to mind because they understand what it takes to be a softball fan.

"What does it take to be a softball fan? Well, when you travel with a bunch of ladies like I do because I got all girls, it takes a lot of patience," explains David Wade, a University of Tennessee Martin fan. Wade and his family drive nine hours from Illinois to watch their daughter play.

For fans closer to home, being a super softball fan means something else.

"You have to like softball and not mind the heat and enjoy all the camaraderie with fans," said Jeanie Johnson, an Alabama softball fan.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.