Washington State University Athletics
Kyle Russell: Passing the Torch Through Family Values
July 22, 2024 | Baseball
by Evan Charney (Edward R. Murrow College of Communication)
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It was an off-day for the Washington State University baseball team, gathered along the Snake River 30 minutes south of Pullman, fishing for bass. Senior shortstop Kyle Russell led the excursion as he often does.
Bass fishing is just one of activities Russell and his teammates enjoy together during their free time. As a team leader, Russell makes a point to include new players in the fun. Russell, who is in his last season as a Coug, said he enjoyed many of the same activities, including golf, with former Coug teammates-turned-MLB players.
Russell said he could always get feedback from his older teammates, such as fellow infielder Kyle Manzardo who now plays in the Cleveland Guardians organization. He said he looks up to his former teammates not just for their talent, but also for their strong character.
"You strive to be a great person before a great baseball player," Russell said.
Russell said he hopes to be a role model for the younger players, passing the torch of wisdom from the old to the new.
"He's the guy on the field and in the locker room that keeps us together," said WSU catcher Jacob Morrow. "He's like a spark plug for us. It's great to have Russ not only as a teammate, but as a friend as well."
While his former teammates hold a special place in his heart, Russell said this year's team is closer than those of seasons past. His teammates look out for and check up on each other often. He said it's nice to have their support.
Russell understands the value of supportive teammates in challenging times. His teammates were there for him when his grandfather passed away during Russell's freshman year. Russell said his grandfather was one of his most significant role models.
           He said he relies on his family for support, in addition to his teammates. His first year at WSU he was fortunate to have both in one. He shared the field that first season with one of the most important people in his life, his brother Cody.
"My brother's always there. We're always by each others' sides," Russell said. "He's an inspiration to me in everything I do."
The brothers grew up playing baseball together, pushing each other to be the best athlete, which Russell said is at the root of his competitive nature. Russell said Cody played with him for two seasons at WSU, until Cody transferred to North Carolina State University.
Cody recently added a baby boy to his family, making Russell an uncle for the first time. Russell said he holds family atop his list of values and takes pride in his new nephew. He said he strives to spend as much quality time with his family as he can, whether bonding over baseball or fishing around his community.
Russell shares his values with his teammates, and that includes bonding over fishing. As the WSU baseball team bonded by the Snake River, Russell pulled his career-best four-pound smallmouth bass off a hook. He smiled because it reminded him of fishing back home with his family, and because he now has similar memories of good times with his teammates.
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It was an off-day for the Washington State University baseball team, gathered along the Snake River 30 minutes south of Pullman, fishing for bass. Senior shortstop Kyle Russell led the excursion as he often does.
Bass fishing is just one of activities Russell and his teammates enjoy together during their free time. As a team leader, Russell makes a point to include new players in the fun. Russell, who is in his last season as a Coug, said he enjoyed many of the same activities, including golf, with former Coug teammates-turned-MLB players.
Russell said he could always get feedback from his older teammates, such as fellow infielder Kyle Manzardo who now plays in the Cleveland Guardians organization. He said he looks up to his former teammates not just for their talent, but also for their strong character.
"You strive to be a great person before a great baseball player," Russell said.
Russell said he hopes to be a role model for the younger players, passing the torch of wisdom from the old to the new.
"He's the guy on the field and in the locker room that keeps us together," said WSU catcher Jacob Morrow. "He's like a spark plug for us. It's great to have Russ not only as a teammate, but as a friend as well."
While his former teammates hold a special place in his heart, Russell said this year's team is closer than those of seasons past. His teammates look out for and check up on each other often. He said it's nice to have their support.
Russell understands the value of supportive teammates in challenging times. His teammates were there for him when his grandfather passed away during Russell's freshman year. Russell said his grandfather was one of his most significant role models.
           He said he relies on his family for support, in addition to his teammates. His first year at WSU he was fortunate to have both in one. He shared the field that first season with one of the most important people in his life, his brother Cody.
"My brother's always there. We're always by each others' sides," Russell said. "He's an inspiration to me in everything I do."
The brothers grew up playing baseball together, pushing each other to be the best athlete, which Russell said is at the root of his competitive nature. Russell said Cody played with him for two seasons at WSU, until Cody transferred to North Carolina State University.
Cody recently added a baby boy to his family, making Russell an uncle for the first time. Russell said he holds family atop his list of values and takes pride in his new nephew. He said he strives to spend as much quality time with his family as he can, whether bonding over baseball or fishing around his community.
Russell shares his values with his teammates, and that includes bonding over fishing. As the WSU baseball team bonded by the Snake River, Russell pulled his career-best four-pound smallmouth bass off a hook. He smiled because it reminded him of fishing back home with his family, and because he now has similar memories of good times with his teammates.
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Players Mentioned
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