Honoring Caleb Kitelinger | Dodgeville, WI
At Ball to Life, we believe sports offer more than physical development—they shape young people into leaders, teammates, and positive forces in their communities. Our Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight honors athletes who exemplify character, leadership, integrity, perseverance, and dedication, both on and off the field.
Caleb Kitelinger – A Leader from a Young Age
One of my earliest memories of Caleb goes back to when he was about 9 or 10 years old. A group of us—myself, Caleb, and several other kids—were in the gym playing basketball, taking turns trying reverse layups and any other type of shot we could dream up. We were just having fun on the basketball court. But even on that casual day, something stood out: Caleb’s kindness.
Despite being young, Caleb treated everyone around him with a level of respect and care that you don’t always see—even in adults. That impression stuck with me. And over the years, as I’ve watched him grow from a distance, one thing has never changed: who he is at his core.
Whether he’s giving underclassmen rides home from practice or weightlifting sessions, leading by example in the gym, or simply making someone feel at ease—Caleb consistently leads the right way. His leadership is quiet but powerful, and it’s made a difference in the lives of those around him.
The Impact of “Coach Caleb”
Dodgeville High School Athletic Director Joey Martin once shared a story that captures Caleb’s impact perfectly.
Nearly a year ago, Mr. Martin’s four-year-old son attended a local Track and Field youth camp. While the young boy is enthusiastic about sports, the energy and crowd at the camp overwhelmed him. He retreated into a shell—until Caleb stepped in.
Caleb noticed him standing off to the side, walked over, and talked to him. Within minutes, the boy was running, jumping, and smiling. From that moment on, he didn’t want to be anywhere except where “Coach Caleb” was. Caleb made him feel welcome, included, and special—a small act with a lasting impact. To this day, that young boy still asks about “Coach Caleb.”
And that story isn’t unique. Caleb is often the one coaches and teachers turn to when younger students are struggling to find their place. He’s known for looking out for others, stepping up as a mentor, and making people feel like they belong. I have heard Caleb referred to as the ‘Big Brother’ to many underclassman. His impact during high school has been real—and it will only grow as he moves forward in life.
A Turning Point: Leaving Basketball to Find His Passion
Caleb had played basketball his whole life. But during the early part of his junior year, he hit a crossroads. The sport that once brought him so much joy no longer felt the same. While playing time played a part, it was more than that—he felt like he had lost a part of himself.
Making the decision to leave the team was incredibly difficult. Caleb isn’t a quitter—far from it—but this felt like failure. After he told his coach, he was filled with emotion and uncertainty. Questions swirled in his mind: Was this the right decision? Would I regret it? What would my parents think—especially with my dad being one of my past coaches?
On that day, as the emotions swirled, another coach/teacher, Coach Hayden Hardyman, stepped in. Caleb credits him with helping shift his mindset in that moment. Coach Hardyman told him to take that emotional moment and use it as motivation to move forward—to do something greater. He encouraged Caleb to head to the weight room and get a lift in before going home to help settle himself.
Caleb took that advice—and never looked back.
Fueled by the Weight Room and Family Support
From that point on, Caleb found his purpose and focus in the weight room. He became relentless about getting his lifts in—even on days the gym was closed. More often than not, he’d reach out to football coaches or find someone willing to let him in so he could keep working. This became his sanctuary and it would fuel him throughout the rest of his high school athletic career.
Caleb is incredibly grateful to those coaches who supported him, and especially to his parents, whose constant encouragement helped guide him through a challenging time.
As Caleb put it:
“Sometimes you have to leave something behind to discover your true passion.”
And he did just that. That spring, Caleb made another big decision—not to go out for baseball, and instead to join the Track and Field team. It turned out to be one of the best choices of his young life. He found his passion, one that he’ll have the opportunity to continue to do even past high school at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
In Caleb’s Words
1. Favorite sports memory growing up?
One of my favorite sports memories growing up is during my junior year and my first year back in Track and Field. I was a part of the 4×200 meter relay team that got 1st place and won the regional championship in Prairie Du Chien. During the year we had a lot of 2nd place finishes—especially in our conference, coming up just short behind Lancaster. Finally being able to win a race, and it being as big as it was, just made it even better. That’s why I cherish this one the most.
2. What lessons have you learned from playing sports?
Playing sports has taught me many different lessons that I’ll use to be successful in adult life. I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and how everyone needs to be bought in for us to succeed. I’ve also learned what it means to be a leader and a role model, especially as an upperclassman. Whether it’s giving a teammate a ride, checking in on someone going through something, or giving 100% every time I compete—it all matters.
Time management has also been huge. As a high school student-athlete with a part-time job, I’ve had to juggle schoolwork, practices, games, lifts, and work shifts. Some nights you get home late and still need to study or finish assignments. You have to plan ahead. If you’re not taking care of the ‘student’ part, you can’t be the athlete.
3. What are you most proud of about yourself (non-sport)?
I’m most proud of the person I’ve become. I credit my parents, coaches, teachers, and everyone who’s helped me grow into someone who is fun, kind, and hardworking. My parents set the standard early—be a good person, do your best, and always be kind. They’ve helped me stay focused in school and life, offering support whenever I needed it.
4. Do you think sports participation will impact your adult life?
Yes, definitely. I plan to continue my Track career at UW–Platteville this upcoming winter. I’ve always loved sports, and I can see myself coaching someday. The life lessons I’ve learned—discipline, leadership, and resilience—will help me succeed in college and in my goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. I want to help people regain their strength and confidence.
5. Anything you’d like to share about yourself?
I’m a hardworking individual who takes pride in doing a good job in anything I do. I have a passion for sports and weightlifting, and I’m driven to accomplish any goal I set for myself.
Looking to the Future
Caleb will attend the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in the fall of 2025, majoring in Biology and continuing his career in Track and Field. His goal is to become a Physical Therapist so he can help others regain their physical strength during challenging times.
He offers this advice to younger athletes:
“Work hard to be the best you can be at anything you do—and don’t be afraid to give something up if it helps you find your true joy.”
Caleb is especially thankful for his parents, who’ve been a constant source of support and inspiration. He also credits his coaches and teachers for encouraging him, believing in him, and helping him shine in ways he never thought possible.
Congratulations, Caleb!
We are honored to recognize Caleb Kitelinger as a Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight recipient. His future is bright—not just because of what he’s accomplished, but because of the person he is. We’re confident that Caleb will continue to impact lives, lead by example, and make a difference wherever he goes.
BtL
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