RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
It’s been quite the year for Kylie Brockman, the outstanding catcher/utility player from Piper High in Kansas City, Kansas, who plays on Eric Jones’ Select Fastpitch organization.
In the Spring, Kylie was tabbed as a Top 20 player in the 2023 Extra Elite 100 rankings and earned Kansas 5A All-State Honorable Mention.
She is quite the well-rounded athlete too—not only is she an impressive softball player, the junior is also a two-time state powerlifting champion!
A huge shoutout to KCSC- Kansas City Strength and Conditioning @therealstanzy @iammatthinkley and John Renzi, for working with me year round to help me achieve my state powerlifting championship and overall athleticism. #bestgym pic.twitter.com/4eRJ7VSaFE
— kylie brockman (@kyliebrock23) March 7, 2021
And capping it all off, last week on her visit to the University of Arkansas, Kylie officially committed to the Hogs!
What makes her SEC caliber?
“Kylie is explosive at the plate and is a true utility player that can be an impact behind the plate or in the middle of the infield,” Coach Jones explains.
“She played with the Select 16’s and Select 18’s team this Summer where she was a major contributor at both levels. Kylie has a great work ethic and her recruitment was a quick whirlwind where she received several offers including multiple offers in the SEC.”
“But it was Kylie’s dream to play for Arkansas and she was ecstatic when she got the offer from the Hogs! “
Extra Inning Softball caught up the talented ’23 to learn more about her impressive softball journey…
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What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
My most memorable softball experience has been traveling around the country with some of my best friends. I have seen many things and have got to make memories with some of my closest friends. This past summer, we traveled as a team to a tournament in Chicago on a charter bus and it was great because there were no parents!
What was the most challenging thing you have had to overcome on or off the field?
The most challenging thing I have had to overcome is finding the right fit for me. Whether this was the right team or instructor, it was a challenge for me in the beginning of my softball career. Select has been the perfect fit for my family and I and I’m extremely grateful for everyone in the organization. I went through a couple hitting instructors before I found Tony Millz, who has been very influential in my athletic career.
What would you say are your strengths in softball?
One of softball strengths is being able to lead the team behind the plate and anywhere else I am. When I’m not catching, I can play infield or outfield so I think the versatility I have is a huge strength. I hit for power but can also run well, helping my team in multiple aspects of the game.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
A goal I have for this upcoming season is to regularly start and be in the lineup for our Select 18’s team. I also want to evolve as a leader for our team this season.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
The only softball superstition that I have is to never cross the bats in the dugout!! They should all be in a straight line.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
My philosophy in life is “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” You get out of life what you put into it.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field… and off the field?
On the field: “persistent.” Off the field: “sincere.”
Regarding Arkansas, how did they first discover you?
I’m not completely sure how Arkansas first discovered me. However, I attended camps and sent many emails. Our club director, Eric Jones reached out to Coach Courtney Deifel letting her know they were my top choice.
When did you commit and how did you do it? (On the phone, in person, etc.)
I committed on September 10, 2021. I was on my visit and we had a meeting that night where I committed on the spot. I was super excited to also see the excitement on the coaches’ faces!
What was it about the Hogs that you loved enough to want to play for the school?
I originally fell in love with the coaching staff and the atmosphere they have created for the program. It is obvious that the coaches love working with each other and sincerely care about each and every player. I also love the city of Fayetteville. It is absolutely gorgeous, and the campus is everything I wanted. It is one big family and everyone supports each other. It is important for me to be a part of a family atmosphere that will feel like home.
What did they tell you they liked about you enough to offer?
The coaching staff was really big on my presence behind the plate, my versatility, and my bat.
Do you know what position you’ll play for them or too early to tell?
I plan on competing for the catching position but am willing to play wherever I am needed.
What’s something unusual or different about you that not many people know?
An unusual fact is that I am a neat freak and everything has to be in a specific order. For example, my catcher’s bag has to be organized and put together in an exact manner.