Freshman Iylah King Emerges as Sparkplug at Top of Lady Leps’ Lineup

Iylah King is just a freshman but she’s been a sparkplug for the La Grange softball team which is headed to the second round of the playoffs this week.

As the speedy leadoff hitter in the lineup, King is constantly starting rallies for the Lady Leps this season. She had a pair of hits, including a triple and scored two runs in last week’s 10-0 playoff win over Almeta Crawford.

She’s also a strong pitcher and has closed out several games this season out of the bullpen.

“Being a slap hitter, she’s able to put the ball down, drag bunts, slap it. If they are playing shallow she can hit it over their heads,” La Grange softball head coach Robert Young, “She can manipulate the ball, I tell her, she’s like a golfer out there ... Her speed helps. Speed kills.”

We’re proud to honor King as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

Here’s our interview with her:

What has it been like to step into a key role for the varsity team as a freshman?

“I’ve had a lot of support from people on the field and parents and Coach Young and especially Landri (Hernandez, senior).”

What part of this team are you most proud of and what part do you feel like you need to work on the most?

“When others teams are up, we get upset. That needs some improvement. I’m proud that when we do get down, there’s always someone to get us back up.”

What’s your at-bat walkup song?

“I don’t really know the name of it, the seniors chose it but I like it.”

You have a unique first name. Is there an interesting story about why you are named that?

“I think it was a singer my mom liked.”

What other sports do you play?

“I play basketball and I

tried volleyball.”

What teammate in the La Grange dugout is the loudest?

“Melissa (Gonzales).”

All three of the La Grange softball assistant coaches (Hatti Moore, Hannah Gerecke and Blake-Ann Fritsch) won state titles here and went on to play college softball. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from them?

“From Coach Moore, she’s taught me to have fun ... Coach Gerecke, she makes me laugh at everything ... Coach Fritsch, she’s like my friend.”

If you could have dinner with three famous people, who would you pick?

“Beyonce, Rhianna and Britney Spears.”

What’s your all-time favorite memory on a softball field?

“One time my dad, we had this dress that my sister used for a church dance. I dressed in it and had flip-flops on and he had bought me my first bat, and we were out here on the softball field playing around.”

If you could take a trip anywhere this summer, where would you go?

“Hawaii”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“An orthodontist.”