Bartlett’s Zierke commits to Temple

Sometimes things happen suddenly and before you expect.

That’s what happened to Bartlett junior catcher Kaylyn Zierke, who on Wednesday announced her decision to accept a scholarship offer from Division I Temple University in Philadelphia.

“They found me at a softball tournament in Florida and when I went and visited I saw what a beautiful city it is,” Zierke said. “I felt like it was the place I belonged.”

Zierke, who plays for the New Lenox Lightning Gold travel team, competed in the Rising Stars tournament in Florida in November and caught they eye of Temple coach Jo DiPietro and his staff. She visited the campus in early January.

“It just kind of happened,” said Zierke, who will study business and marketing in college. “I’ve always wanted to get out of Illinois and explore.”

Zierke, who also visited Indiana State, hit .324 with 2 home runs and 27 RBI for the Hawks last season. She also had 7 doubles and struck out just 10 times in 105 at-bats.

“I’ve been blessed with a nice long string of quality catchers and Kaylyn is the latest in that line,” said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. “She’s a wall behind the plate, she’s got a great arm and she has power I don’t think we’ve seen all of yet. She practices martial arts and she’s a unique athlete and a great competitor.”

Temple, which plays in the Atlantic-10 Conference, was 22-23 overall last season. DiPietro, also the manager of the Philadelphia Force team of the National Pro Fastpitch league, is entering his third season as the Owls’ head coach.