At just a freshman, Kylee Garrett has already made her presence known on the Elgin High School softball team. A talented pitcher and corner infielder, Kylee competes in both fast pitch and slow pitch, quickly proving that she has the skills and mindset to be a difference-maker for the Lady Owls.

For Kylee, motivation comes from something simple but effective: Golden Oreos. But beneath the playful answer lies a deeper drive, instilled by her parents. “They both work really hard and teach me that if I want something, I must work for it,” Kylee said. That work ethic has guided her in long hours of training when no one is watching, preparing herself to perform at her best when it counts.

Her biggest highlight so far came in a game she will never forget, her first high school home run. What made it even more special was sharing the moment with her sister, who also homered in the same game. “That was really special,” Kylee recalled.

She credits much of her growth as a student-athlete to the teachers who encouraged her, especially Mrs. Williams, her middle school science teacher. “She always made class fun and had a way of making the lesson easy to understand,” Kylee said. That support, combined with her dedication on the field, has helped her transition into high school successfully.

Kylee thrives on team chemistry, valuing the balance of hard work and fun. She especially enjoys practicing with her teammate Hadley, who brings energy and laughter to the field. “She keeps practice light and fun,” Kylee said. She also believes no one on the team goes underappreciated. “Everyone has a role and works hard to do their part. Our coaches make sure everyone matters.”

Off the field, Kylee is a member of the National Honor Society, showing that she takes her academics as seriously as her athletics. She admires Austin Schultz on social media, enjoying the positivity and energy in his videos.

Representing Elgin is personal for Kylee. “I’ve grown up an Elgin Owl,” she said. With her dad as the coach, she’s spent countless hours at the ballpark and always dreamed of playing on his team. Now, she’s living that dream while building a bright future for herself and her program.