On Friday, March 3, 2023, Council Rock South senior Kaylie Walters was recognized for committing to continue her softball career at Saint Francis University.
Kaylie Walters – Saint Francis University (Softball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Saint Francis, Iowa Western, Binghamton
Reasons for choosing Saint Francis: “Saint Francis wasn’t on my list until I met Coach Jess (O’Donnell) at the very last camp
I planned on attending. I had a great connection with her, and I loved the way she taught and her delivery. As soon as I got on campus, I loved everything about it. I knew that was it. I Have been to many other schools, and I never felt as if any of them were right for me until I visited SFU.”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “I have always wanted to play collegiate softball, and it has always been a dream of mine to play Division 1 softball. It was definitely a very long process with many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
“The recruiting process started pretty early for me. In seventh grade, I started to go to camps and put myself out there, so it would prepare me to compete at a higher level.”
Coach Dan Schram says: “We refer to Kaylie as ‘Kakes.’ Kakes is an inspiration for a rising movement at South. She’s a no-nonsense individual who leads by example. As far as receiving, transferring and firing the ball in the shortstop position, she is one of the best you can find. She is a run-scoring machine who creates havoc on the basepaths. She helped bring South into contention as a top team after the COVID years, but what’s really special is that she does the little things that are tangible and intangible. She never puts herself before the team and always looks to pick up that player who is unsure or uncomfortable. She always sends me and the coaches messages of gratitude for our efforts and appreciation for our time spent. She is a rare individual of tremendous talent and tremendous character. St. Francis is getting a tremendous ballplayer and an even better human being.
“I have had some good players over the years, and I often thought about what we miss and what we lose when they leave. We will miss Kakes, but we don’t lose. Kakes gave us standards and traditions for others to follow. We won with her and will continue to win because of players like her. Tradition does not graduate. Keep playing, Kakes. We love ya.”
About Kaylie:
Favorite food: Pasta & burritos
Favorite movies: The Longest Yard/Creed
Favorite music: R&B/Rap, Alicia Keys
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