From the time she was only 4 years old, John Rodgers knew that baseball would impact his daughter’s life. She takes after her dad in playing Shortstop and developed her own love of the game through playing softball. “We stuck her out there and the first time she picked up a ball, I knew she was gonna be special. She was that kid that didn’t have to be taught to slide. Could throw earlier and could hit earlier than any of the other kids.”
She’s been dedicated to the game ever since and hasn’t looked back as she strives to turn it from a passion to a career. She is constantly making adjustments which shows how serious she is about making it and posting them on Twitter. She plays middle infield, but loves playing shortstop, she knows what it takes to field the position by stating,
“I love it cause it’s a fast-paced position and it’s also challenging. I think some of the best infielders make it look easy. It is a skill that you continually work on, slot throws, footwork, timing, and transitions.”
Drawing Impressive Comparisons
After talking with her and her father, they both agreed on one player comparison in USSSA Shortstop, Shelby Pendley. That’s a huge comparison in terms of accolades as Pendley was Big 12 Player of the Year in 2013 and 2015, NFCA First Team All American in 2014 /2015, and was drafted 2nd overall in the 2015 NPF College Draft. “I feel like I’ve developed my own playing style by taking bits and pieces from other amazing athletes that I study as well.” Her own personal playing style allows her to be herself and make the adjustments she needs from day to day.
Her father agrees with her by saying “I would honestly say that Sky has a lot of each and everyone of those coaches with a twist of her own.” She has been able to learn a lot from her mentor and coaches as she’s been traveling to various places to hone her craft. She’s been to the University of Oklahoma several times and recently went to a prospect camp that she credited in helping her develop.
Adapting To The Situation
Like most student-athletes, Skyler was hindered by the impact COVID-19 had on sports. Practicing and learning to improve slowed drastically, but she didn’t let that stop her from getting creative and moving past that obstacle.
“It seemed like every place I could work out on my own or with coaches was shut down. My dad and I set up shop back in our garage. I spent numerous hours working on the tee, playing catch and wall ball, and transition work in my driveway.”
Her dedication to the sport and development as a player continued even with everything shut down and learning didn’t stop.
“We made due with what we had and was able to at least get some training in. Her work ethic is 2nd to none, she has always been extremely coachable and has learned and grown so much from constructive criticism.” Her father helped with adjusting to the “new normal” by getting creative with her training and being able to learn even in such a new environment is incredible.
The Future Looks Bright
Skyler Rodgers has some huge goals in life and her hard work and determination look to take her there. When asked about going to school in the future, she said “My top ones right now would be- Washington, Oregon, OU, Arizona, OSU or LSU.” All of those are well-respected schools and have their own talent and would be lucky to have a person like Skyler both on and off the field. She would love to get a scholarship for playing the game she loves which just shows how dedicated to the sport she is playing and ever-evolving in.
While she still has plenty of time to figure things out in terms of her future, she hasn’t decided what she would major in when she goes to school. “My other passion is art, particularly painting and drawing.” Having that creative mind shows why Rodgers is always wanting to improve and get better by whatever means necessary.
