Kait Actermeier (2021 P/2B) Bill Crothers Secondary-Ontario
Kait attended the Ontario Preseason Preview on February 15th, 2020 at the Tigers Den in Mississauga, Ontario. At the showcase, Kait’s 5’5” 135lb build, w/ plus athleticism shined! On the basepaths, Kait is a light-footed runner with a quick first step out of the box. She recorded a 3.14 home to first time. With the bat, Kait has a balanced-athletic base, w/ a repeatable hand & scap load. A pure hitter at the plate, Kait routinely attacks the inside half of the ball, driving balls gap-to-gap. Her exit velocity was measured at 67mph (Top Performer). In the field, Kait a slick fielding player who showed plus lateral range and quick agile feet. Across the infield, Kait’s arm strength was recorded at 58mph. While toeing the rubber, Kait showed plus feel and command of all pitches. She showed the ability to change the hitters eye level with her drop and RISE, while throwing the hitter off balance with the change-up. Her fastball measured was at 56mph (Top Performer).
In August 2019, Kait was named to the Canadian Junior National Team where she competed in the U17 Women’s Softball Pan American Championship in Barranquilla, Columbia. There she earned a Bronze Medal, and qualified Canada for the U18 World Cup. Off the field, she holds a 3.7 G.P.A. and has career aspirations in Criminal Psychology.
Recently, RISE Softball was able to catch up with Kait for a brief Q&A:
RISE: Prior to the COVID-19, how were you preparing/ approaching your high school softball season (goals, mindset, etc?)
Kait: Prior to COVID-19, my weekly training schedule was quite busy. I was training 6 days a week between pitching, fielding, hitting, and strength & conditioning. I was studying and preparing myself for writing my SAT. My goal for this year was to be technically sound by really focusing my mechanics in all aspects of the game. I’m really aiming to become the best player I can be. My mindset was always how can I be better than the person I was yesterday.
RISE: What was your initial thoughts once the announcement was made that the remaining school year and all sports are cancelled?
Kait: When I first heard the news that the remaining school year and that all sports are cancelled, I was shocked and saddened for all the athletes who’s had their seasons cut short. I realized that this pandemic was bigger than all sports and that this is a chance to work on improving myself while staying safe and healthy at home.
RISE: What have you been doing to stay prepared for softball?
Kait: To stay prepared for softball I’ve been keeping up with my strength and conditioning as well as my softball training. I was able to borrow some equipment from my gym so that I can keep up with my strength & conditioning. I’m still training the same number of days as before, just at home with my family. I have a net set up on the deck and I workout in my basement. My gym sends out daily at home workouts that I follow. Since the whether has been nice, I’ve been able to go outside to get my cardio in by running around the block. I miss my teammates, trainers and coaches, but I’ve been able to pitch, and keep up with my throwing and fielding practice.
RISE: What other things have occupied your time during the quarantine?
Kait: We started online learning this week for school and I have a bunch of assignments to complete. I continue to practice for my SAT that I will write again this year. I also spend every other night playing family game night to stay occupied.
RISE: Favorite Softball Moment
Kait: My favorite softball moment was last July when my team, the Mississauga North Tigers, qualified for the Canadian Nationals. We ended up winning silver.