Southwest's Tjossem Leads On and Off the Field

When 2011 Southwest graduate Kyle Tjossem begins college this Fall at Iowa State University, the hustle and bustle of college life might not be such a tough transition. If anyone’s used to balancing time and activities, it’s him. 

Tjossem earned six varsity letters while at Southwest—three for baseball, and one a piece for soccer, swimming and for diving—and captained the baseball squad that upset Richfield and Edina en route to a fourth place regional finish.

“The most rewarding thing was all the fun I had playing all those sports,” said Tjossem. “I think that helped my academics, too, because it made finish everything on time.”

As a senior, Tjossem was also a starting forward for Southwest's soccer team, finishing second in state and setting the team state record for fewest goals allowed in a season at three.

“Kyle worked very hard throughout his high-school career,” said varsity baseball coach Jared Mountain. “He led by example, and was a hard-work, determination and hustle type leader. When your best players work hard, it trickles down to everyone in your program, and that’s what Kyle did.”

That hard work began to pay dividends his junior year, when Tjossem was chosen to attend a leadership conference through the Minneapolis Public Schools, a conference that he says prepared him for the responsibilities of being a captain.

“Being a captain pushed me not only to be more of a leader, but to play better while serving as a role-model for some of the younger kids on the team,” said Tjossem.

And play better he did. As the team’s starting shortstop, Tjossem played in all 24 Laker games in 2011, batting .357. He led the Lakers in runs scored (26) and triples (4).

“Every time a ball was hit near him in the playoffs, he fielded it and he made some big-time plays at really big moments,” said Mountain.

While Tjossem had many highlights in his athletic career at Southwest, he says he’s most proud of the baseball team’s memorable 2011 playoff run.

“Being on of only four teams in Coach Mountain’s time to get to the final four in districts is really special,” said Tjossem. “It was just special to get that far with those guys.”

Although Tjossem won’t be playing any varsity sports at Iowa State, he says plans to try out for the club baseball team. What’s for certain is that regardless of his future athletic endeavors, he’s left a lasting mark on the Southwest community.

“Kyle showed that you can be a multiple-sport athlete and still be successful on and off the field,” said Mountain. “He leaves the mark of hard work and determination, and he’s also a great young man off the field. He always has a smile on his face and brought a tremendous attitude every day.”