Florida's Rylee Trlicek Talks First Year Of College Softball, 2021

Now that the dust has settled a bit in the college softball world following COVID-19's cancellation of the second half of the 2020 season, SA has taken some time to catch up with current college softball student-athletes while they are quarantined at home.

Today's college softball player on display is Florida pitcher Rylee Trlicek, who was SA's 2020 Freshman Pitcher of the Year.

See SA's interview with Trlicek below.

Reflecting back on your first year as a Florida Gator, what did you learn and what was your favorite moment of the season?

Rylee Trlicek: I honestly learned so much more than I thought I would going into this season. Even though it was shortened, I don’t think I missed a beat. One of the most important things (I learned) was how much of a team it takes to be able to play at this level and how much the girls around you impact the way you play. Physically, everyone is talented enough when you get to that level. But, how strong you are mentally and the bond you have with your team takes you to the next level.

My favorite moment was our first tournament at USF. It set the tone for all of us and we were all so excited to play and see all our hard work (pay off). This game is so much fun, you can put everything behind you and just play to have fun. All the girls are all in for you.

Since you are not playing softball right now, how have you and your teammates been handling this situation? Have you found something to keep you busy?

RT: We get together once a week on a Zoom call for our team meeting and some of us get on 20 minutes early to catch up with each other. We look forward to those times. We also keep in touch through texting and social media.

Personally, I go fishing or go lay out on the beach all day, that has been taking up a lot of my time besides pitching and working out. And my teammate (and roommate at Florida) Julia Cottrill is here with me right now at my coast house to visit.

What do you think about the NCAA’s decision regarding eligibility?

RT: Letting the seniors come back was super great. I can’t even imagine the competition and how high the bar is going to be raised next year. Our team was super good this year and so to be able to have four returning seniors and six incoming freshmen, our team is going to be at a new level. I think it’s going to be awesome and I definitely have the mentality now not to take anything for granted.

What are you most looking forward to next year?

RT: Getting back with the girls and being able to play the game we all love. I will have a whole new respect for it. The best thing that will come out of this is the competition and the fight we will have next season.

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