Senior Kaylie Schmitz has committed to Park University at the Gilbert Campus in Arizona. Schmitz will spend the next four years of her softball career playing there. A big part of the softball culture at school is how close all the girls on the team are, which is very important to Schmitz. 

Ever since she was a freshman, she’s always been very close with everyone on the team. For her, being close to everyone on the team has been a big part of why she enjoys getting to play with our team so much.

“I’m gonna miss the culture the most. We’re very close, and we’re all friends like we’re always messing around. I think I’m definitely gonna miss that because college ball is a little more serious,” Schmitz said.

Getting to be on a new team is something that Schmitz is looking forward to, not only because it’s been a dream of hers for a while, but also because she’s going to get to have a lot of new teammates. 

“I’m most looking forward to it because it’s always been my dream to play at the next level, so I’m just really excited to be able to do that, and the whole experience of having a bunch of new teammates where I don’t know anybody, it’s just going to be super fun,” Schmitz said. 

Although coach Brian Scott has only been her coach for the last year, it’s clear to him that she deserves a spot at her new school. He’s seen how much she’s improved this year and can already tell Park University is going to be a great fit for her.

“She didn’t tell me, but I found out, and it’s no surprise,” Scott said. “You watch her play, and it’s no surprise because her plays speak for themselves.”

A lot of the team has noticed Schmitz’s improvement, but according to Schmitz, they’re also to thank for some of it. To Schmitz, playing on the McDaniel team has helped her a lot not only on the field, but also off it. The team has helped her in both building more confidence on the field and the mental aspect of playing such a tough sport.

“The high school team has definitely helped me build my confidence. My coaches and my teammates have pushed me and just helped with my mental game a lot,” Schmitz said. 

While the team has helped her a lot, she’s also been a great player on the team to both her teammates and coaches. Her joy for others on her team when they do well is something everyone will miss. Something her teammates appreciate is how she was never shy to show that she is proud of others. One of her teammates, senior Hailey Thompson, has been with her for the last two years and has got to experience being on the team with Schmitz.

“She’s always so happy; anytime anyone gets an out, she gets super excited. Whenever I get an out, she runs over to me and is super happy and tells me good job,” said Thompson.

Not only is Schmitz someone her teammates value, but also someone her coaches value a lot. Her grind to the game is something that the coaches enjoy and value about her. For Scott, getting to work with someone who plays like her is a great motivation when he’s coaching.

“It’s been a pleasure for me to be around somebody with her motivation, her work ethic, her grind, and her ability,” Scott said. 

While Schmitz is a wonderful player, she is also a great teammate. Her teammates know that after high school softball, she’s going to do wonderful things in college. They’re also positive that she is going to make it a lot of fun with the attitude she brings to the team.

“I think she’s a great person, and she’s gonna do great in college. I hope that she has a bunch of fun,” Thompson said. 

Seeing Schmitz go off to college for softball is a great motivation for others on the team. It also shows the coaches that all the hard work they’re putting in on the team is paying off. It gives her teammates a source of inspiration that is personal to them.

“It’s so motivational to see her go off and play at a higher level not only for me, but also for the other girls on the team. They have somebody they know and see, it helps them know that success is attainable if you put in the work she puts in,” Scott said.

Schmitz going off to play college softball is no surprise to anyone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Her drive and determination is what got her there, but also her teammates and coaches were a big helping hand. To both her teammates and coaches, it’s clear that she deserves to go off to a higher level and continue playing.