West Orange Times & Observer: Sports Spotlight — Ailey Schyck

A sophomore on the West Orange High School softball team, Ailey Schyck has already made a mark in her first year at the school. After transferring in from Dr. Phillips, Schyck led the team in batting average, RBI and home runs before the season was suspended. 

When did you first get into softball?

I was about 7 years old, probably. I liked sports growing up — I played soccer, basketball and volleyball — but I guess softball stuck with me and I liked it.

What has kept you motivated to keep playing softball?

Probably because this is the sport that I’m the best at. So being good at something makes you want to keep getting better and succeed and advance to the next level.

Has there been a highlight moment for you at West Orange?

This year, it would probably be when we beat Apopka, which was our last game before the whole coronavirus. We beat them 8-0, and they’re a good team. Every one on our team, we all played really good.

What is your favorite thing about playing first base? The most challenging?

My favorite thing about first base is probably that most of the plays I get the ball — I get the ball in my hand almost every play, because they throw to me, so I’m always in the game. The challenging part is also being thrown the ball, because you have a lot of pressure just catching it — if it’s a bad throw, you need to stop it.

Coming into this season, did you have any goals for yourself or the team?

I wanted to win districts, of course, and go on and have a chance at states. 

With the season suspended, what are you up to now?

I have a workout thing with my trainer — we go on FaceTime — and I still workout and hit into the net. Me and my dad go find a free community field and just hit ground balls … so I’m still working, trying to get better.

You led the team in numerous offensive categories. What is your process when you go up to the plate?

Well it always depends on the situation. If there is a runner in scoring position, I’m always thinking, “Oh, hit to the right side and either advance the runner or get the runner in.” And if I’m the first one up, and there is no one on base, I’m just thinking, “Get the ball in play and hope to get on base.”

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about softball?

Probably just always keep your feet moving and be on the balls of your feet.

Is softball something you’d like to do at the next level?

I would like to play at college at a high level.

When you’re not playing softball, what do you like doing in your spare time?

Probably hanging out with friends and watching Netflix — just having a good time. My favorite show is “Grey’s Anatomy,” but I finished it, so right now I’m watching “All American.”