Kyle Connelly '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello, My name is Kyle Connelly from Lincoln Way Central High School. I’m 5’11 195lbs, and I’m a corner outfielder that also pitches. On the mound I use a 3 pitch mix that involves a high 60’s curveball, low 70’s change up, and a fastball that sits around 82-84.
Id say the most influential people in my life are my parents. Sure it’s cliche, but without a doubt I wouldn’t be the type of person I am today without there efforts to put me in the best situation I could possibly be in. Baseball has really been my only sport ever since I was 6 years old. After brief stints and trail and error with other sports I found baseball to be my favorite and by far the most fun. The sport has taught me a lot, but while other sports are mostly physical, the mental game of baseball has strengthened me as a person inside and outside of the diamond. Knowing to leave your mistakes in the past, make the best of your next opportunity, and to make the team play instead of a selfish one are huge factors that play a role in everything I do, not just baseball. Academically, I’ve always maintained a 4.0 weighted GPA in high school, with various advanced classes In my schedule. I’ve always taken school and my grades seriously and worked just as hard in academics as I have in sports. Having 4 younger sisters, a stay at home mom, and a working dad all in the same family has helped me see every perspective on how to go about life and be a leader/role model at all times. My situation of being the oldest in the family has given me leadership, work ethic, and a sense of humor, which is why ive been told to be one of the better teammates and energy providers on the field.  My biggest motivator is my mom, and seeing how hard she works everyday at the house with all my siblings motivates me to make the best of any given situation, and be the best worker and teammate I can be without taking anything for granted. This is the main reason that softmore year I was able to start on varsity. When it comes to college, I hope to study journalism, as I enjoy writing and want to give myself the best chance to still be involved with sports if I can’t do that on the field.  Baseball comes first for me, and I know I can go far in the sport given my abilities, but with injuries in my first couple years of high school I now don’t have as much time to display them on the field. So while I’m still confident in my skills and want to go to college, where to go is still the big question mark. Which is why your reading this personal statement. Last but certainly not least, I might be the biggest white sox fan you will ever meet.