By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
McKayleigh Piper is a senior at De Pere High School on the softball team.
In her spare time, she likes to read and paint.
Piper plans to study history education at UW-La Crosse beginning this fall.
Name: McKayleigh Piper
Nickname: Piper, McK, Mickey
School: De Pere
Sport: Softball
Parents: Cassie and Travis, Matt
Twitter: @Mckraynebow
Tell me about your family.
“I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. Caden is 13, Colton is 4 and Nataleigh will turn 9 soon. My parents are all from Brillion.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“My mom played softball, Travis played baseball and Matt played basketball. Nataleigh has dabbled in dance and soccer and really wants to play softball. Colton loves to hit the ball around in the back yard and Caden loves basketball and baseball.”
How about a high school sport you wish you had done?
“I wish I had joined the swim team. I did that my eighth-grade year and really enjoyed it.”
Have you always been a pitcher? How fast can you throw?
“I didn’t start pitching until I was 11. My max speed is about 57 mph.”
Your team is currently near the top of the Fox River Classic Conference.
“We haven’t experienced this much success in a while, so it’s really nice to play on a team like this.”
Do you have a most memorable softball moment?
“My first game as a sophomore starting in left field. I came into pitch, and I didn’t pitch horrendously. I felt so proud after the game.”
A most embarrassing one?
“At softball practice one time I had this fake baby I had to take care of for a school class. I could only take care of it with my bracelet, and I couldn’t take the bracelet off. It was in the dugout and I heard it start crying. I went running into the dugout and my cleats slipped on the concrete, and I slid into the back wall of the dugout. Everyone saw.”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I have a large collection of vinyl records that I inherited from my dad. I listen to them all the time and go to thrift stores a lot.”
What’s it like playing for coach Matt Eakin?
“He’s super nice. He really cares about the team and the sport as a whole. I really enjoy him.”
What teammates would make a good reality TV show?
“Makayla Alexander and Paige Ravet. They are best friends and hang out all the time. I feel it could be like the Kardashians but De Pere style.”
Who would most likely be late to practice?
“That would be me. I run late to everything.”
Name a person that has made a big impact on your life.
“My dad Travis. He has always done his best to make it a fun time for me no matter what I’m doing. He hasn’t stopped supporting me. My grandma is the same way.”
What three words best describe you?
“Quiet, compassionate, shy.”
Talk about a favorite family vacation.
“When we met with some family at Yellowstone National Park last summer.”
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can usually find me …
“Either in bed or at church.”
How will McKayleigh Piper be remembered at De Pere High School?
“As a good softball player and a good representation of De Pere.”
Dogs or cats?
“Cats.”
Lie on the beach or ski down the slopes?
“Lie on the beach.”
Read the book or watch the movie?
“Read the book.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Hardwood.”
Fruits or veggies?
“Fruits.”
Favorites
Food: Grilled cheese
Cereal: Frosted Flakes
Phone app: Amaze!!!
Holiday: Fourth of July
Card game: Exploding Kittens