RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
One of the best parts of what we do at Extra Inning Softball is watch the amazing journeys of young softball players who grow, mature and realize their dreams.
Take Caylin (“KK”) Herring, for example.
Three years ago, we did a spotlight on her when she was flying down the Champ Kart track at speeds of upwards of 60 mph!
Here’s a YouTube video clip which shows what the racing is like:
Also, be sure to read the article we did in Sept. of 2019 titled Off the Field: North Carolina 2024 Softball Standout KK Herring Shines Behind the Champ Kart Wheel by clicking HERE.
Away from the racing track, KK has done pretty darned good on the softball fields too!
She made the 2024 Extra Elite 100 this fall when we profiled her with this bio write-up:
Caylin Herring, 3B/2B, Carolina Elite NC – Herring/Bulla
Caylin, who also goes by “KK,” can play third, second or first for the Elite 16U team and is considered one of the program’s strongest prospects as a corner athlete. KK is well-known to the top organizations in softball world for her toughness, grind and grit, and that she gives it her all whenever she’s between the lines. She has an explosively quick release throwing (73 mph) and is a three-sport standout who has also started in basketball and volleyball. On the softball field, she has made All-State, All Conference and All District the last two years at Mount Pleasant (N.C.) High where she has a career average of .455 and a .470 on-base percentage. Prior to the DI live contact period, KK had already received more than 10 offers from DII programs.
Her dream to take her softball skills to the next level was confirmed when she pulled the trigger on committing to Coastal Carolina just over a week ago.
Her father and coach, Andy Herring, stated it perfectly when he wrote proudly:
“We are excited for KK on her new journey as she gets to continue her career playing D1 college softball. GO CHANTS!!!!!!”
We caught up with KK this week to learn more about her commitment; here’s what she had to say…
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
*****
Name: CAYLIN (“KK”) HERRING
Hometown/ST: Mount Pleasant NC
Grad Year: 2024
Position(s): Infielder (shortstop, third base and second base)
Club Team: Carolina Elite National 2024
High School (City/ST): Mount Pleasant NC
GPA: 3.5
College: Coastal Carolina
Top Honors/Accomplishments: two-time All-Conference, two-time All-District, two-time All-state, 2024 Extra Elite 100, #19 middle infielder, “A” student, All-Region for Track (2020)
Preferred College Major: Unknown
KK: when and how did you commit to Coastal Carolina?
I committed a week ago Monday—December 12, 2022—on the phone after my campus visit on Sunday, December 11th.
What was it that helped you finalize your decision to play there?
Meeting one-on-one with the coaching staff.
When did you visit the campus and what impacted you most from your visit there?
Most recent visit was Dec. 11, 2022, and what impacted me was learning all the programs they offered to support the students both academically and athletically.
What did the college coaches recruiting you say they liked most about your play on the field?
They said they liked my defensive skills and my constant communication on the field and in the dug out.
What will you be doing for Christmas? Buying a lot of Coastal Carolina gear?
Yes, on the CC gear! And also spending time with family and friends.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience so far in your career?
Personally, it was my first home run, and, overall, I’d say that I loving making memories with my teammates.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
Yes, to make All-Conference, All-District and All-State for the third year in a row next spring.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I have a couple: I put a towel in my back pocket and must have both bats in my bag even though I only use one of them.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Always give 110 percent.
If you had to describe yourself on-field and off, what would you say?
On the field: I’m take charge and very talkative on the field.
Off the field: When not playing, I’m more quiet and an introvert.
What do you feel makes softball such a wonderful sport?
It’s a team sport and requires everyone to give their all.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Destin, Florida
What’s been your favorite place to have played fastpitch?
Destin, Florida also!
Who would you say is a role model or someone you look up to in life?
Adele, she is amazing singer and song writer but continues to remain so humble in all the interviews and public appearances despite her great fame.
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s your favorite softball item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
My glove.
Favorite item(s) in your closet:
Hoodies.
Favorite school subject:
English.
Best way to unwind is…
Listening to music and watching Netflix.
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Adele.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Adele also.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Mashed potatoes.
When you leave the sport, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game?
That I was always a team player and supported my teammates on and off the field.