Sophomore Kai McKee shakes off his nerves as he steps up to home plate and anticipates a fastball from the top of the mound.

McKee said athletics are a big part of his everyday life. Ever since he was in second grade, he said he’s dreamed of someday traveling the world and playing baseball for the Japanese team, the Chunichi Dragons. Although McKee said it’s a far-fetched goal, he aspires to play his best.

“I always remembered watching (the Chunichi Dragons) and liked the excitement I got from watching them play,” McKee said. “I wanted to be as great as them.”

McKee said he has always looked up to Major League baseball player Ichiro Suzuki because of his athletic ability. With nearly 3,000 hits in Major League baseball, McKee said Suzuki plays to a standard he wishes to achieve.

“He is Japanese and he’s a great player,” McKee said. “There’s something about the way he plays that makes me want to be just like him.”

According to McKee’s mother, Yurico McKee, Kai McKee originally didn’t enjoy playing baseball, but learned to appreciate it over time through practice.

“At first he didn’t want to play and wasn’t really into it,” Yurico McKee said. “After a few years, he started getting good at it and baseball became a good source of confidence for him.”

Kai McKee said he appreciates the sport because of differences from most high-intensity sports.

“You’re not rushed by time and you have to work as a team to come out with a good outcome,” Kai McKee said

According to Yurico McKee, being part of a team taught Kai McKee to improve himself on and off the field.

“Playing with teammates has definitely affected his life,” Yurico McKee said. “It’s not just him out on the field. If he does something good or bad, it affects the whole team.”

McKee said he also learned many lessons from baseball that have enriched his overall life, such as how to manage stress.

“Baseball has taught me to calm myself down in stressful situations, “ Kai McKee said. “It also helps me stay busy, keeps my mind off of things and overall stay well-rounded.”

Playing as a center fielder, Kai McKee said he mastered how to be an attentive player on the field and how to problem solve.

“During games, I love waiting for fly balls,” McKee said. “I think a lot about my surroundings, which runners are on base and who to throw it to.”

Yurico McKee said she enjoys watching Kai McKee play baseball and observing his progress over time.

“It’s nice to see him enjoy playing baseball and see him interact with kids his age,” Yurico McKee said. “I like to see what he has learned and how he applies that.”