Athlete Spotlight: Kylie Gates

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications   

SALEM, Mass.-  Our athlete spotlight focuses on the reigning MASCAC Player of the Week, women's basketball player Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.). Gates played two games during the week, combining for 34 points. She posted 14-points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals against Elms and had a 20-point, six assist performance in a win against Salve Regina.  

Gates was surprised by the acknowledgement. "I was happily surprised to be player of the week. This is my first time being recognized for this award and this achievement is extremely special to me. It lets me know that all the work I put in during the off-season has paid off."  

She expressed what her teammates and coaches said to her afterwards. "My coaches and teammates really made this award feel special to me. They all congratulated me, and it was great to hear all the kind messages from them! I'm lucky to have great teammates and coaches." 

She talked about how locked in she was against Elms and Salve Regina. "For the first game especially, it is always important to be locked in. As a senior, it's easier to adjust to nerves and relax. The first game [against Elms] gave me the chance to lock in for the season and set the tone for my play. By the second game, I wasn't nervous at all, just excited to play. We played great as a team versus Salve Regina, and we were locked in collectively to win that game." 

After going 4-12 from the floor during the home opener, Gates managed to bounce back, as she shot 6-10 from the field against the Seahawks. She explained what had changed during those two games. "I think in the game versus Elms I started off a little nervous, but as I adjusted, I was able to get into the groove of things. I went into the Salve game with more confidence, which I think helped my shooting overall." 

The criminal justice major, who will be starting her master's in the spring in accounting mentioned her routine before practice versus before the game. "The morning before practice I'll go for a light run. An hour or so before I leave for the gym I eat and then I listen to music. I don't run on game days, but I usually go get a coffee at Starbucks and make sure to listen to music to lock myself in." 

Her go-to meal is an omelet with a smoothie. 

As for her off-season routine to get in shape for the upcoming season. "For me I like to run to make sure I stay in shape. In the off-season I run around three miles a day and lift three days a week." 

The senior talked about a memory that stuck out to her. "A memory that sticks out to me is when we had a home playoff game last year. Having a home playoff game was awesome and the crowd was great. We're definitely looking forward to hosting a playoff game this year." 

Gates is taking on a new role for the Vikings this season as a captain. "I was named captain at the end of last season. Being a leader on this team is a great feeling. Abuk [Teng] and I work together to make sure the entire team is locked in, and our teammates are very receptive." 

Her parents are who Gates admires. "I admire both of my parents because they are very hard-working individuals. They sacrificed a lot for me to succeed and always supported me through everything."  

The Pembroke native talked about, who has uniquely impacted her as a basketball player. "My high school basketball coach really impacted me as a player. He had confidence in me and always made me feel as though I could achieve whatever I wanted to do." 

Gates spoke about some interesting facts that we don't know about her. "I have six siblings, my favorite food is sushi, and I can play the guitar." 

Gates and the Vikings will travel to Newton to face the Lasers of Lasell this Saturday.  Tip-off is at 1 p.m.