Ocean Lakes High School’s Kaitlyn Wilms is a multiple-time all-region first baseman in softball.
She’s committed to Ursinus College for pitching, and as a senior has joined the track team to strengthen her softball game.
She Scored Sports recently spoke with Wilms about her senior season.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
She Scored Sports: You and your team are currently undefeated this season. What does this run mean to you?
Kaitlyn Wilms: Well, it's my senior year, so what better year to be undefeated in? And it goes deeper than just being the top number one. This was four years worth of progress that we have all been working towards. And currently we're stronger more than just on the field, but off the field as well.
SSS: What do you think has been the key to your team's success so far this season?
K.W: Probably hard work. We talk about all the time when we're down in a rough part of what we can do better.
But even when we win, we still have those two to three things that we can take away from that game to be better the next time. It's that effort, even when you are winning, that pushes through those games that you need luck in.
SSS: As a senior, how have you stepped into a leadership role this season?
K.W: As a senior, a lot of the freshmen - we have four on the team this year - they look up to a lot of your mentality more than just your mechanics, but how you respond, especially in those moments where there's an error and the next ball gets hit to you. Those plays count. It's just showing up and being there when they need you to be there.
SSS: How has the process been this year?
K.W: For the past four years, we, I would say, struggled here and there. This year, more than ever, we've worked through those and grown as a team. As a result, I think our chemistry is one of the strongest on the beach.
SSS: Looking back at your time at Ocean Lakes, how has your game grown over the years?
K.W: My freshman year, I was on varsity. I didn't start. I actually floated down to a couple of (junior varsity) games. Whenever I got an opportunity there, I made sure I could take advantage of it. The hard work that I put in when no one was looking allowed me to start my sophomore year.
Ever since then, I have been second team all-region, first baseman twice, offensive player of the year twice. Now I am hitting fifth for the team, and I have a 360 batting average. It's more than just stats, but the growth over the years has come to light through my hard work.
SSS: You're committed to Ursinus College. What made that the right fit for you?
K.W: It's a super small school, which I'll be honest, originally, I wasn't super ecstatic about. My dream college was Notre Dame or Clemson. I actually got into Clemson. It was really hard for me to turn down.
Softball has been a part of my life since I was four years old. That is something I just can't imagine myself without. It's such a big part of teaching me life scenarios and who I've become. I could not think of a better way to spend the next four years of my life.
SSS: How are you preparing yourself to compete at the next level?
K.W: That's a good question. Every practice I take as an opportunity to do better. I even started running indoor track this winter. I'm running outdoor hurdles right now. It's kicking my butt. Just taking one day at a time and making myself 0.1% better mentally and physically for that next role.
SSS: With an undefeated record, there can be pressure. How do you stay focused and not let that affect your progress?
K.W: I can't lie. It does. It affects me every day. Stress and pressure, if you don't have it, I think that's a reflection that you just don't care. That fear instead needs to be turned into, “I want this. Whatever happens, happens because I put in the work to be here. It's not going to work out 100% of the time, but you are going to get it the next time.”
SSS: What continues to drive you every time you step on the field?
K.W: Probably my grandfather. I lost him late in my freshman year. He's been on the ball field most of my childhood games. He's taught me most of everything I know. Just knowing that he'sthere, right there, I play for him.
SSS: When your time at Ocean Lake is over, what do you want people to remember about you?
K.W: That's a tough one. I want people to remember me for the integrity, the hard work, the being loud on the field when we're losing 15-0, because that's something that I can control 100% of the time. I can't control how many hits I get per game, how well I do at that plate. All I can control is my attitude, and that's what I want to be remembered for.
SSS: What's something people don't see about the work you put in behind the field?
K.W: I would have to say pitching. I don't pitch for Ocean Lakes that often … .
Pitching is a big part of who I am as a softball player. I'm committed to college to pitch, but when they need me there, I'm there. Otherwise, I serve the team as a first baseman. That core strength that I have from hurdles and track, it all adds up.
