ALL STATE SZOLEK!
CANFIELD OH- South Range has had a bushel of success over the last decade. However one thing they have looked for is a consistent dominant defensive catcher. You look at the Raiders history since 2012, theyve plugged in a lot of different players behind the plate. A lot more than they’ve had pitchers in the circle. Although the players who have put on the gear have been capable, and did everything the coaches asked, Kelly Szolek has come in and firmly given the Raiders their first elite catcher in quite some time. That’s huge for a program who since 2010 hasn’t had a pitcher in their circle who hadn’t gone to college.
It was clear last season that Szolek took a hold of the position, now as a junior she has elevated her game even higher than before. Her bat had jumped to higher numbers, and her work behind the plate has been phenomenal. Her efforts never went unnoticed by the state of Ohio. She was named First Team All Ohio this season. That is a title that is completely earned.
After catching a seasoned veteran last year in Bree Kohler, now Szolek manages a tandem of younger pitchers taking their first season of consistent varsity innings. Kelly has been a tremendous calming influence to the pitching staff of the Raiders. With the velocity that they bring in, there has to be trust in the catcher. Szolek’s numbers speak for herself on how trustworthy she is. She only has 1 passed ball all season in 167 innings caught. Kelly set a goal this season to get better at throwing runners out on the base paths, now she’s one of the best in the state at doing that. She has caught 15 base runners stealing and has a 55% caught stealing rate. She also has picked off a runner once this season. Szolek has also only made 1 error all season.
When you add those impressive stats to her offensive numbers it is no secret why she was selected all Ohio. Szolek leads the team in batting average at the moment hitting .517. She has 8 doubles a home run and 21 RBI. Im 82 at bats Szolek has only struck out 8 times. She’s drawn 13 walks.
Kelly took the time to come on to YSN’s Running Point this week to talk to Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell about her season and being a part of this program. They also discuss her personal goals on the year, her work ethic, and much more. Release the anchors and sail with the Raiders! Check out the latest South Range player profile.
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