For Rylee Gable, time was on her side.

Last season, Gable went through an adjustment period with the Konkrete Kids’ softball program, and it would prove to be a rewarding one.

Through the Kids’ first 10 games this season, the time of this writing, Gable has been the team’s primary presence in the circle, going 8-2 with a 1.75 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 51 innings.

“Last year I was just getting comfortable at the varsity level and I got a couple starts,” reflected Gable. “This year, I approached the season with much more confidence in myself and the defense I have behind me.”

Heading into the season, Gable set her sights on reaching a comfort level within herself.

“In the offseason, I didn’t really work on one specific pitch,” added Gable. “My main focus this offseason was gaining command and confidence in all my pitches. Going into the season, this allows me to be ready to throw any pitch, to any batter, at any count, depending on the situation.

In her youth, Gable was introduced to the game through her family. A bond to the game was quickly formed.

“When I was younger, my cousin Victoria was a pitcher for Liberty High School and we went to watch her games a lot,” recalled Gable. “When my first 10-under rec season started, our team had no pitcher, so my dad being the coach, he told me that I had to learn.

“I was interested because of all the times that I have gone to watch my cousin and I wanted to be like her. I fell in love with pitching ever since.”

In middle school, Gable’s career took an upward swing.

“One of my favorite softball stories or memories is when I made the Northampton Middle School team in seventh grade,” said Gable. “Making the team was a big confidence booster for me and without Northampton softball, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Gable also has drawn constant inspiration from her father, Scott.

“The person who has had the biggest influence over my career is my dad,” beamed Gable. “My dad has been to all of my lessons and practices since I started softball. He pushes me to be the best version of myself every day. Also, if I have a bad game, my dad is the first one to pick me up and say how proud he is of me.”

Gable will continue her career at East Stroudsburg University (ESU), and it certainly will be a good fit in a few ways

“I chose ESU because during the recruiting process I went to a lot of their camps and the coaches were always so welcoming and nice,” gushed Gable. “The campus at ESU is very nice and it is close to home, which was a big factor for me.

“The team and the PSAC is also very competitive, which is what I wanted in a school. It was an instant choice. I am a planner and I like to have things set in my mind.”

Gable explored some other options, but there wasn’t any doubt.

“Going into my visit, ESU was my top choice and I had already done so much research on different programs,” added Gable. “My visit was just further proof that ESU was the place for me. I actually committed a day after my visit because everything felt right.”

Until then, Gable will continue to be a driving force for the Kids. head coach Kristy Henritzy expects her rapid development to reach another level.

“Rylee has progressed in multiple different ways but the one that stands out is her level of confidence and calmness in the circle,” boasted Henritzy. “She has better command over her pitches than she did last season. She has stepped into a leadership role for this team. Hannah Duerr as her catcher has had a huge influence on her.”

Gable sees her team on track to make an impact during the rest of the season and beyond due to their chemistry and togetherness.

“I think our team is coming together very well,” exclaimed Gable. “We are a group of talented players who trust each other a lot. We all have common goals for the season and as a team we have the intensity and grit to get us there.

“Our leadership is also very strong, which gives the team extra support. We also have a great coaching staff who pushes us to be the best athletes and people we can be.”