CARBONDALE (KSNT) - Coach Jennifer McFalls' KU softball team has had a lot of its success come from local talent.
Next in line - senior pitcher Kaelee Washington from nearby Santa Fe Trail High School.
In a one-on-one interview with K-Nation's Landon Reinhardt, Washington shared why she made the decision to pick the Jayhawks.
"I really loved the team atmosphere, the coaches are great and it was an awesome experience," Washington said. "I knew immediately when I got to campus that I wanted this to be my home for the next four years."
Reinhardt recalled Santa Fe Trail's 2023 3A state softball semifinal game, where Washington pitched 19 strikeouts in seven innings, then hit a go-ahead home run in extras. Washington says being able to play with her teammates for longer inspired her performance.
"I wanted to keep going; the seniors, I didn't want it to be their last game," Washington said. "Just had stay cool under pressure, trust the process, I knew we'd come around with hits."
Washington says she wants to get back into the state tournament and make a run at a championship to cap her high school career this spring.
The full interview with Washington can be watched above. K-Nation airs every Sunday night on KSNT. Click here for more K-Nation content.
