Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kaitlyn Will

The Cardinal Mooney softball team (12-5) is on the right track after bringing its program back in 2019. 

Several young players like sophomore Kaitlyn Will have the Cougars in position to be even better in the near future. 

Will, who transferred in from Inspiration Academy with her sister Michelle Will, is a pitcher and first baseman. 

She leads the team in innings pitched (41 ⅓) and strikeouts (42) while also being one of the team’s top hitters with a .426 batting average, 20 hits, 15 runs, 13 RBIs, seven extra-base hits and eight stolen bases in 16 games. 

When and why did you start playing softball?

I started when I was like 6. My mom played softball and my dad played baseball, so it kind of just like a given thing because they played it.

What’s been the most memorable moment this season?

Probably beating CCC (Clearwater Central Catholic) because our team hasn’t beaten them in like eight years. On the mound, it was a big thing for me, coming in as a transfer and being able to pitch that game.

What’s gone right for you personally this year?

Being able to connect what I do in practice hitting into a game and being able to do the correct form that I’ve worked so hard on, and using that mentality in the batter’s box.

What’s been special about this Cardinal Mooney team this year?

How connected we are. Even during a game we can go out and have fun, and I can play with (Michelle Will) for one last season.

What’s your favorite all-time softball memory?

Last season, I hit my first homer over the fence and the next day (Michelle) hit one over the fence for a walk-off.

What’s your favorite meal?

Pizza with just cheese from Evie’s. 

Favorite TV show or movie?

Probably right now Gilmore Girls.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I usually just listen to country music by Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen.

If you’re not playing softball, what are you doing?

I’m either at the beach, playing with my dogs or hanging out with my friends.

What are your goals at Cardinal Mooney?

My big goal here is to be able to win state, and as a personal goal to get to 100 strikeouts.

What’s been your most humbling moment in softball?

Last year I broke my back. I fractured it in two places, so I was out for a couple of months. So I had to start at zero and build my way back up since I lost all of that time.

Who is your favorite softball player and why?

It’s Sam Show. When I was younger we went to the World Series for softball and she played on the team who’s stadium we went to play at, and she hung out with us.

Finish this sentence. Kaitlyn Will is…

A follower of Christ.