Lake Zurich’s Kelly Selzer has learned a few things during her years as a cheerleader.
The senior shortstop is leaning on that experience as she tries to push the Bears forward this season.
“I would watch football coaches screaming in the faces of a player, going really hard on them, and then after that, I would see their teammate go up to them and pat them on the back,” Selzer said. “I saw teammates help each other and have each other’s backs even when things are going wrong.
“Being in sports growing up, it definitely shaped me and caused me to be the athlete I am today.”
Selzer, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh softball commit who is a three-year varsity starter, has been a backspot in cheerleading for all four years at Lake Zurich.
“The backspot is a person in the back who sees the trick develop, makes sure everything is in place and calls the stunts,” she said. “That has allowed me to look at the big picture and trust my teammates.”
For Selzer, it’s all about the team.
“Cheerleading has taught me how to be a leader and bring your team together,” she said. “It’s not just about yourself but also the people around you.”
Selzer has certainly earned the trust of the people around her. She’s hitting .370 and has an .896 fielding percentage, helping the Bears (7-9-1, 4-1) compete in the North Suburban Conference this season.
“Kelly has always been very consistent for this program,” Lake Zurich coach Nicole Pieper said. “We’ve moved her around in the batting order, but she’s been able to produce. Kelly can play anywhere and has a lot of talent defensively.”
Selzer, who also has a background in gymnastics and intends to study athletic training in college, said she has more confidence on the field this season.
“I have much better range,” she said. “I take that risk and go for the ball more now. I’m also more aggressive swinging at the first pitch and not getting down in the count.”
Pieper pointed out Selzer does much more for the Bears.
“Kelly is also our biggest leader on the team, both by example and vocally,” Pieper said. “For a coach, it’s great to have her on our team, especially for our underclassmen.”
Lake Zurich sophomore middle infielder Kendall Hull, who is batting .516, appreciates having Selzer on her side.
“Kelly is a very talented player because of her hustle and energy,” Hull said. “She’s always making crazy plays in the field and getting clutch hits when we need them.
“She’s been a role model for me in the infield, helping improve my game. She is always willing to help others if they need it and is giving 110% to the team every day.”
Lake Zurich senior center fielder Isabella Vodicka, who is batting .446, has known Selzer for several years and agrees with Hull.
“I’ve always admired how Kelly interacted with people around her,” Vodicka said. “Her teammates gravitate toward her because she’s relatable, is grounded and always gives 100%.”
Pieper has watched Selzer develop into that player. Pieper said she has known Selzer since she was 12.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in her as a person, with her leadership the biggest thing,” Pieper said. “She’s a very supportive teammate.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
