I was going through some old files just now and ran across this article from the Fayetteville newspaper about Kylie's signing day. It was dated November, 2021. Looking back, we really shouldn't be surprised at her career. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The headline was "Why Gray’s Creek softball star Kylie Aldridge, a Virginia Tech signee, ‘didn’t like’ her signing ceremony" The article, written by Rod Baxley contain these tidbits: "On a day that was centered around her accomplishments, Kylie Aldridge was the most uncomfortable person inside the Gray’s Creek High School auditorium. A two-sport star for the Bears, Aldridge had to suffer in the spotlight as more than 75 people gathered to celebrate her at a signing ceremony. “Truly, I didn’t like it,” Aldridge said, laughing. “But it felt really good to have everybody come and support me, and know that I’m loved by everybody in my community. It just meant a lot to me. It was emotional.” Without a choice in the matter, Aldridge used her time as the center of attention to thank the people in her life who helped her reach this point in her journey. “Everybody that was here had a small impact on my life in one way or another,” said Aldridge, who is set to play college softball at Virginia Tech. “Without them, I clearly would not be the person or player that I am today, especially with my coaches that I’ve had.” Aldridge received her National Letter of Intent on Tuesday night. “Right when it got sent, I was like, ‘Let’s go print it out!’ When I printed it out, I brought it back in this morning and I had my parents sign it. We signed it at 8,” Aldridge said. “They signed it first and I signed it last. When I sent it in and emailed my coach, I said, ‘Hey, I sent it in.’ He said, ‘You’re officially a Hokie’ and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was surreal.” At her signing ceremony, after a 7½-minute video — which chronicled Aldridge’s softball track from her youth and travel teams to her time with the Bears — several of the people in Aldridge’s life offered their congratulations. Kelly Melvin, the volleyball coach at Cape Fear High School and Aldridge’s travel volleyball coach, said Aldridge’s “emotions, brain and IQ, and heart” separate her from other athletes. Melvin went on to describe Aldridge’s sportsmanship and her ability to connect with every player — no matter their skill level — that steps on the same field or court. “Her heart is golden,” Melvin said as she fought back tears. “When I talk about her, even as a coach from another school, I can’t put anyone above her. … People are saying these things because it’s who you are.” Jalesty Washington, Gray’s Creek’s volleyball coach, said her daughter admires Aldridge. “I would always want her to be like Kylie,” Washington added. Troy Lindsey, Gray’s Creek’s athletics director and a Virginia Tech graduate, said “the Hokies have gotten themselves a diamond.” Sometimes there are just people that are shining stars,” he continued. “Kylie is one of them.” The reigning Greater Fayetteville Sports Female Athlete of the Year, Aldridge led the Bears to a regular-season title and the program’s first-ever trip to the Final Four in her junior season. The catcher led Cumberland County with a staggering .700 batting average. Gray’s Creek softball coach Stuart Gilmer described Aldridge as “consistent, dependable” and capable of performing in the toughest of situations. He also praised Aldridge for her ability to keep attention on the team and her teammates rather than herself. “It just shows what type of character Kylie has. She has great character and always wants to make sure the team’s successful before she’s successful,” Gilmer said. “In turn, that helps her be successful. When you put your teammates first and your team first, your achievements and accolades will follow.” He has no doubts Aldridge will be able to maintain that high level of play and high level of character at the next level. “Whatever Kylie does, she’s gonna be good at it,” Gilmer added. “She’s gonna put in the work to make sure she’s the best at what she does. Her softball career at Virginia Tech, I can’t wait to hear big things about her. Later in life, she’s gonna do big things.” In her final season on the volleyball court, Aldridge helped Gray’s Creek earn its sixth conference title in three years as she set a pair of personal records. Aldridge is Cumberland County’s all-time leader in career kills with 1,229 and set the single-season mark with 423 in her final season. Now, as she prepares for her final season of high school softball, Aldridge couldn’t help but get emotional Wednesday. “The goal is not to cry, but I’ve already failed,” Aldridge said as she reflected on her many memories with the Bears and beyond. The tears arrived again as her father, Vernon, gave her a final message to remember ahead of graduation and the move to Blacksburg. “Always love the game. Continue to be that kid that laid out your uniform the night before, woke up, and jumped into it the next morning,” Vernon said. “. … Chase your dreams and always remember we are behind you.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It doesn't sound like anyone in that room is surprised at her success. Kylie's College career: 196 starts, 186 starts, a .321 career batting average, 153 hits, 28 home runs, 119 RBIs, and a .990 fielding pct. in 795 total chances.