This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Kaczor’s Attributes Made Her an Asset as Captain

Kaitlyn Kaczor recently completed a four-year career as a member of the Branford softball squad that culminated with her leading the Hornets as a senior captain this spring. Kaitlyn learned a lot from the captains who preceded her, and she feels their influence had a heavy hand in helping her take on a leadership role.

“When I was a young player, I used to look up to the captains. I’m an outgoing person, and I’m willing to talk about anything. You have to be a role model,” says Kaitlyn. “You’re not supposed to control the girls, but show them how you’re supposed to act on the field. I enjoy being a good role model and showing the girls how to act, how to play correctly, and teach them little things to improve their skills on the field.”

Kaitlyn made sure that she instilled the importance of giving a maximum effort in her fellow Hornets. Kaitlyn says that former teammate and 2016 graduate Ariel Hansen proved a huge inspiration to her in that regard.

“My freshman year, Ariel would get hurt and she’d still play. That showed me that even if you get hurt, you still have to get up and try your best if you want to succeed,” Kaitlyn says. “I tried to show that to the girls. You have to try your hardest to succeed. You have to push yourself.”

First-year Head Coach Tori Ramada says that Kaitlyn displayed a great attitude on the diamond this spring. Ramada was pleased with the positive impact that Kaitlyn made on all of her teammates.

“Kaitlyn has a fantastic drive, as well as a kind heart. She was a great asset to the team as a captain, along with her fellow seniors,” says Coach Ramada. “The underclassmen found her approachable and confided in her when needed. She always led by example and led with great sportsmanship.”

A left-handed thrower, Kaitlyn has primarily played first base and the outfield throughout her career. Kaitlyn is a versatile player who’s logged innings at all three outfield positions.

“I think of myself as more of a utility outfielder. I can play any position, because I have a strong arm,” she says. “I have grown a lot of strength in my arm that honestly just comes naturally. After you’ve been playing for such a long time, it becomes very natural.”

While she throws lefty, Kaitlyn swings the bat right-handed. She typically hit either fifth or seventh in Branford’s lineup this season.

“When I was younger, my coaches didn’t know how to teach a lefty, so they taught me how to hit righty,” says Kaitlyn. “I’ve become dominant hitting that way. I tried hitting lefty, but it just doesn’t work out very well.”

Kaitlyn is going to hang up her softball cleats as she gets ready to begin a new chapter. Kaitlyn is getting ready to head off to UConn, where she will study mechanical engineering. Kaitlyn says that playing softball for Branford made a big difference in her life, especially from a mental perspective.

“It helped me a lot with my mental state. Softball was like therapy for me. It kind of let me go out of my comfort zone and helped me through a lot of stuff,” Kaitlyn says. “It brings out a lot. You can take out your frustration on the field, which is great.”