Slator commits to SAIT softball

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This article was published 22/02/2021 (1735 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rylee Slator has a lot to look forward to in the upcoming school year.

The five-foot-seven centrefielder committed to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Trojans women’s softball team earlier this month.

After years of playing AAA (formerly A) ball with the Westman Magic, Slator is looking forward to the next step in her softball career.

“I’m just so thankful for all my past coaches, every single one of them, and all the teammates who’ve always banded together and pushed each other to be the best players we could,” Slator said.

In sports like hockey or volleyball, there’s seemingly countless opportunities for athletes to pursue when it comes to playing at a post-secondary level.

With softball, however, the opportunities are few, especially for Canadians wanting to stay within the country.

It took Slator awhile to realize playing softball at a post-secondary level was even an option.

She first realized there was an opportunity when she was 15, but it wasn’t until last year she noticed the older athletes on her under-19 Westman Magic softball team committing to post-secondary clubs.

It was at that time she decided to put in as much effort as possible to pursue the same path.

“To be able to play softball … I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Slator said.

“I can do the sport that I love, and I’ve loved for so long, and continue my education as well.”

The Brandonite knew she wanted to play college ball, but there weren’t many schools in Canada offering both medical sonography and a softball team.

Slator has always had an interest in the medical field but wanted to find a career keeping her out of the operating room, away from some of the gore associated with medicine, but allowing her to still help people.

The fact SAIT offered both things she was looking for, plus knew of her through previous softball tournaments, made the school the right fit.

SAIT softball head coach George Edwards saw Slator play at the U16 Western Canadian Softball Championship in Biggar, Sask., in 2019 and liked the skillset she brought to the table.

Last year, Slator reached out to Edwards, telling him she was applying to SAIT.

The pair kept in touch until she eventually committed to the school’s softball team earlier this month.

Although moving away from home for the first time is a little scary for Slator, she won’t be too far from all her family.

Slator’s older sister, Kaitlyn, attends the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, just a three-hour drive from SAIT.

Kaitlyn plays for NAIT Ooks women’s hockey team, headlining as the team’s starting goalie.

“Calgary is a beautiful city and with Kaitlyn only three hours away, it’ll be nice to have her so close and there if I need anything,” Slator said.

She’s also already been in contact with a few of her future SAIT teammates, which is helping her adjust to the idea of moving.

“It’s kind of nice to have a group of people you can be with who are in the same boat as you,” Slator said.

The centrefielder was a pitcher for a long time and played some first base as well.

It wasn’t until about two or three years ago while playing for under-16 Magic head coach Faron Asham, she was transitioned into the outfield.

“I haven’t played anywhere else since, I love the outfield,” Slator said. “We have a little outfielder team and it’s just so much fun.”

The friendships she’s made through the game are what’s kept her in it this long.

She’s made her closest friends through the sport, thinking of her teammates as an extension of her family.

Her roster has stayed pretty much the same since her U14 days, give or take a few players.

“I feel like when you get to that 12 to 14 age, people are now playing it because they love the sport,” Slator said.

“… I feel like that’s a big part of it, the team community. We’ve all just gotten so close and grown together throughout the years. I think that’s what makes it so special, plus the sport is just so fun.”

Her dad, Jason, has also helped in her development as a player.

He’s the incoming coach of the U-19 Magic, replacing Ryan McLaughlin who’s moving on from the position this year.

Slator’s dad has coached her in the past and while it hasn’t always been easy, she admits his consistent dedication to helping grow her game has helped out in the long run.

“He’s never been the type of parent-coach that babies me in any way. If anything, he pushes me harder than he would the other teammates,” Slator said.

“I love having him be there and support me. There’s been a few bumps along the road, which of course is going to happen when it’s a father-daughter relationship, but I’m so grateful for how much work he’s put in to help me get to where I am today.

“… If he wasn’t as involved, I don’t think I’d be the player I am today.”

» dshewchuk@brandonsun.com

»Twitter: @devonshewchuk