Wherever, Whenever: Joiner Can Play Anywhere on the Field 

Lady Scots senior a lineup mainstay even without a permanent position 

Highland Park softball coach Michael Pullen doesn’t always know where he’s going to put Kate Joiner in the field — he just knows he has to put her somewhere. 

The Highland Park senior’s versatility and skill at multiple positions has made her invaluable for the Lady Scots over the past four years, including two as a varsity captain. 

“The more positions you can play, the better off you are. It gives me more opportunities to play you,” Pullen said. “She’s a very unselfish player. She’s such a smart and athletic kid and has a great work ethic.” 

Joiner transitioned into softball from soccer prior to middle school and found a home at catcher when her select team, HP Bombers, didn’t have one. By the time she joined the Lady Scots a few years later, however, Audrey Schedler was entrenched behind the plate, leading Joiner to third base. 

“The plan was for her to play third base in her sophomore year and junior year, and then senior year, I didn’t know what we were going to do,” Pullen said. “Her natural ability and softball IQ allows her to play so many different positions. She’s probably got the best arm on the team.” 

Schedler wound up missing last season with a knee injury, accelerating Joiner’s timeline. After a standout season at catcher last year, she’s splitting time with Lili Rodriguez while moving around to third base, first base, shortstop, outfield, and wherever else she might be needed. 

“It’s nice to be that player he knows he can trust because he can put me anywhere,” Joiner said. 

Meanwhile, as the most experienced player on this year’s team, Joiner has embraced her role as a mentor to some of her younger teammates. She credits some of the lessons learned from past captains along the way. 

“Now I’m the senior,” Joiner said. “It’s fun getting to see the girls where I was in their position four years ago.” 

Pullen said the other part of what makes Joiner indispensable is her good eye in the batter’s box and ability to put the ball in play. Although her low stance cuts down on her power; Joiner has averaged more than 40 hits per season for HP. 

“She bats in the [No. 3 spot] for a reason. It’s not because of power, it’s because of consistency,” Pullen said. “She doesn’t strike out and she sure doesn’t walk. If it’s a strike, it’s Kate’s pitch. It doesn’t matter where it is. She’s going to hit it.”