Hyannis, MA. – Western Michigan University softball senior outfielder Payton Kelly returns to Kalamazoo this fall after spending the summer working for the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League's Hyannis Harbor Hawks as a beat writer.
During her time with Hyannis, the incoming senior wore many "hats" and worked a plethora of roles for the Hawks. Over the course of her nine-week experience, Kelly advanced her communication and english skills, which she has acquired thus far at WMU. In the future, Kelly aspires to enter the sports communications field as an MLB Beat Writer.
"It was incredible. Usually, I am included in a team environment and winning culture from the inside (as a student-athlete), but I experienced every aspect of the game from an outside perspective during my time on the Cape." Recalled the outfielder. Among the roles Kelly participated in, she focused the majority of her time with Hyannis Harbor Hawks in her dream profession as a Beat Writer.
The senior wrote a variety of articles and polished her arsenal of skills in Communications and English. Kelly never amassed the fear of a shortage of content, as the Harbor Hawks clinched the West Division title for the first time since 2015.
"It was so exciting to write about the team culture they built, even with the addition of new players coming in and out," Kelly noted. During the season, Kelly enjoyed speaking to head coach Mitch Karraker after every game, along with interviewing key impact players.
Over the summer season, the incoming senior compiled 22 game recaps and collaborated with a team of journalists to produce seven joint newsletters. During the season, Kelly drew inspiration from two particular athletes: Jon Jon Gazdaer and Camden Janik, who were selected in this year's Major League Baseball draft. Kelly expressed the inspiration she drew from the duo after speaking to them about their love of the game. Kelly noted that witnessing the pair being able to continue their passion at the highest level was inspiring.
"I came away with more writing experience, a different view on team culture, and best friends that have the same love of baseball that I do." Reflected Kelly, "I am forever grateful for this opportunity and that I got to spend the summer in Hyannis."
