Mililani Softball Standout Balances Sports And Motherhood
Kylie-Ann and Khloe-Ann Bello.
Even a season away from the softball field couldn’t undermine Mililani standout Kylie-Ann Bello’s momentum.
Although she missed the entire 2014 season (and the Trojans’ state championship run) while preparing to give birth to her daughter, Khloe-Ann, you would never know she’d been away from the game, given Bello’s production this spring.
Outside of her softball life, much has changed for Bello, obviously.
“It (having a child) has taught me a lot,” Bello said. “It matured me and has helped to prepare me for the future.”
As Bello is still a high school student, she depends on her family to help raise Khloe-Ann.
“My parents (George and Charly) usually watch her, depending on their work schedules,” said Bello. “When they’re not available, I bring her to practice and my coaches will help watch her.”
Mililani head coach Rose Antonio was among those who pushed Bello, who was already being recruited by colleges as a sophomore, to return.
“My teammates and coaches helped me to come back,” said Bello, who is batting .435 for the Trojans. “(Coach Antonio) had me promise I would come back for my senior year and give it my all.”
The rewards of competing for another state championship and giving birth have been many.
“I like the normal ‘Mommy’ things,” she said. “Seeing her grow and do things for the first time, like sitting up, or calling my name for the first time, or walking for the first time.”
Back on the softball field, it will be business as usual for Bello and the Trojans, who close out their regular season at 3 p.m. Thursday with a road date against Leilehua. Bello recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest softball-related memory?
When we went to Irvine (California) in 2006 and won the nationals in BobbiSox (youth softball). That’s probably the first big memory I have.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (George). He’s been training me and pushing me to be a better softball player ever since I started playing. He wants the best for me.
What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My dad helped me with my hitting and my all-around game just to help get me back into the groove.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing the dishes because I don’t like to get my hands in all of that.
What movie could you watch over and over? Fast and Furious 7.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? I like all kinds of music, depending on the situation. I like local music more (than others).
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? With my daughter, my boyfriend (Henry), and my family and friends. We usually either go shopping or to lunch, or we play different games together.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself working in the medical field.
You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? That’s a hard one because I love food. I’d probably say sushi or kalua pig and cabbage.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (The late actor) Paul Walker.
jackster.1969@yahoo.com
