Arapahoe senior softball pitcher/infielder Kayleigh Krueger never wants to see the abbreviation PO next to her name.

“Most pitchers are PO, which means all they do is pitch,” explained Krueger. “For me I like to help my team in pitching but I like to help in other ways too. I don't want to ever be a PO.”

Krueger, who is looking to continue her education at a college where she can major in engineering and play softball, came into this season with a 27-15 record and one save as a pitcher and has a .403 career batting average in 65 games.

“A majority of my family are engineers,” she said. “I've always been interested in engineering and math and science. If you are a civil engineer, it's about helping your community to help build like buildings and roads. It is giving back in that sense.”

Key stats:

In two games this season, Krueger has a 2-0 record, allowed three hits and struck out 20 batters in nine innings pitched. She has gone 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in.

Coach's take:

"She has been on varsity for four years and played a lot of softball in the summer. She did a lot of schoolwork. She is trying to increase her test scores because she is looking at high academic schools."

— Jeannie Maney, Arapahoe softball coach and Krueger's mother Jeannie Maney

Q&A with Krueger

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Rachel Garcia, who plays softball for UCLA. She is not a PO. She pitches almost every single game but hits fourth in their lineup and she is an all-around good player.

What would be a perfect performance in soccer?

Throwing no-hitters or one-hitters is nice but for me it's about getting my defense involved in a game.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

It's a tie between math and science.

What do you like to do away from softball?

I do TSA which is Technology Student Association. You basically compete in a bunch of STEM-based events.

What is your most memorable moment in high school softball?

Making it to regionals last year because that was the first time the softball program at Arapahoe has ever made it to regionals.

What rituals do you have before or during a game?

When I'm getting dressed I have a specific way to put on my uniform. I have a lucky pair of sliding shorts. When hitting, I always take a cut and then tap my bat on the plate.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Benchwarmers.” It is hilarious. I can quote almost the whole movie.

What is your favorite song?

“Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye.” I like oldies.

What do you think of the double first base in softball?

It is just more safe. I kind of like it because sometimes it's hard with just a single base if the base runner is running through and you are getting the ball.