Southmoore’s Kylie Strotman – Character Counts Presented by Eskridge Honda

By John Tranchina

She may be just a sophomore, but Kylie Strotman has stepped up in a big way in an important defensive role for the Southmoore soccer team, contributing to a strong season in 2019.

Despite a 5-0 loss to defending Class 6A state finalists Mustang on Apr. 12, the Sabercats were 9-4 on the year, sitting third in District 6A-2, having surrendered just one goal in the previous four games combined.

As Southmoore’s center back, Strotman has performed at a very high level, demonstrating an impressive work ethic in a vital position.

“I just try to work my hardest, to not let my teammates down, to make sure I’m doing my best and doing my part to help us win,” Strotman said. “I don’t really feel any pressure from my position, but maybe my age – I try not to let the older girls on the other team get past me and beat me.”

Southmoore coach Katy Swartzendruber values Strotman’s efforts greatly.

“She’s one of the hardest workers every day at practice and games, and never makes excuses,” Swartzendruber said. “A great student, good leader, very focused and smart soccer player. She’s started every game since her freshmen year and shows a lot of poise for only being a sophomore.”

Strotman also takes her academics seriously, carrying a 4.6 weighted GPA and ranking 15th out of about 500 students in her class, doing whatever it takes to get it done during a very busy soccer season.

“That’s important to me,” she said of her schoolwork. “I want to get to college, so I want to do well in that, and I want to make sure that I can be able to play in games, so I just want to get my stuff taken care of and everything on track. Sometimes, yeah, you have to stay up late and do homework.”

As the soccer playoffs loom on the horizon, Strotman has high hopes for her team, which reached the 6A quarterfinals last year.

“We all work hard every day at practice, and we just push each other and we help each other to be the best, and to win,” she said.