After the conclusion of her final season of Lynbrook varsity softball, it can be said that Kylie Schroeder has definitely made a lasting impact in the program. Throughout her Lynbrook varsity sports career, Schroeder has proven herself essential to the success of the team. Sophomore Caleigh Buckley reflected, “I can look up to her, and I admire how she conducts herself on the field. She is very competitive, and it helps us win games because she is very eager to win.” Being that Schroeder was the starting varsity pitcher for the Lady Owls two years in a row, it is remarkable that she keeps her head up and stays so focused for each game. Being around her older brother who played baseball, Schroeder seemed destined for the softball diamond. Schroeder recalls attending his games and being inspired to play softball: “…I always just looked up to him as a player and wanted to play, and that’s how I got into [softball].”
Schroeder’s favorite memories from playing softball are “…getting to do fun stuff with teammates on and off the field.” Not only did she enjoy playing softball with her teammates, but she also delighted in bonding with them between games or during tournaments. Schroeder added that she enjoyed monitoring the progress she has made from the beginning of her career to her current version of herself.
Additionally, Buckley commented on how Schroeder has taught her the ability to keep herself composed even during the hard times of the game, and the importance of doing so. Schroeder and Buckley, being pitcher and catcher respectively, understand the importance of conducting oneself in a calm manner to best help the team. Buckley said, “She helps us win games because when she is having a bad day pitching, she still keeps her head in the game.” Buckley attempts to mirror such actions, especially since they both are involved in the majority of plays during the game due to their positions. Additionally, Buckley commented on how she looks up to Schroeder, and expressed: “I admire her skills and how great of a player she is.” Head coach Thomas Frawley added that Schroeder “…is a good team person, a good hitter, and she works very hard at pitching.” He also commented on the positive effect she has on the team as a whole: “When you have a good pitcher, like Schroeder, it allows you to stay in ball games, and it’s a big aspect of the game.” Additionally, since Schroeder pitched in all of the Lady Owls’ league games, Coach Frawley felt that she was able to tough it out even through the tough moments: “When adversity hits her, she can handle it well, and she can get back up and try it again.”
In addition to Schroeder’s extensive softball career, she also participated in varsity cross country. Sophomore Delia Kirkpatrick, a sophomore and cross country teammate, expressed her admiration for Schroeder in her running abilities and friendship: “Kylie has been such an inspirational person and friend. I’m so grateful to have her as someone to look up to in cross country.” Kirkpatrick elaborated on Schroeder’s incredible work ethic and how she always “…pushes [herself] to be her best.” Schroeder reflected on her running career in a positive light; she reminisced, “I started cross country in 11th grade when one of my friends convinced me to join. I ended up meeting a lot of great people through it, and they really helped me become a great runner even when I wasn’t expecting to really be that great at it.” She also shared some of her favorite memories about cross country: “My favorite cross country memory has to be keeping up with Delia at a Bethpage race because she’s a really great runner, and keeping up with her can be a struggle.” Schroeder commented on how supportive the coaches can be even when she did not perform at her highest potential. She added that the coaches love to “joke around” and that she enjoys this because it creates a
supportive and fun atmosphere. Additionally, Schroeder said that she felt running is something that “you can never escape in most sports” and keeping in shape is vital. When asked about who her biggest supporters are, Schroeder responded, “…my parents, my teammates, and coaches. They are always encouraging and pushing me to be a better player and teammate.”
Additionally, Schroeder said that she always “…brings a lot of energy when her teammates are up to bat or when they make a really great play.” This helps motivate the team by making it a more positive and energetic space. Schroeder also said that she is planning on continuing to play her sport in some way, whether that be the walk-on team or club team at the college level. She said that her goal for her athletic career is also “…to just play my best even if it’s a struggle at times.” Schroeder offered some advice for aspiring softball or cross country athletes: “Keep with it if you love [the sport] because it can get hard, but that’s just when you have to put in a little extra work off the field to improve.” Schroeder said that although it is difficult to stay consistent, it is pertinent that athletes do so in order to improve their skill set.
