Kylie Apostolina did it all for the Smyrna High softball team this spring.
Whether stealing home against St. Mark’s, or smashing a home run that struck the new maintenance building at the high school, the graduating senior found a way to make an impact.
But perhaps most importantly for the team, she was rock solid behind the plate as the Eagles’ catcher.
At season’s end, Apostolina became the latest Smyrna High softball player to earn first team all-state honors, along with a spot on Smyrna High’s wall of fame.
Smyrna High softball coach Donnie Shaner said Apostolina brought a lot of knowledge and leadership to the squad.
“She’s one of the few catchers in the conference to call her own pitches,” he said.
Apostolina embraced this responsibility and the leadership role that comes along with it.
“I’ve always liked calling pitches,” she said. “I like having it on my shoulders.”
The catcher’s position requires toughness and a good arm, as well as strong leadership skills, Apostolina said.
“You’re the commander of the field,” she said. “You have to be loud, and take control of the team.”
Coach Shaner also gave Apostolina the freedom to steal whenever she saw the opportunity due to her speed and smart base running.
“I’m very aggressive on the bases, so it was nice to be able to steal at will,” Apostolina said.
Shaner said Apostolina was also a top hitter for the Eagles this spring. She finished the season with a .511 batting average, .657 on base percentage and .957 slugging percentage.
“She pretty much led the team in every category,” Shaner said.
Many times, opposing pitchers wouldn’t give Apostolina much to hit.
Shaner recalled that she walked three or four times during a game against Delmar.
“They just wouldn’t pitch to her,” he said.
Apostolina admitted that she was frustrated at first when she wasn’t getting many good pitches to swing at, but she learned to take the walks because it benefited the team when she got on base.
Looking back on her senior season, Apostolina said the team’s early season game against Caesar Rodney was one of the highlights.
“We went into it pumped up, really excited,” she said.
The Eagles came away with a 9-0 victory over the Riders, who had defeated Smyrna in the state tournament the previous year.
With her high school days behind her now, Apostlina said she’ll miss her teammates and the atmosphere of small town softball, but she’s also looking forward to playing at the college level.
Apostolina received a full-ride athletic scholarship to play softball at the University at Albany. The Great Danes compete at the Division I level in the sport.
“I’m really excited,” she said.
Coach Shaner described Apostolina as more than just a good player on the field.
“She’s just a good all-around kid, and it makes her a pleasure to be around,” Shaner said. “I wish her all the luck at Albany. She’s definitely a Division I caliber ball player.”
Kylie Apostolina’s
senior season stats:
• .511 batting average
• .657 on base percentage
• .957 slugging percentage
• 16 RBI, 3 home runs, 21 walks and 9 stolen bases in 21 games
