Kailyn Bond’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents graduated from Garber High School.
“Because of this, community is extremely important to me,” Bond said. “Some of the same people that supported my parents and even my grandparents are still supporting me today, whether it is for my FFA project or an athletic event.”
Bond, a sophomore at Garber High, plays softball and baseball, runs track, is active within FCA and serves as parliamentarian for the school’s FFA program, also showing cattle.
“I’m a fifth-generation FFA member and production agriculturalist. My mom and dad are both involved in raising cattle along with other family members,” Bond said. “My dad and his siblings, as well as my mom’s siblings, all showed cattle, and I knew I wanted to carry on the family tradition.”
There are some similarities between sports and agriculture; “In order to succeed with either,” Bond said, “you have to spend the time practicing and working at it.”
“Being an active student, athlete and FFA member can have its challenges to make sure I give each activity the appropriate amount of time and attention that’s needed,” Bond said. “Being in high school, it’s difficult to do that on my own sometimes. I’m fortunate to have a community, school and family that pushes me to be my best and lends a helping hand when needed.”
Bond relies on her siblings, Jake and Kinsley, for their support, as well as softball head coach Nikki Taylor, assistant coach Chancey Hodges and FFA Advisor Emily Cusack, whom she describes as “very understanding” of her commitments to several activities.
“As students from a small school, we want to be involved in everything we can, and they help me be able to split my time between them all,” Bond said. “Every year, our county stock show is the same weekend as our softball tournament. With help from my coaches, advisor, parents and siblings, they allow me to be able to show in the morning and then rush to the games.”
Bond’s goals include being a leader for her team and improving herself as a hitter and catcher. After high school, she aspires to play collegiate softball.
“Kailyn is a versatile player,” Taylor said. “She can play anywhere on the field. She spent a lot of time catching her freshman year and will continue to work behind the plate. She hits the ball well, hitting .472 on the season as a freshman as well as having a .917 fielding average. She is a hard worker and very coachable.”
“Leadership is important to your team’s dynamic,” Garber said. “A good leader will lead by example. They will work alongside everyone else. They will be supportive of their team and encourage each other.”
It isn’t just about softball — Bond hopes to be a leader in the hallways of GHS, too.
“The legacy I want to leave at Garber is being a good teammate, good leader and a good work ethic,” Bond said.