NY1 Scholar Athlete Ruby K.: Turning a Second Chance into Softball Success

Ruby is a senior at The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, a school in our Young Women’s Leadership network.

By Rocco Vertuccio and Leisha Majtan
Scholar Athlete profile originally broadcast on Spectrum NY1 on May 14, 2026

Ruby knew she was always meant to be on the softball team.

She joined as a freshman but quit soon after, not feeling confident in her abilities. Unwilling to give up, she tried out again in her junior year.

“I came back, and I was really confident in myself, and I knew that softball was something I was really passionate about. So, I decided to join, and it worked out again. I made the team,” she said.

“I love being part of the team. I love being a captain. And just every part of the game is just so collaborative. And I know that everyone has my back,” she said.

The senior at The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria takes pride in her role as a starting pitcher and team captain.

“I’m very much a team mom. I want everyone to be on time, to be changed, and to be out of the school at a good time so that we can get there on time,” Ruby said.

Her leadership skills and kindness extend beyond the field.

Even with a schedule that also includes several advanced placement courses, soccer in the fall, documentary filmmaking, and volunteer work with the local little league, Ruby still manages a near perfect G.P.A. She credits softball with helping her to balance it all.

“I think collaboration is one of the most important things that softball has taught me. I’m collaborative on the softball team, and then I’m also collaborative working in school, and I think like collaboration is really important when it comes to school but also the rest of my life,” she said.

Follow our CollegeBound Month campaign to see where Ruby is going to college!