Kylie Saliby will be kickin’ it at the Ship, revealing her college choice during the National Letter of Intent early singing period held at Whitehall High School recently.

The senior will be heading to Shippensburg University next fall to play soccer after finishing an all-star campaign at Whitehall this season. Saliby was among three Zephyrs who were chosen for Eastern Pennsylvania Conference first team honors, with Saliby getting the nod as a midfielder.

Saliby said that upon her arrival at Shippensburg for a visit, she felt an immediate connection.

“I was attracted to this institution the minute I stepped on campus and I knew this is where I wanted to spend my four years,” said Saliby. “The atmosphere and community made me feel at home instantly.”

Saliby, who finished this season with eight goals and six assists, said that she didn’t have any definite school in mind, but once Shippensburg reached out to her during a tournament, she decided to plan a visit.

“The rest was kind of history,” said Saliby.

She said that she was considering a couple of other small schools that she liked as well, but her arrival on campus sealed the deal.

“As soon as I saw Ship, I knew it was the right fit,” said Saliby.

The Raiders, who compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, just completed their fall season. They wound up 7-10-1. They are coached by Rob Fulton who has guided the program for the last 13 years. During his tenure, he’s recorded over 100 wins, and has led them to four PSAC tournament appearances.

Saliby’s role as a midfielder required a lot of stamina and drive. Head coach Chris Bleam said that she expended a lot of energy on the field, and her hustle helped the Zephyrs gain berths in the EPC playoffs and district playoffs. She was also adept at corners, giving her attackers good chances to score as was the case in their win against Liberty in the District XI playoffs.

Saliby will be working tirelessly in the classroom as well at Shippensburg where she plans to double major in Early Elementary Education and Psychology.

Saliby wants to be a well-rounded student-athlete as soon as her college career begins. She wants to focus on both aspects of that college experience and get the most out of her four years.

“My goal for my four years as a Raider is to really focus on my academics and athletics and develop as a person and player,” said Saliby. “I hope to become a better athlete as well as student while studying and playing soccer.”

Saliby’s involvement with sports at Whitehall helped shape her life. It widened her experience and gave many moments to cherish.

“Being a student athlete at Whitehall High School gave me some of the best memories of my life,” said Saliby. “It taught me time management between sports and school. It also taught me pride and the amazing feeling of getting to represent your school on such a competitive level.”

With a varsity soccer career that spanned four years, she built up a lot of memories as the Zephs were constantly competing for league and district titles.

“My most memorable moment of my varsity soccer career would probably have to be not only this past season as a whole, but also beating Parkland for the first time in my high school career this season, and being able to contribute to every goal we scored in that game with two assists and one goal,” said Saliby. “This high school season brought me so many things and taught me so many lessons. I am beyond grateful for my teammates for an unforgettable season.”