After months filled with pressure across multiple sports seasons, Kynli Carlson is ready to reset her mindset as slow-pitch softball begins at Canute.
“After a fall and winter of a lot of pressure, I’d just like to have fun and get my team to the slow pitch state tournament,” Carlson said.
That approach reflects both her personality and the culture surrounding the Canute program. Carlson believes the foundation is already in place. “We are a very competitive group, and we expect to be the best we can be every day,” she said. “The morale has been great in fast pitch and basketball, and I expect it to be good in slow pitch.”
Entering her junior season, Carlson is focused on growth after a year that didn’t end how the team hoped. “I expect us to improve from last year,” she said. “We didn’t make it as far as we would have liked. As long as we keep working, it will all work out.”
That work ethic drives Canute’s daily mindset. “Our goal this year is to have a good record and to hopefully win a state championship,” Carlson said. “We come ready to workday in and day out.” She credits one key factor for why the team can compete at a high level. “In my opinion, our biggest strength is our athleticism.”
Carlson brings versatility to the field, playing left-center or rover in slow pitch. At the plate, she understands how opposing teams approach her. “Most defenses know I’m going to pull it, so I really try to wait on the ball to get to me,” she said. “I love to hit it up the middle.”
Preparation remains a priority throughout the season. “Practice, practice, and practice,” Carlson said. “Getting reps in is one of the biggest things in slow pitch.”
Carlson wants her impact to be felt beyond results. “I want to be known for having a great attitude, sportsmanship, and being a competitor,” she said. “I am here to make my team better.” That balance matters to her. “We put work in and like to have fun doing it.”
Looking ahead, Carlson plans to play softball in college while pursuing a career as a speech pathologist — continuing the same competitive, positive approach that defines her at Canute.
