By Mike Moguin

Kylinn Stonebraker has fond memories of hitting her first home run. 

The Carthage (Mo.) softball athlete did it back in eighth grade and it’s a memory she cherishes to this day.  

“In the year prior, I would’ve never thought I would even be close to the fence,” Stonebreaker said. “I was really behind compared to my other teammates, so I remember being really proud of myself that I had worked hard enough going into that year to accomplish that.

Three years later, as a junior, the junior is making her mark with the Tigers. A lesson the sport of softball has taught her, she said, is to act like everyone is always watching you, on the field or not. “When I become upset about something, like when I make an error or when I strike out, I remember that everyone can see how I react,” Stonebraker said. I also apply that to how I act outside of softball and on social media, because everything I do is not just a reflection of myself, but of my team as well.”

A teammate who left a big impression on her was a senior during her freshman year. “Her name was Brooke, and she was a very good leader and held everyone accountable, which I admire about her,” Stonebraker said.

This Carthage Tiger says her favorite part about representing her school as an athlete is “that I get to be a part of something that little kids can look up to.”

Stonebraker said her favorite teacher was her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Triplett. 

Outside of softball, she is involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

“I want to say thank you to all my coaches I’ve had during my years playing softball, but a big thank you to my parents, who have supported me throughout my softball career,” Stonebraker said.