When Kamryn Allin arrived at UBCO in 2023, she came to Kelowna’s university program as someone who already knew the local softball community well. She had grown up playing for Kelowna Minor Fastball, spent countless hours at the fields, and developed a love for the game in a family where softball was simply part of everyday life. Now, as she prepares for her final season, she’ll finish her university career on the same fields where it all started.
Looking back, Allin credits her family with giving her every opportunity to succeed, while also allowing her to become her own player. “There was never any pressure to follow a certain path or be a certain type of player,” she said. “They trusted me to figure that out for myself.”
“They never tried to tell me who I needed to be as an athlete, but they gave me the tools to become a successful one. A lot of what I know about the game came from being around people who were passionate about it and willing to share what they had learned.”
While much of her family played in the infield or circle, Allin found her own identity behind the plate. “Becoming a catcher helped me create my own identity within the game,” she said. “At the same time, growing up around so many pitchers gave me a unique perspective on what they need from a catcher and how important that relationship is to a team’s success.”
That position naturally pushed her into leadership roles, but she says university softball changed the way she thought about what leadership actually looks like.
As an 18-year-old freshman, she was suddenly catching athletes several years older than her while still trying to earn her own place within the program. “One of the biggest lessons I learned was that leadership isn’t just about having a voice, it’s about understanding how and when to use it,” she said. “I relied heavily on the older athletes in our program during my first few years, and watching the way they carried themselves taught me just as much about leadership as any leadership role I held myself.”
“Looking back, I think that experience made me a better leader because it first taught me how to be a good teammate and follower.”
That willingness to learn has been one of the things her coaches have appreciated most. They describe Allin as someone who brings consistency, a strong work ethic, and leadership every day, whether she’s competing on the field or helping the program in other ways.
Those “other ways” have become a big part of her legacy at UBCO. Over the past few seasons, Allin has been responsible for much of the team’s social media presence, creating graphics, player features, and game-day content that helped give the program a stronger identity online. For her, that work was never just about making posts. “I’ve always believed that you get out of a program what you put into it,” she said. “The more we invested in representing our team well, the more pride people felt being a part of it.”
“Things like media days, player features, game coverage, and team content aren’t just posts on a page. They help celebrate the athletes within the program and create a stronger sense of identity for the team as a whole.”
She also recognized the role social media plays in recruiting the next generation of athletes. “For many young athletes, Instagram is one of the first places they go to learn about a school and its team culture. If we could create a stronger presence and tell our story well, we could help attract future athletes and continue growing the program.”
It’s part of a philosophy that’s followed her throughout her university career. “I’ve always felt a responsibility to leave the program a little better than I found it,” she said. That mindset extends beyond UBCO itself. As a local athlete, she’s enjoyed having the opportunity to give back to the same softball community that helped raise her.
“Getting the opportunity to work with younger athletes, run camps, and help support their development has been incredibly rewarding because I see a lot of my younger self in those athletes,” she said. “Being from the Okanagan and having the opportunity to represent my community while wearing a UBCO jersey is something I’ve never taken for granted.”
Heading into her final season, Allin isn’t focused on personal milestones. Her goals are centered on the team. “More than anything, I want this team to win,” she said. “What I learned from last season is just how impactful a close team can be. We’re a better team when we trust each other, support each other, and enjoy the process together.”
When asked what she hopes people remember about her once her playing career comes to an end, her answer doesn’t mention statistics or accolades. “I hope people would say that I was a good teammate and someone they could trust,” she said. “If people remember me as someone who was reliable, worked hard, cared deeply about her team, and always wanted what was best for the program, I’d be pretty happy with that.”
Considering everything she’s invested in UBCO softball, both on the field and away from it, that’s probably exactly how she’ll be remembered.
