CLEMSON — The Clemson Insider sat down with Clemson freshman Kylee Johnson of the softball team recently.

The Tigers’ 2024 campaign begins on Feb. 8 in Clearwater, Fla. at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Clemson’s first 11 games will be on the road with the Tigers returning for their home opener on Friday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. against Ole Miss to kick off the Clemson Classic.

Here is an inside look at who Johnson is and her thoughts about playing for Clemson.

Where are you from? “I’m from Tampa, Florida.”

Tell us something about yourself. “I started playing softball when I was three or four years old. I started in tee ball, so I’ve played my whole life and my dad played football and baseball in college at USF.”

Tell us something about you that your teammates do not know. “I ran track for a little bit, and I loved it. I ran the 100 (meter), the 200, the 4×1 and I also did the high jump.”

What do you like about Clemson? “I love the family atmosphere. Everyone is so supportive, the fans, the team, the coaches and everyone here is just so loving.”

Other than softball, what is your favorite sport to watch? “Gymnastics.”

Who is your favorite professional team?  “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers”

Who is your favorite athlete?  “(Teammate) Julia Knowler, my roommate”

What is your goal for this season? “To be a good teammate and our saying is ‘break the door down,’ so definitely just do whatever I can to take part in that. So, we made it to Super Regionals, and haven’t made it past, so that’s the door. Breaking down Super Regionals to get to the (College) World Series. I definitely think this team has all the puzzle pieces. We can make it very far this year.”

—photo courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications