The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Fully recovered from an injury as a junior, Royals senior Kylee Weitzel has had an exceptional season, showcasing her prowess as a shortstop and at the plate. Weitzel’s performance was impressive and instrumental in leading the Royals in several statistical categories, including a batting average of .418, 22 runs scored, and 23 hits. Her leadership, athleticism, and ability to execute routine plays precisely have made her a standout on the field. With a quick release and a strong arm, Weitzel’s skills have not gone unnoticed by college recruiters, leading to her commitment to play at Northern Idaho College.

“They reached out to me this last January, and they looked at my sports recruit’s profile and texted me on there,” Weitzel said. “After that, we were able to set up a phone call and then eventually a visit. While I was on the visit, I was super nervous, but the girls there really helped me calm down and they were all super nice. The team itself felt like their own family and even the coaches were involved with that. I think since the team is together so much that it is important to get along and have team bonding, and that’s what their program really emphasized, which is what I really love about the school. The campus is small, but that brings the students together and I think that is really important. The campus is also on a lake, and it is beautiful.”

Weitzel’s confidence on the field and understanding of the game and situations are vital to playing shortstop.

“When I was 13 or 14 years old, I joined a competition team that played me at that position and was confident with me there,” Weitzel said. “Ever since then I have always loved playing shortstop and confident in my skills there. My strong point in playing shortstop is my relays and on the run throws/plays. I am also very aware of what is happening on the field, which is why I think my relays are good.”

The comeback

Despite a setback in her junior season due to an injury, Weitzel has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She has fully recovered, and her performance on the field shows her outstanding ability.

Weitzel’s journey with the Roy High School team was not just challenging but also a period of personal growth. Despite facing tough opponents and experiencing setbacks, she remained dedicated and focused. While the team’s performance may not have resulted in as many wins as she would have liked, the lifelong friendships she formed with her teammates and the valuable lessons learned from her coaches are memories she will always cherish. 

Weitzel (l) and Cline (r)

“I enjoy playing with these girls and my coaches, Weitzel said. “My coaches always push me and can tell me how to fix things and get better. The girls are like a second family. We may have ups and downs, but we are always there for each other. Playing with my best friend, Izzy Cline, is also one of the best things Roy High School has brought to me.” 

Being ready and able to focus to deliver when the team needed her most will be a lasting impression Weitzel has made as a Royal and on her competition team.

“My most memorable moment was last summer when my competition team went to play in Idaho Falls, ID,” Weitzel said. “During bracket play, one of our girls got into a collision and was hurt. I was next up to bat, and on the first pitch, I hit a home run. We played the rest of that game with eight girls and won. It was an amazing experience to play that game for her and not give up. All the players on the field in that game came together and realized that it was more than the game itself. It’s about why you are playing and being grateful while doing it because you never know when it could be your last time.”

Weitzel’s mom has steadily supported her throughout her sports participation and will continue to do so as she prepares for her next life phase.

“My mom has supported me since I started playing when I was nine years old,” Weitzel said. “She wanted me to play before I even picked up a bat. She taught me the basics of softball and being an adult. She teaches me new skills daily, and I look up to her immensely. She always pushes me to be the best student-athlete I can be. Especially when playing a game of failure, she helps me get out of my head and knows I will do it right next time. Even when she can’t be there physically, she is always watching. She is my biggest fan, and even when I go off to college, she will always be watching and cheering me on.”

photos courtesy James Tate