kylie steemersKylie first got involved in softball during grade two, on the recommendation from a friend.

The talented star says she started taking the sport “seriously” two years ago, before shortly getting interested in taking the sport to the US, deciding to trial with NSR.

“I was kind of nervous, but I was really excited because it was something I really wanted to do. It was really exciting actually,” she said.

Having been to the US two times before, Kylie has a passion for the American culture.

“I just really like American culture, as well as school and softball,” she said.

“I’ve been to America twice before, but the college thing is so much more different than Uni here. It’s so much bigger. The whole team is doing stuff together and everything, which is what I really like,” said Kylie.

Aside from soaking up an authentic US college experience, Kylie wants to grow personally.

“I want to be more independent, that’s why I’m going there. Also to get better at softball,” she said.

The star has plans to study something in the sports field, with her sights set on sport management, business or sport science.

Although Kylie admits she’s “kind of nervous”, she is comforted by the stories of other Australian student athletes in the States.

“My friend already goes to college, she went at the start of this year, so she’s told me all about her experience and everything,” she shared.

Kylie understands the importance of continuing to get great results in the classroom, as well as on the field in order to achieve her goals.

“You gotta balance it. Sometimes if I’m not doing well in school, or I’ll need to study something, I’ll miss a training,” she said.

Continual improvement is high on Kylie’s list of importance.

“You definitely always want to get better,” she said.

Well said, Kylie! Thanks for the awesome insight.