Senior first baseman Manuela Kate makes her mark on first base as she’s been starting there for the past year. This season Kate had 4 home runs and 14 RBIs. She does plan to continue softball after high school. She will be attending Briar Cliff. She talks about what she accomplished this season.
“ This season I accomplished leaving an ever lending impact on all the under-classes building the foundation for our softball program. Helping each girl on the team better themselves is what left a forever impact on me finishing out my senior season,” Kate said.
Sophomore Malia Kate talks about what it means to be a part of her sister’s final season on the field.
“ It honestly means everything to me. Getting to share the field with my sister one last time is something I’ll never forget. We’ve grown so much together, and knowing this is her last season makes every practice, every game, and every moment even more special,” Kate said.
Head Coach Mike Leapley talks about what it means to him to be able to coach Kate.
“ Words can not say enough about Mani. The first word that came to mind was ‘privilege’,” Leapley said.
Kate talks about what she hopes to see her sister accomplish.
“ I hope to see her keep doing what she loves at the next level playing softball and bowling at BCU. She’s worked so hard for it, and I know she’s going to do amazing things there. I just want her to keep growing, stay confident, and never lose that passion that makes her who she is,” Kate said.
Kate talks about how she has noticed her own hard work pays off.
“ I have noticed my hard work paying off by getting the opportunity to play at the next level after I graduate. I will be playing softball at Briar Cliff University with my teammate Baylee Heffernan next fall and I am so excited!!” Kate said.
Coach Leapley talks about what it means to him to be able to continue watching Kate on her journey at Briar Cliff, as his wife is the head coach for Briar Cliff.
“ Everything happens for a reason. It all happened so fast. Mani, I really didnt talk about it. I thought she had her mind made up. Then one day, after practice, we were kind of joking, and then all of a sudden, she went on a visit to Briar Cliff. I told Coach TJ when I got home. I said I think you can get Mani. She smiled and said Well, Mike, she has always had our back. She would be a good one to have,” Leapley said.
Westside softball fell short in the state tournament, Coach Leapley talks about what Kate contributed to the team to get them this far.
“EVERYTHING. Team player on and off the field. Leads by example. So many great words!!! Mani will truly be missed. Her sister has some big shoes to fill :),” Leapley said.
Kate talks about what Westside softball has taught her over the last four years and what she will take with her to Briar Cliff.
“ Westside softball has shown me how to grow through adversity, playing for each other, and how to stay in clutch and I will take all of those qualities to Briar Cliff. I will also take with me that there is so much more in life than softball; relationships and the bonds with teammates is what I will take with me in the future no matter what happens.” Kate said.
Kate talks about what she is going to miss the most about her sister.
“ I’m going to miss everything, her voice on the field, her pep talks, her energy, and just having her by my side. She’s always been my biggest supporter, my role model, and my best friend in the game. It’s going to feel really different without her there,” Kate said.
Kate has played softball for 10 plus years, she talks about the impact softball has on her life.
“ Softball has impacted my life by giving me a place to leave life behind and focus on the game I love. As soon as I step past the foul line on to the field I leave my whole heart on the field,” Kate said.
Coach Leapley may have been a big impact on Kate, but she has also been a big impact on him. He talks about what he has enjoyed the most about coaching Kate.
“ Always in a good mood, smiling, and putting her teammates first,” Leapley said.
Coach Leapley talks about Kate’s work ethic on and off the field.
“ Just look at her in the classroom. 4.0 student.. The Kate sisters are always the last ones to leave after a game. They always stay after to help with whatever needs to be done. Mani is truly an exceptional person,” Leapley said.
Kate talks about what her sister has taught her in the 2 years they have played on the field together.
“ She’s taught me what real leadership looks like not just being vocal, but lifting others up and leading with heart. She’s shown me how to stay strong when things get hard and how to believe in myself even when I doubt it. Most of all, she’s taught me that the best teams are built on love, support, and family,” Kate said.
Now that the softball season has come to an end, Kate reflects on her last 4 years at Westside softball. She talks about her favorite memory being a part of the softball program.
“ My favorite memories being part of the softball team is how close I have gotten with all of my teammates. Going to state my sophomore and senior year. Hitting the tying homerun coming in to pinch hit against Millard South from an 0-2, to a 3-2 count and hitting it dead center. Of course playing with my other seniors: Hannah Miller, Hadley Hansen, Riley Ernster, Ruby Mann, Emma Kauffman, and my BCU teammate Baylee Heffernan,” Kate said.
Kate will start her journey at Briar Cliff in the fall of 2026, where she will be studying Nursing to further become a pediatric certified registered nurse anesthetist, while continuing her athletic career.
