Kynslie Maples is a freshman at Elgin High School, and is a multisport athlete, playing both
softball and basketball for the Elgin Owls. In softball, Kynslie has played every position but
catcher; however, she mainly pitches, plays second base, third base, or outfield. In
basketball, Kynslie plays the position of guard or post. Kynslie has been playing softball for
6 years, and has been playing basketball for 5 years.

As far as her biggest role model, Kynslie looks toward family. Kynslie proclaimed, “For my
role models, I admire and look up to my parents. They have worked hard putting
themselves through college, gaining a higher education, and continue to provide a strong
foundation for my brothers and I.” 

In regards to what it has taken to be successful as a student athlete. Kynslie stated, “To be
successful in anything really, I have found hard work is the only way to go about it. You
have to keep pushing and working to overcome the challenges you face, and work outside
of mandatory practices to continue to help you grow, to become a better player.”

In terms of a favorite memory in sports, Kynslie recalled, “That happened when I was
playing second base in the championship of a travel ball game. The girl up to bat hit a line
drive just over my head with one out. The winning run was at third and another girl was on
second. I was able to catch the ball, and the girl at second took off, thinking I was going to
miss the ball. I flipped the ball to my short stop, and we won the championship. I remember
being so excited, and loved celebrating and yelling with my team.”

Besides playing softball and basketball, Kynslie is involved in other extracurricular
activities. Kynslie stated, “I am apart of Student Council at my high school, as well as
National Junior Honor Society.”

Kynslie plans on pursuing higher education, after graduating from high school. Kynslie
stated, “After graduating High School, I know I want to go to college to play softball.”