The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Kaylee McAfee, a junior shortstop on the Bonneville Lakers softball team, is a true example of dedication and commitment. With her exceptional speed and unwavering courage, McAfee is a standout athlete. Her hard work is paying off, as she is rapidly ascending as one of the top stars to watch in the playoffs and the 2025 season. Playing at the next level is a goal, and McAfee’s relentless dedication and improvement make that dream a reality.

“I work hard each day putting in whatever work I can whether it be my physical or mental game like weight lifting, tee work, glove work, or game film study,” McAfee said. “After all, hard work pays off, and I push myself pretty hard to get to the next level.”

McAfee’s relentless pursuit of improving her overall game also elevates her team’s success. Her on-base percentage soared from .372 to .516 from her sophomore to junior season, showing her off-season dedication to improving. Her batting average also rose significantly, from .337 to .421, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance. 

McAfee displays a quickness and relentless attitude on the field during every play. Whether diving for balls in the gap or making the routine play, McAfee dials in and gives it her best shot. 

“I have an extensive range as well as 100% hustle and effort, which helps me get to those placed hits and gappers,” McAfee said. “I also have a strong off-foot throw and side arm that comes in handy with the fast slappers that hit my way.”

Bonneville Lakers

Lakers Head coach Shelby Healy has counted on McAfee to be a steady, reliable player who will compete every day.

“Kaylee is an incredible athlete, and her physical ability and lack of fear aren’t teachable,” Healy said. “She is full of hustle and expects a lot from herself. She makes the hard play look easy and is always working to improve her game. She’s a great teammate, extremely coachable, and a fierce competitor. Her future is so bright.”

McAfee (l) Larson (r)

The combination with senior second baseman Aya Larson is top-notch, and they understand where each other will be in any given play. 

“We both cover each other for plays going to second and have quite a bit of double plays this season together,” McAfee said. “I think the main key to a good middle duo is honestly being close with one another and having fun with them. Both players also need good range and speed to cover the amount of ground throughout the middle of the field. We joke around with each other and play better when we have a loose and fun relationship with each other.”

McAfee is the ultimate teammate. She always supports her team with encouraging words and her play on the field. McAfee’s teammates know they can count on her to be there and provide the spark they need when the game is on the line and in big moments.

“One of my best moments was last year during our second round of playoffs,” McAfee said. “We were the 15th seed playing Box Elder, the third seed. We had won the first game 12-7 and were back the next day trying to win for our ticket to state. It was a close game until the sixth inning when we were down by three. I got up with two runners on and hit a three-run home run way out over the left field fence, tying the game at seven. My whole team was so excited for me and everyone went crazy over this hit and it brought our momentum up like crazy. We ended up batting all the way through the order that inning and when i got up again I hit a two RBI single that at bat. Having a total of five RBI that sixth inning alone. We won that game 14-10.”

Family support

The hard work McAfee has displayed is supported by her loving family, who have always been there to encourage and cheer her on.  

“My amazing parents, Ben and Jessica McAfee, have been the main structure of my softball, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” McAfee said. “They have come to almost every game over my last eight years of playing. They have been by my side since the beginning and support me endlessly, as well as pushing me to be my best.”

Utah Avalanche

As McAfee closes out her junior year, she has more work to do and is ready for the challenge of continuing to be the best she can be on and off the field. The summer workouts and comp team play with the Utah Avalanche are right around the corner on the field.

“Playing for Utah Avalanche Kiley is best for me,” McAfee said. We play year-round, taking off high school season, of course, so I get a lot of reps. We travel to California, Colorado, and Las Vegas to get in front of the best competition and practice hard each week, working on specific skills and doing excellent drills. My coaches, Kiley Crockett, Jeff Jaques, Skylar Crockett, and Rae Gall, run excellent practices and challenge us to reach the levels we all can get. They are some of my biggest supporters.”

For McAfee, whether playing for Bonneville or Utah Avalanche, being part of a team that supports each other is essential.

“We have done many team bonding activities where we just get loose and get comfortable with each other,” McAfee said. “This part of the game is crucial to get along with your teammates and leave all the drama and selfishness out of it. The popular saying “There’s no I in TEAM” perfectly describes this. Softball is a team sport and you need to build each other up and work together through the end in order to succeed. Make it fun for everyone and make the girls want to come back.”

photos courtesy James Tate