ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ailey Schyck

West Orange High School recent graduate Ailey Schyck was chosen to participate in the 33rd Florida Athletic Coaches Association Softball All-Star Classic, which will take place June 3-4 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Schyck will be attending Murray State University, where she will further her education and continue to play softball. 

When did you first start playing softball? 
When I was 7 years old, I played T-ball. I think I started playing Little League when I was 9 or 10. 

How did you get to play softball? 
I was trying all sports when I was young, so I guess this one was one of those sports where I said, “OK, I’ll try it.” And then I liked it, and I stuck with it. 

Which position do you prefer playing while fielding? 
Third. It’s like the hot corner of the field, you always have to be on both of your feet waiting for it. You get more action; it’s more fun.

What do you love most about playing softball?
Probably the competitiveness. You are around all types of girls who come from different places; they are competing for the same thing and have the same goal. Also, the team is kind of family. 

What was your favorite thing about being a part of the softball team at your school? 
I think we got along pretty well. It was interesting sometimes, but we had 16 teenagers so. … We always had each other’s back. If something happened, a girl on the team would always stick up for the other girls. 

Where are you going to college? 
I’m going to Murray State University. 

Are you going to play softball at the collegiate level? 
Yes. 

What do you enjoy most, playing offense or defense (hit or field)?
If I’m hitting (well), hitting. If not, fielding. 

What will you remember most fondly about your years in high school?
The big games. This year we won Metros, that feeling of being the champion and the winner — it feels great. 

How do you feel about being chosen to play for the all star team for the 2022 FACA girls softball All-Star Classic?
I’m honored — that’s a big thing. My best friend, Lexi, she played in there last year, and she is a very good player.

How are you preparing for it? 
Me and my dad, Steve Schyck, go out to hit every week. Of course, I am still hitting, but I am not going to put too much pressure on myself. I’m going to go out there and have fun. 

What’s your favorite hobby?
Hanging out with friends. 

What are your plans for your last high-school summer before entering college? 
I’m still playing travel ball with the Windermere Wildfire team, so I’ll probably still be traveling. I think we are doing the JO Cup in Oklahoma City.

If you had a superpower, which one would it be and why? 
Mind-reading, because I’d want to know what people are thinking about.

Favorite movie? 
I like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” — that one is pretty good. 

What’s a TV series you are binge-watching right now?
I just finished with “On My Block,” so I’m starting “All American” seasons two and three. It’s like a football show, so there’s just sports in it, and the story behind it is based on a true story, so it’s kind of interesting. 

Three things on your bucket list? 
Go to Bora Bora; I’ve never been out of the country so that’d be fun. Win the Junior Olympics this summer and go to New York; I want to see the 9/11 Memorial. I’ve never seen it, so I think that’d be cool. I’ve seen pictures and how it’s set up but never in person.

What’s your biggest fear?
I don’t like the dark. Being alone in the dark — I’m not a fan of that. I don’t think it’s the dark, I feel like it’s what’s in the dark. So like if I’m walking down an alley and it’s dark, I feel like something is going to pop out. Or clowns, I can watch movies, but when I see them in person, I don’t like them. 

Three things you’d take with you to a deserted island?
My phone, a filter to filter the water and food. 

What are you looking forward the most in college? 
Freedom. Living on my own is a fear and a good thing, so I am excited to see what I can do with it and how I manage to do it all. 

What do you want to study in college?
I’m undecided right now, but I’ll probably do something related to sports management or business.