The Concentric Wealth Management Gael Spotlight is a monthly feature story about Saint Mary's Athletics and a behind the scenes look at the Gaels.
 
MORAGA, Calif. – It's 1 p.m. on a Monday, and Louis Guisto Field on the Saint Mary's College campus is empty and quiet; an infrequent occurrence. In anticipation of the electric practice day ahead, Kylie Carlson arrives an hour early to set up the field. 
 
Carlson lifts a heavy batting practice screen and rolls it to first base, where it will protect Gabe Giosso and Matt Green from screaming line drives as they receive throws from infielders. She then heads to the shed to roll out the pitching machine and unravel the extension cord that will power this mechanical fire-baller.
 
Carlson knows that Gaels' hitters will get hundreds of high quality repetitions from this machine today, so she sets it up with the precision of a surgeon.  She heads down the line and flips the scoreboard on. Every strike, ball or out that is placed on this scoreboard will be a direct result of her attention to detail and focus on every pitch of the scrimmage game.  
 
Kylie Carlson is in her third season as an undergraduate manager with the Gaels. In her role as student manager, she assists with a plethora of tasks including practice drills, field preparation/setup, and running the press box on game days. A communications major and Clayton Valley Charter High School graduate, she is also an avid Oakland A's fan.
 
Carlson's passion for the game is evident in her daily work ethic and dependability for Gaels Baseball. When asked about what drives her commitment to the program, she explained, "I see how hard [the players] work and I want to replicate that because that's what this team deserves."
 
"She is a key contributor to the success of our program," Senior pitcher Ty Madrigal said of Carlson.
 
"Her job seems simple. She sees the practice plan and sets up the field. But, to do it like she does reflects a sharp understanding. It's one thing to move screens. It's another to understand the timing of practice and the intent of the drill," Head Coach Greg Moore said. "She sets up the screen spacing around bases, organizes a cage effectively so the players get the most out of the drill, among so many other things. Kylie knows the game and how to put the meat on the bones of a practice schedule. It reminds me of a chef who prepares food with love. Her attention is because she cares to make it right."
 
Come check out Gaels Baseball at Louis Guisto Field and be sure to keep an eye out for Carlson; she'll be the one taking care of business with a big smile on her face.