A simple look at all of her awards reminds Mississippi State senior Kellie Wilkerson of all she has accomplished on the softball field at MSU. But to remember why she plays softball, all she has to do is run her fingers through her hair. Wilkerson, a three-time All-American, cut off 12 inches of her precious ponytail to donate to Locks of Love, an organization that donates hairpieces to children with medical hair loss.
“When I put my hair up it is a big reminder of all the things that God has given me,” said Wilkerson. “It can remind me of just how lucky I am to be able to play softball, some people aren’t able.”
Wilkerson heard of Locks of Love when one of her friend’s mom was diagnosed with cancer and began to lose her hair.
“I have always had long hair so that I could put it into a ponytail during games and practice,” said Wilkerson. “After I watched my friend’s mom lose her hair I thought, ‘what do I need this much hair for?’ I decided that I would do something good with it.”
With her new reminder, Wilkerson has picked up right were she left off on the softball field. After 17 games, she is leading or tied for the team lead in five offensive categories including home runs (3) and hits (21). As a pitcher for the Bulldogs, Wilkerson is second in wins (2), second in strikeouts (20) and first in saves (4).
Last season Wilkerson led the SEC in saves with 10, but with her four saves already this season she is just two away from the NCAA career record.
“I didn’t know anything about that,” said Wilkerson. “I just want to go on the field everyday and help my team in the best way I can. Whether that be at first, in the outfield or as a pitcher, I just want the team to win.”
And win the Bulldogs have this year. Led by Wilkerson, MSU is ranked No. 22 in the country and sport a 12-5 record. The Bulldogs have already defeated the No. 1 team in the country, Arizona, and three other ranked teams on this young season.
With the success of the team and all of her awards and honors, it would seem that there would be nothing else that Wilkerson could ask for. But there are still a few more.
“I would really like to help this team win a SEC title and get to the World Series,” said Wilkerson. “I have been to three, but have never played in the series. I want my teammates to just get to experience the atmosphere. “All of the awards do not mean anything if my team is not winning. I mean, they are the reason that I am able to get the awards anyway.”
While she has been a big contributor in the early-season success of the Bulldog softball team, Wilkerson takes none of the credit.
“We have just become so much more of a team this season. Everyone is cheering on everybody else,” said Wilkerson. “Last year we were individuals on the field, this year we are a team. That has made all the difference.”
On and off of the softball diamond Wilkerson leads by example. Whether she is running down fly balls in the outfield, or cutting off her hair for someone else, she is a leader.
“Everybody should think about how much they have. Not everyone is blessed with everything that we have.” said Wilkerson. “I want to encourage everyone to help out someone less fortunate. Girls and guys can do it. And you could make someone else’s dreams come true.”