Pictured: best friends Carly Severini (Boston College), Madison Scuderi (Fordham), Katie Marino (Notre Dame) and Kyra Lockhart (Alabama).

First baseman Kyra Lockhart is one of the top 2017’s in the country and made the USA Today Pre-Season All-American team last spring.

The power-hitter from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High in Scotch Plains, New Jersey is also ranked in the Top 5 players in the 2017 Full Count Softball Hot 100 list.



A standout with the Jersey Intensity team coached by Kevin O’Donnell, in this blog Kyra talks about the important people in her life including her father who now coaches in the club organization and three teammates who she’s been best friends with since they begin playing together at the 12U level…

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Around this time of year, we all reflect and think about what we are thankful for.

It is a given that I am thankful for my parents and family who have been supportive of me on and off the field. This year, my dad took on the role of being a coach in the Jersey Intensity Organization, which allows him to travel with me and attend all my games.

Although at first I thought it would be difficult to have my father coaching some of my closest friends, it turns out that all the players enjoy being coached by him. They all think he has a great personality and sense of humor!

Personally, having people view my dad the same way I view him is awesome. My dad is one of my best friends, and we love traveling together doing what we both have a passion for: softball.

This past year, we had a great season and I am very thankful for the support given to me by travel ball Coach Kevin O'Donnell and the rest of his coaching staff. They continuously push me to prepare me for the next level.

Not only am I thankful for my travel ball coaches, I am also thankful for my future coaches at the University of Alabama. Prior to arriving on campus I already feel a strong sense of tradition and family.

Finally, what I am thankful for are the relationships I've made along the way.

Softball has allowed me to develop lifelong friendships. I have three best friends that I have played since 12U. What's incredible is that we have remained best friends, are very supportive of each other, and all are going on to play at great Division 1 schools.

To celebrate our accomplishments we decided to go to a studio and take pictures dawning our respective college gear. Doing this allows us to always look back and have these memories.

No matter how far apart we are—me, Carly Severini (2015, Boston College), Katie Marino (2016, Notre Dame) and Madison Scuderi (2016, Fordham)—the bond we have will never break.

Happy Thanksgiving and Roll Tide!

---Kyra