Kinley Patten
Dale High School
VYPE: Kinley, what makes Dale softball so competitive?
Kinley Patten: The tradition and the expectations. Dales’ tradition is competing and winning. The state champion feeling is unlike any other feeling. Once you get that feeling, you are willing to do whatever it takes to always feel it. When you put on a Dale Pirate uniform you automatically know the expectations are big. From the coaches to the alumni, the community and the state champs that came before us, we have big shoes to fill and a tradition to keep alive.
VYPE: When did you start playing softball?
KP: I was 10 years old, I realized this was the sport for me when I hit my first over the fence home run the same year. The adrenaline rush was an indescribable feeling.
VYPE: What position are you playing?
KP: My primary position is catcher, but I can play any position except pitcher, and I’ve never played 2nd base. I just play wherever I’m needed and trust that the coaches put us in the right positions for each game to benefit the team as a whole.
VYPE: What do you love most about your teammates?
KP: Even in the most serious situations, we always find a way to goof around and have fun.
“ ”VYPE: Who inspires you?
KP: An inspiration to me on and off of the field, has been Karsen Griggs. My freshman year, she took me under her wing as a senior and taught me that softball is more than just a game. It’s about being selfless and doing what’s best for the team every play and every at bat, It’s about leadership and mentoring, and attitude on and off the field.
VYPE: Best advice you’ve ever received?
KP: Don’t get frustrated, get better!
VYPE: How do you spend your free time?
KP: I like to spend my free time in the cages hitting, giving lessons to younger players, watching movies with my family, and hanging out with my friends.
VYPE: Favorite subject in school and favorite teacher?
KP: My favorite subject in school is English. My favorite teacher in high school so far was Mrs. Robinson, she was my freshman year yearbook teacher.
VYPE: What are your plans for the future?
KP: My plans for after high school are to play softball in college and get a degree in nursing.
