Stillwater High School junior Saisului Kolone approaches the game of softball with a simple mindset: “See ball, hit ball.”
That philosophy reflects how Kolone balances the demands of being both a first baseman and pitcher, where consistency and focus are key. As a pitcher, she said the biggest challenge is “staying consistent,” while first base requires strong glove work and the ability to handle tough picks.
Kolone, who will enter 11th grade this fall, credits her growth in athletics to a lesson that extends beyond the field. “Athletics has taught me to be where my feet are and only worry about today’s problems,” she said. “They won’t solve tomorrow’s.”
Her inspiration comes from her grandfather, who remains one of her most dedicated supporters. “My Grandpa Kolone makes sure to watch every single game of mine even though he is blind,” she said.
Kolone’s connection with her teammates is another cornerstone of her experience. She values the team’s ability to stay loose and enjoy the game. “The thing I love most about my team is the way we can all just have fun and play free,” she said.
Team dinners are among her favorite traditions. “We get to fellowship after games, and that’s something I really enjoy,” she said.
She also highlighted teammates who bring energy to the group, including vocal leader Alison Aguilar and comedians Michelle Kolone and Presley Reed. Kolone added that Michelle Kolone has had a lasting impact on her development. “We’ve always pushed each other to be better,” she said.
Off the field, Kolone stays active in her community by helping with kids camps and Special Olympics events. In her free time, she enjoys playing Roblox with her cousins, especially a game called “Run a Restaurant.”
In the classroom, Kolone’s favorite subject is science, and she named Mrs. Fontainer as her favorite teacher.
Kolone also emphasizes respect as a core value in sports. “One of the best unwritten rules is to respect the umpires,” she said. “They are human, too, and make mistakes.”
