Kaylee O'Bryan '21 Recruiting Profile

Softball has always been an important part of my life. I began playing when I was 5 years old and was immediately hooked to the game. The competitiveness, the challenges, the team bonding. I loved it all. Since I started pitching at the age of 8, I quickly had to learn about emotional and physical control on the field and how to be a leader for the team. I remember each and every one of my past coaches and teammates. Each have left a positive impact on my life. I feel that the learning never stops and there is always room for improvement. I enjoy competing at the highest level of play possible and thrive on the challenges to improve myself and constantly strive to be the best I can be, always giving 100%.  I am a team first player, always willing to play the position the team needs me most. I looked to play more competitively at the age of 13. I was happy to earn a roster spot on the NWS U14 Elite Fast Pitch Softball team. It was an exciting time as I was able to help lead our team, as a key run producer and splitting time on the mound,  to a 7th place finish out of 76 teams at the USSSA Eastern World Series in Ocean City, Maryland. I have been able to continue to play for the NWS organization currently holding a roster spot as a team captain on the U18 team. Although, I continue to pitch and occasionally play the outfield, my passion is playing first base. At Wahaconah Regional High School, as the starting first baseman and back up pitcher on varsity, I batted fourth and led the team through a successful run to the semi finals in the Western Mass Tournament. Even though winning is always the ultimate goal, some of my fondest memories is having fun and sharing the field with coaches and players who love the game as much as I do!

As much as I love the game, academics are still my top priority. Similar to my effort on the field, I always give 100% in the classroom, challenging my schedule with all honors and AP courses. I work hard to tackle new material, I am not afraid to ask for help, and I will always offer help to my fellow classmates who are struggling. The leadership skills I have gained through softball have given me the confidence to lead by example in the halls and classes I take.  My passion and love toward animals has guided me to pursue an education in the areas of animal science, zoology and/or pre-veterinary. I am looking forward to the opportunity to grow further and compete at the collegiate level in both the classroom and on the field. A smaller setting where I can maintain my academic focus while competing athletically would be ideal. I am looking to have fun while taking the game seriously, always giving 100%, working to improve, in a competitive environment. I would like teammates who build me up but also push me to be better just as I would build them up and encourage them to be their best. Working together towards a common goal, with common aspirations can push a team to greatness.