by Tom Chambers
Staff Writer
Kadie Tillema is the oak of the University of La Verne’s softball team. As a graduate student, Tillema is playing her last year at catcher for La Verne and has always been solid for the team.
“Kadie has been a mainstay in our program for the past four years,” said head coach Julie Kline.
A four-year starter, she started off her college career in Iowa. The distance was too far from her family so she transferred to Azusa Pacific, but said she was fickle.
She remembered getting a phone call in high school from the softball program at ULV and decided to give it a try. Now, years later, Tillema can look back and know she made the right decision.
Tillema has been an inspiration to her whole team. Kline remarked how fortunate she felt she was to have had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful and genuine person.
Tillema’s dedication, coupled with hard work has allowed her to improve as a player all four years that she has played.
When Kline was asked what Tillema meant to the team she refused a phone interview and asked if she could turn in a written statement to assure that she could say everything she wanted too. The paper was delivered by Kline and on it was a list of compliments that would embarrass even the cockiest of people.
Mandy Tillema, one of the team’s top pitchers, is Kadie’s younger sister. The two have paired as pitcher and catcher in many games.
“I would never want anyone else to catch me when I pitch,” said Mandy.
The two sisters have played together for two years at ULV, but Mandy’s desire to pitch to her sister stems from the unspoken communication that the sister have. Mandy says that her sister will call for the very same pitch that she would have called all the time.
Softball is not the only love in Tillema’s life. She has been married for just under a year to Scotty Kirkpatrick. She is also a substitute for Mountain View Elementary School in Ontario. When she earns her teaching credentials she hopes to take on teaching full time. She says she would like to continue playing softball if time allows between work and family.
When she is not on the diamond, Tillema said she likes to spend time with her rather large family. Although, when she is on the field she doesn’t give out hugs. Her competitive attitude fuels her desire to win and play well.
“When I step between the lines, its just business,” said Tillema.
She has high hopes that the team will get back on track and win conference.
Tillema’s wish is within close reach for the team. The Leopards still can grasp conference if they win the rest of their games.
“Our trip to Georgia was great. Playing the top 24 division III teams in the nation and finishing third gave our team a lot of confidence,” said Tillema.
Tillema has the confidence in her team and coach and definitely receives it in return. No matter what the outcome of Tillema’s last season ULV certainly is gracious for her commitment and attitude in between the chalk.
In a time where athletics are dominated by trash talking and over cooked egos, Tillema approaches the game the old fashioned way, she just plays.
Students who would like to see Tillema and the Leopards play can watch ULV take on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps tomorrow at noon at Wheeler Park.
Tom Chambers
