By: Jordan Blount
Kennesaw State women's basketball sophomore
Kailyn Fields is in her second season with the Owls. This past Sunday on the road against Chattanooga, the Atlanta native had three steals, three assists and four points to help the Owls defeat the Mocs, 64-42. She set a career-high earlier this season with 11 points at San Jose State. Get to know more about the KSU guard below!
Q) Do you have a pre-game ritual?
A) I listen to music, and my taste might surprise you—I enjoy a lot of classical piano pieces like Beethoven, Mozart, and others. When I'm not listening to classical music, I usually go for R&B—something mellow and chill that helps me clear my mind. I take three deep breaths and think back to a moment when I played and felt truly excited or in the zone.
Q) Why are you so passionate about basketball?
A) Basketball runs in my family—in fact, sports in general are a big part of our lives. But for me, it's especially my dad who inspired my love for the game. He played basketball in high school and growing up, and he passed that passion on to me. I played many sports, but basketball was the one that really stuck. It's always felt like the sport for me.
Q) Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
A) I play a lot of video games and used to stream on Twitch. I also enjoy drawing and reading. Right now, my favorite game is Valorant, a PC game played with a keyboard and mouse—it's technical and a lot of fun!
Q) Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model? And why?
A) My high school coach, Kiesha Brown, is someone I look to as a role model. I joined her team as a new junior, and even though I was just starting, she gave me the confidence to play my role and lead the team. I really looked up to her—she's not only a great coach but also an amazing player herself.
Q) How do you manage to keep your teammates feeling positive and motivated during a loss in a game?
A) As a point guard and team leader, it's my responsibility to lift up my teammates when they're feeling down, even after a tough loss. Even though I feel the sting too, I know I have to be a positive influence, helping everyone keep their heads up. Losses aren't just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn and grow, and I remind the team that each one can make us stronger.
Q) What is a piece the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches here?
A) Play with confidence and stay true to your game—don't let anyone influence how you play.
Q) How do you manage your team responsibilities, academic, and outside school activities?
A) I make sure to get all my work done early and ahead of schedule, so I always have time to focus on myself outside of basketball and school. As an athlete, balancing classes and practice doesn't leave much free time, so staying ahead of my assignments ensures I can carve out that personal time.
Q) What's a piece of advice you would give to a younger athlete wanting to play in the collegiate level?
A) My advice is to keep working. I don't want to say never take a day off, but always be thinking about the game. Play the game, work the game, and focus on improving your basketball IQ. It's not just about physical ability—basketball is about how smart you are on the court, how you read the defense, and how you anticipate plays. So, if you can, watch the game too. It's just as important as playing it.
Fields and the Owls are back on the court Friday, Dec. 13 at Florida Atlantic. Tip-off begins at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
