COLLINSVILLE CARDINALS
Coach: KYLEE COLE
13-17
OUTLOOK
There’s reason to be excited about the Collinsville Cardinals this year. After finishing just under .500 one year ago, head coach Kylee Cole’s 2024 squad is rejuvenated, re-energized, and chasing its first state championship since 2015 after a productive offseason. “We have a competitive group of girls this year with a lot of experience returning,” Cole said. “They have worked hard and put in a lot of work in the offseason. [We have] high Hopes for a strong season!” Kate Reid (Sr.), a three-sport athlete who was named an All-District 5A-4 selection at shortstop last season, is one of the most promising returning players in all of northeastern Oklahoma. “Kate’s a stud,” Cole put it plainly. “She has started for us in the circle or at shortstop since she was a freshman. Kate has such big impacts on the game in both the circle and the batter’s box. She is insanely athletic, talented and has a high softball IQ. Her experience and leadership will be huge for us this year!” Kailyn Breeding (So.) also stars for the Cardinals basketball team and contributes for Cole in more ways than one. “Kailyn is just a fantastic human being. I preach to my kids to ‘be a good human’ on a daily basis and Kailyn embodies that to a tee,” Cole said. “She is a hard worker, sweet, kind, goofy, honest, and just a joy to be around. She puts others first and you never have to question whether or not she is doing the right thing.” Parker Knight (So.) has already helped her summer team win a national championship and has aspirations to help the Cardinals reach ultimate success in winning a state title. A student of the game, Knight’s abilities to adapt and generate energy in the dugout have been praised by her coaches. “Parker Knight is the ultimate hype man,” Cole said. “When she goes, we go! PK brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the game. She is a hard worker and always asking questions to help better her game. Whether it’s causing havoc on the bases, making a huge defensive play or hyping up her teammates, Parker seems to always find a way.”
The Cardinals open their 2024 campaign against Durant at home on Monday, Aug. 12 against Durant. Collinsville’s path to the postseason will travel through the RSU festival in Claremore (Aug. 22-24), the Oologah Tournament (Sept. 6-7) and the Inola Tournament (Sept. 19-21). Senior night is scheduled for 5 o’clock Thursday, Sept. 26 against Clinton.
