n the Beacon Hills neighborhood of Winfield, the McClellan family has built their life around community, commitment, and a shared love for sports. Rylee McClellan,  16, is starting her senior year at Winfield High School, where she is a member of the WHS championship softball team. She lives with her parents, Krystal and Jerry McClellan, and her younger brother Cam, a rising 7th grader at Winfield Middle School who plays football and basketball.

Rylee’s softball journey began at the age of five when her parents signed her up for T-ball. “My friends played, and I wanted to play too,” she shared with Stroll Winfield. “From my very first practice, I fell in love with the game—and I’ve played ever since.”

Eleven years into her softball career, Rylee plays catcher and third base and is known for her composure, leadership, and clutch performances. One of her proudest moments came during this year’s state championship game. “It was the bottom of the seventh inning, two outs, and I had two strikes. I hit the ball to right-center, and the winning run scored,” Rylee recalled. “It was my favorite moment because all my hard work paid off, and it helped us win our third state title in a row.”

Her journey was shaped by many mentors, but one stands out. “Clint Cole, my travel ball coach for five years, always believed in me and pushed me to be the best player I could be. He took so much time to help me grow, and he’s a big part of the player I am today.”

Over the years, Rylee has earned several accolades, including First and Second Team All-Kanawha Valley, Second Team Cardinal Conference, and Honorable Mention in the same league. Still, for Rylee, team success means the most. “We’re all best friends on and off the field. We believe in each other, support each other, and grew up playing together. That’s what makes us strong.”

Rylee values the life lessons she has learned,  “Softball has taught me that you have to work hard to achieve big goals—nothing is handed to you. I’ve also learned that if you keep believing in yourself and your team, no matter what, good things will happen.”

Although college is the next step, in the meantime, she’s focused on making the most of her final season. “My high school coach, Coach Hensley, always tells us, ‘Be where your feet are.’ It’s a reminder to focus on the present and soak it all in. I think everyone should live by that statement, and enjoy things while they last.”

Her advice to younger players? “Always have fun. It goes by so fast, and there’s no time to stress. Just enjoy every moment and make the most out of everything.”

Great advice from someone our community is so proud of, let's hope that Rylee and her teammates have another championship season in 2026.