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Don't let her trademark smile fool you, Eastman Wildcats U17 start pitcher Kelsey Warkentine is all business when she steps on the mound and through hard work, dedication and support from family and teammates, she keeps getting better.
While she strikes fear into opposing hitters now, it wasn't always that way for Warkentine, who says it took some work to find her game as a pitcher. "It was very hard, pitching is not an easy thing to do. I would have many times that I would go away crying because the ball would not go anywhere near the glove," she says with a laugh. "I worked really hard with coaches who became great mentors in my life. It's such a muscle memory thing and it takes a long time to learn. I tip my hat to all those people who can pitch so well."
On top of developing the physical skills, Warkentine says she worked just as hard on the mental side of things, especially when times were tough early on. "There were times I thought about just giving up. U12 was a really hard year for me and coming back from that, it was really big for me. I was totally about to give up but my mom helped me through that. My family has been there for me the whole time."
Throughout those early years, Warkentine grinded and she says it was a huge boost when she earned the trust of those around her. "My coach has so much confidence in me and if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here. My defense behind me, it's not just me that's a good pitcher, it's the defense behind me. I have to say, U14 and U15 I started to get better but I was no where near where I should have been. I for sure gained a lot of confidence I need and the skill, but I don't see myself as one of the best pitchers in the province. Having the defense that I do behind me is huge and they make me better, that's for sure."
Having the trust from the teammates behind her and having those teammates turn into family is something Warkentine really cherishes. "I have some very good friends, like I think I consider these friends more than my school friends. My school friends I have been together for 12 years, but these girls have been with me every day of the week, we train every day. These girls have become more than friends, I just love them all so much."
Enjoying success this season has led Warkentine to a pretty big opportunity. "Dwight Heppner had some confidence in me to take me up as an AP role for Team Manitoba, and I'm so thankful for it. I don't know if I deserve it, but I'm there and I'm having some amazing fun with them."
Being one of the youngest there, Warkentine says she's been a sponge and trying to learn all she can. "There's a lot of prep involved. Dwight Heppner was my coach for my whole career, he's watched me throw since almost day one. It's not much of a change when it's the same coach, which is big because there isn't much of a learning cure. I am just so thankful to be a part of that team and to learn from some really great people."
Growing up as a Wildcat has meant the world to Warkentine and she'll always be grateful for what the program has given her. "This Wildcats team has been with me forever and it's such an amazing program. It's brought me up from nothing to be a bit of a better name. The program is so detailed, we practice and those practices are useful and disciplined. The coaches I've had are just amazing and I couldn't recommend the program higher. It's been truly amazing and I've loved every minute."
From the highs and lows, Warkentine has never been alone, she's always had her family behind her, although one family member had to do a little more cardio early on then the others. "I have to say my dad has had a big impact on me, he's caught for me since day one. There was a lot more running than I would have hoped for," the Landmark product says with a laugh. "There's been a lot of talking and he's always been there for me. No matter what we're doing on the field, he's always been there to help me and it's just so great."
Warkentine admits to living in the moment and is unsure if sports will be a part of what's looking like a very bright future. "My future, I think I'm going to go for nursing and I think that God is going to have to take me the rest of the way because I don't really know much from there."
Whether it's helping people through nursing or causing headaches for batters on the other team, Kelsey Warkentine will have a smile on her face and a lot of support around her.