LA PAMPA, Argentina – 21 year old Kailas Mack (Mvskoke/Seminole/Absentee Shawnee) is currently competing in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WSBC) 2025 under-23 Men’s Pan American Championship for Team USA. The Mvskoke citizen is the only Indigenous player and only Oklahoman selected for the team. The tournament runs from Sept 13-20 in La Pampa, Argentina.
Mack has been playing softball competitively for nearly 8 years, having started when he was 14 years old. He remembers watching his family and friends compete in the Choctaw Labor Day Festival in Tuskahoma- when they were short one player, Mack filled in.
Mack’s position when playing softball tournaments is usually outfield, however he can play in any position besides pitcher.
“I enjoy the competition. Fastpitch has a great amount of good players from here locally, to all across the world. I enjoy playing here in Oklahoma and playing outside of the state. Meeting new people and traveling to new places is also other things about the game I enjoy. Playing with my family is another great thing I enjoy about the game,” Mack said.
Seven other teams will be competing in the continental event: Venezuela, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic,Guatemala, and Peru. The tournament is a qualifier for the 2026 U-23 Softball World Cup in Columbia, and if Mack’s team places in the top two they’ll be competing against other region’s top teams.
When Mack got picked to play he was very thankful and humble to get the opportunity to compete on the international level and “show the world that a small town stecate can compete,” Mack said.
He feels great being part of the team, representing his country and competing against other country’s best players.
“It was great to hear that I made the team. I was pretty nervous the whole time after tryouts, but I never showed it. I was at my ground and I was pretty busy and not thinking about it. However, someone told me to check my phone and there the official roster announcement was so I was pretty happy to see that. It caught me off guard as well,” Mack said.
He feels grateful to be able to have the support and love from his family and friends knowing they are always there for him. The thought comforts him. “That kind of support is very important to me, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today and who I am today,” Mack said.
Mack’s main motivator is his son. “He motivates me everyday when I wake up and tackle life. For softball, he motivates me to give everything my all and play hard,” Mack said. “I just want to show him that whatever path life puts you on, there is always greatness waiting, if you put in the work and keep striving”
Traveling to South America will be a new experience for Mack, who has flown all over the United States but never out of the country. He’s excited to see where this journey goes, on and off the field.
“I would like to say thanks to every player and coach I’ve received advice from and helped me craft my game. Their advice really helps me out,” said Mack. “I also want to give thanks to my Mack family, from playing softball at our grandma Mack’s house to playing in the tournaments together, those times are also what help motivate me to play the game.”
“I’m very thankful for my loving and supporting partner Kailey for the long days being at the field and always having my back in everything.”
To follow the Mack, TEAM USA, and the tournament visit wbscamericas and gametime.sport on Instagram.
