Originally Published June 3, 2020

By Derrick Smith

Role models can play a big part in the lives of all athletes. But they can be key for those just begining their athletic careers. But an athlete does not have to look up to just other athletes. Instead, it can be a family member or someone throughout the community.

Kylie Janzen says that the biggest influence on her life was her grandmother. “My grandma passed away, but she is still someone that I look up to,” Janzen said. “I always looked up to her because of the way she treated others and her relationship with Christ. She taught me to always be kind and love others unconditionally. The biggest influences in my life have been my family, Coach Lingo, and all my other coaches. They have always supported me and motivated me to to be the best I can be in all I do.”

A senior at Southmoore High School, Kylie is a member of the school’s fastpitch and slowpitch softball teams. She says that she normally plays outfield, but she sometimes plays first base.

While putting in a lot of work is important to becoming better at her sport, Kylie says that there is another key attribute that you have to have. “Dedication is a key to improving,” she said. “I’ve put in many hours of practice with my team and individually at home with my dad. You also have to shake off any mistakes and focus on the next play.”

She has enjoyed many memorable moments on the softball diamond through the years, but there is one moment that is engrained in Janzen’s mind as her favorite. “We were playing in the slowpitch State Championship game,” she recalled. “I remember hitting a homerun in the game, which was definitely a highlight moment for me.”

Kylie is also a member of the National Honor Society, Race Religion Rights, and Senior Council. In the fall, she will be continuing her softball career at Oklahoma City University, while also obtaining her degree.