Catcher Presley Kilgore, a freshman from Emory, Texas, joined the Aggies for the 2027 season. Kilgore earned four varsity letters at Rains High School while garnering All-State and Academic All-District honors and being named RHS Offensive Player of the Year.
Get to know one of the newest Aggies below.
What made you commit to Texas A&M?
Texas A&M feels like a home away from home. From the campus, to how welcoming everyone was during our visits, it always felt like home. Once I started school here, that feeling never changed. Everything you experience during recruiting is genuine and that welcoming environment carries over into everyday life.
What drew you to the catcher position and what do you enjoy most while playing behind the plate?
Both of my brothers played baseball growing up, and my oldest brother was a catcher. I always looked up to him and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Catching is a major leadership position, especially at the collegiate level. You have to take charge and communicate across the field, which is something I really enjoy. Being behind the plate just feels like home to me.
Are there any professional catchers that you looked up to or modeled your game after?
Adley Rutschman (of the Boston Red Sox). I really admire how he came into the MLB as a rookie, established himself, and made a name for himself through his performance behind the plate.
What has been the biggest adjustment to catching at the collegiate level?
The biggest adjustment has been adapting to the coaching style. Growing up, you work with different coaches who all have their own techniques and approaches. At the collegiate level, the coaches spend hours studying film and developing their methods. Learning to adjust to their style has been challenging, but I believe it's making me a better player.
How do you approach building trust and chemistry with your pitchers?
Spending time with them both on and off the field. Building strong relationships outside of softball is just as important as working together during practice. Having that connection is the biggest key to developing trust and chemistry.
What is one part of your game you’ve been working hard to improve on?
Definitely my catching, especially building relationships with the pitching staff. Even outside of practice, I'll ask a pitcher if they want to throw a bullpen. It gives me an opportunity to better understand their game while improving my own skills. We're both getting extra work in and improving together.
Who has had the biggest influence as a softball player and what have they taught you?
I would say (2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner) Grace Lyons. Growing up I watched her play at Oklahoma, and what stood out to me most was how she glorified God through softball. She reminded me that there's something bigger than the game itself, and that perspective has had a major influence on me.
What are you looking forward to the most about playing in front of the 12th Man?
The 12th Man creates an incredible environment wherever they go. It gives you goosebumps whether you're on the field or cheering from the stands. Knowing you have that kind of support behind you, no matter what, gives you so much confidence when you're out there playing.
What is one goal you set for yourself during your freshman season?
My biggest goal is to leave everything on the field. I want my teammates to know that I gave my heart and my best effort in every aspect of the game.
If you weren’t a catcher, what position would you want to play and why?
I would probably want to be a pitcher. As a catcher, I'm used to being on one side of that partnership, so I think it would be pretty cool to experience the game from the other side.
Do you have any pregame routines or superstitions?
I always put my head down and pray before a game.