Kaitlyn Bryant: Leading with Heart, Competing with Purpose
For Kaitlyn Bryant, the realization that her senior season has arrived comes with a rush of emotions and a sharpened sense of focus. “It’s hard to believe that this is my senior year!” she said. “Some personal goals of mine would be to continue to improve in the batter’s box, continue sharpening my catching and infielding skills, and to earn All-District and All-State honors.”
Bryant didn’t coast through the offseason. In fact, she stepped far out of her comfort zone to raise her game. “I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined the track team to try to improve my speed and technique in hopes to improve my base running,” she said. “All of us were involved in some sort of program during the offseason, and we have also been involved in our summer pride programs.”
As Weatherford gears up for another run at a championship, Bryant knows that talent isn’t enough—it’s the extra work that will make the difference. “We have some young talent coming up,” she said. “The majority of us spend our offseason and summers playing for our travel ball teams. Those individual efforts… I think will benefit us as a whole.”
Coming off a state title, pressure might shake some teams—but not this one. “Expectations will be high,” Bryant said. “But taking one game at a time and learning something from each game will benefit us as a whole.”
With varsity experience and chemistry on their side, the Lady Eagles have a solid foundation. “Several of us have played on the varsity field for several seasons,” she said. “Our returning starters will help us both offensively and defensively.”
Bryant is a catcher and middle infielder who thrives on preparation. “I usually try to eat well and stay hydrated,” she said. “Since I catch mostly, I have to keep my legs and arms loose… one pitch at a time.”
When it’s time to compete, she locks in. “Every pitch, every play has meaning,” she said. “Being able to shake off mistakes and get back to work is key.”
Her legacy? “I hope they would say I never backed down from a challenge… and was the one who waited for everyone to come off the field to tell them ‘good job.’”
Next stop: Southern Nazarene University. And another chapter of excellence begins.
