Belle Vernon’s Sypolt finds what she needs at St. Bonaventure
Kaylee Sypolt wants to attend a college that will provide her with a solid academic and softball experience, and the soon-to-be Belle Vernon senior believes she has found that at St. Bonaventure University.
The shortstop who was second-team all-state in Class 4A this past season, had originally committed to Kent State, but reopened her search when head coach Jessica O’Donnell resigned for a job in administration in June.
“The head coach stepping down at Kent State was my reason for reopening my search,” Sypolt said.
Sypolt kept on playing this summer for her travel team, Team Pennsylvania Hall, which allowed her coach, Richele Hall, to help reach out for her prospect.
St. Bonaventure head coach Camden Decker came to see Sypolt play, liked what he saw, and set up a phone call in July before Sypolt visited the campus in western New York on Aug. 6.
“I loved the campus and they had the major that I wanted, plus an after-graduate program with Saint Francis for genetic disease testing,” Sypolt said. “I would like to do something in the biomedical field. I loved playing softball, but I also know that everyone’s playing career must come to an end.”
Sypolt was also impressed with what Decker brings to the table, and she announced her commitment on Monday via a post on social media.
Sypolt’s post on X read: “I am proud to announce my commitment to St. Bonaventure University to continue my academic and softball career. I would like to thank my parents and family for supporting me throughout this crazy recruiting journey, for the sacrifices they have made, and for always believing in me. Thank you to all of the coaches over the years who have challenged and encouraged me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a young adult. I have been blessed with the best team teammates over the past seven years, and I will forever cherish the memories we have made together. Finally, thank you Coach Decker for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to find my home at St Bonaventure.
I am excited for this next chapter and proud to be a Bonnie!!”
Sypolt, who batted .508 with 22 RBI as a junior with the Leopards, believes she needs to improve her power.
The Bonnies have recruited Sypolt as a middle infielder. She is confident in her defensive abilities, as she said it has “always been her thing.”
Sypolt is eager for her final softball season at Belle Vernon, as she hopes to help the Leopards and veteran head coach Tom Rodriguez to a sixth WPIAL championship.
“The culture is great at Belle Vernon, and I feel like our team is really close,” Sypolt said. “I feel like we have the potential to do well this year. We have a lot of solid girls coming up.”