Athlete Profile: Elizabeth Kary

Every high school team needs athletes to be positive role models and lead the team on and off the field. Elizabeth Kary is one of those athletes for the Shawano Community High School softball team, and she also produces at the plate and in the field.

Kary plays catcher for the Hawks and bats in the heart of the team’s lineup.

She is coming off a junior season in which she made the Bay Conference first team. After her senior season wraps up, she plans to join the Milwaukee Area Technical College softball team in the years to come.

Q: When did your interest in softball begin?

A: When I was 8 years old.

Q: What is your favorite part about the softball season?

A: Being able to spend time with my team and being able to compete against the great competition within our conference.

Q: What has the game of softball taught you over the years?

A: How putting time and effort into something can greatly improve your skill level.

Q: After a big junior season, what kind of individual goals do you have set for yourself this spring?

A: I had a great season last year hitting wise, and I set a goal this year to do even better then I did last year.

Q: As the season winds down, what are the team’s keys to success?

A: We need to stay grounded, and we need to make sure we come mentally prepared for every game.

Q: You plan on playing softball for Milwaukee Area Technical College in the future. With that in mind, what are you doing to try and cherish your final high school season?

A: I’m trying to have as much fun as possible with the people I get to play with. I know I’m going to miss the younger girls the most, so I’m trying to do everything I can to make memories with them.

Q: As a senior, how do you lead the rest of the team?

A: I try to make sure I keep a positive attitude at all times. When you get negative, that’s when things start to spiral out of control.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: We have a team huddle where one of us gives a little speech. Our infield also has a little huddle before the game starts. I also am very superstitious, and I refuse to change my lucky socks and I draw a “GP” in the dirt before my first at bat.

The “G” stands for Georgia, who was my sister that passed, and “P” stands for Pete, who was my grandfather who passed. When I play, I play for them. It’s my little reminder that they’re still around watching me.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano softball team?

A: Camping with my travel team when we were younger.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Son in Law.” TV show — “Psych.” Musical artist — Doja Cat

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I really love musicals. I have a whole playlist dedicated to different songs from different musicals.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I want to travel all over the world and have a career I love and a cool dog that comes with me everywhere.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Elizabeth Kary

Sport: Softball

Positions: Catcher

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior