1 on 1 with Kylee Edwards on Why She Chose to Transfer and Why LSU !
- Justin Broussard
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
In the world of college softball, the choice to transfer can send ripples through the sports community. Many athletes might hesitate to leave behind a successful program and ample playing time. However, for Kylee Edwards, a standout shortstop with a passion for victory, her decision was fueled by a pursuit of even greater challenges. This exclusive conversation sheds light on Kylee's inspiring journey, what attracted her to LSU, and her ambitious vision for the future.
Exploring New Opportunities
Kylee Edwards's move into the transfer portal came not from dissatisfaction but from an eager desire for new challenges. She had secured a starting position in every game of her previous season, which further emphasizes her success. Driven by her ambition to reach higher levels, she thought about her future with intent.
“It ultimately came down to me wanting to explore other options,” Kylee shared. “I want to win a national championship. Going into the portal, I was looking for a program where the coaches and the girls are out there every single day to win a national championship, go to the World Series, and host a super regional. I just wanted to be surrounded by All-Americans where I can push them and they can push me.”
This commitment to excellence reflects Kylee's determination to elevate both her skills and team dynamics as she transitions to her new team.
The Search for the Right Fit
Upon deciding to explore new avenues, Kylee found herself in high demand. She received offers from several schools and scheduled visits to five different SEC programs. However, her journey took a swift turn.
she remarked. “LSU was my first visit" adding "My goal was to stay in the SEC and when I came down to LSU, I was like, yep. I found my home.”
This rapid decision highlights LSU's strong reputation within collegiate sports. The university boasts a competitive environment, having consistently placed high in national rankings and known for its vibrant softball culture. She had visits lined up with 4 or 5 SEC schools and was talking with multiple ACC schools. After her visit she cancelled all of them.
What Won Her Over?
What truly captivated Kylee about LSU? Her admiration for the school's rich history in softball played a significant role. Even as a child, she dreamt of wearing LSU's iconic purple and gold uniform.
“You look at LSU softball, and you just know every girl dreams of playing at LSU,” she explained. “I know when I was little, I went to camps at LSU like itty bitty. Um, it was always a dream of mine to play for LSU and I didn't really get a lot of interest out of high school and I came down on the visits and just like everything about LSU just made it special. I mean, all Americans for days, the girls that are there, they're competitors, and I want to play beside them every single day"
She touched on the coaching staff as well
"Coach Bryce and his knowledge on hitting and being able to be an infielder under Taylor Pleasant is like a dream come true because I watched her growing up. We shared the same field my freshman year and just everything she does is just incredible and to have her pass the knowledge to me that she has was huge . Coach Beth and everything she does, she's a woman in sports and she leads her team just better than anybody else and it's just an honor to play under that coaching staff."
Crucial to Kylee's decision was the exceptional coaching staff, particularly Coach Beth Torina. With numerous accolades and a proven record of nurturing talent, the coaches at LSU were instrumental in her choice.
“Coaches like Coach Beth; they bring so much knowledge and experience,” Kylee noted. “It gives me confidence knowing that I'm learning from the best in the game.”
The Vision for the Future
As Kylee Edwards embarks on this exciting chapter at LSU, her focus is on winning a national championship. The intensity of collegiate softball drives her to train harder and elevate her game. Many fans focus on the Tigers falling short of the WCWS ; however Kylie is not phased as she stated...
“the best team got put out in their regional. Number one, Texas A&M went down. Softball is a hard game. It's something that I've struggled with and it's a failing sport, so no, that didn't concern me at all. With the players they have and the girls on their roster, they are All-Americans and we're gonna make a really good run this next year and the years after that with the recruiting classes coming in."
She discussed the connection the coaches have with the players .
"The coaches buy into their players, you can tell from the outside playing against them that they really buy into their program and the girls buy into the coaching and it was just a dream to be a part of.”
This sense of purpose not only highlights her competitive nature but also underscores the dedication required to thrive in a demanding environment.
Another positive for LSU was the NIL market but not how you would think
"I think something that set LSU apart from any other school would be the NIL, I like the resources they have. Like I love growing my platform and social media is something I want to do after college and they had a whole entire business office dedicated to social media. You don't get that out of a lot of schools."
What can LSU fans expect to see from Kylee on the field ?
"My energy and passion, everybody says like my energy is like Jalia Lassiter's . I'll make some crazy plays in the infield , defense is my specialty. My passion for the game is something that you'll be able to see when I'm playing and the energy buying into my own teammates and hoping to make a run this year."
While she is ready to blaze a new trail she reflected on her time at Mississippi State :
My time at Mississippi State was great. The relationship that I had with Coach Ricketts, she was like another mom to me. It was super hard leaving Mississippi State. I think every moment I had at state was very valuable to me and it created me into the person I am today. It was a super hard decision leaving. I only have 2 more years to play and I just had to take the leap in faith and listen to my faith and I felt like God was leading me to this place to find my calling in a different spot.
The Path Ahead
Kylee Edwards's choice to transfer to LSU aligns with her pursuit of excellence, a drive for challenge, and a desire to excel in college softball. By choosing LSU, she honors her childhood aspirations while stepping into a collective goal of success and competition.
Her belief rings true: it’s not just about being on a team; it’s about being part of a legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kylee's journey as she strives towards her goals at LSU and beyond!