Junior Kailey Bond was named RMAC pitcher of the week, checking off one of her main goals in her collegiate career.
Bond’s primary goal this season was to get pitcher of the week, which she obtained on March 18, seven weeks into the season. “Every time I step on the mound, I want to show people why I should be the number one pitcher on our team.” said Bond.
Bond emphasized the difficulty of pitching. “Being a pitcher is very stressful. You feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.” With this pressure, Bond has strategies to persevere, sitting confidence as her friend. “I kind of just try not to care,” she said.
Bond also counteracts pressure by keeping kin in mind, mentioning support from her parents. “They love to watch me play, so I’m always out there doing it for them.”
Bond has played softball her entire life, but her draw to the sport is something even she can’t describe. “I wish I could understand ‘Why softball?’ You just grow up playing the sport and don’t stop playing it. It’s always been the sport I’m best at.”
Bond began her collegiate career at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. She transferred to UCCS prior to the 2024 softball season. On the new team, Bond had to play against old teammates from Black Hills State University.
“Last year, it was really weird because I knew a lot of the girls” she said. Bond said those feelings are gone by the first pitch. “Nothing on the field is weird. I’m always happy to get to see some friends.”
Originally from Pueblo, Colorado, Bond returned home for the coaching staff and many opportunities UCCS has to offer.
Bond also came back to home for the psychology program at UCCS. A psychology major minoring in health and wellness, Bond isn’t sure exactly what she wants to do with her degree but is looking into occupational therapy. “It’s a therapy that’s not sitting face-to-face. You get to be more active and move around which is why it interests me,” said Bond.
Reflecting on the regular season, Bond thinks the team has played well. “We all have our ups and downs, but we’re coming together as a team.”
The softball season ended on May 2 with the team finishing third overall in the RMAC Championship Tournament.
Kailey Bond. Photo courtesy of GoMountainLions.