For most players, the spotlight comes on Friday nights, but for Kyan Redling, the work happened long before that.
Kyan stood on the sideline, in the film room, and in reps, most people never noticed his dedication to the game.
“I was thinking about my future and what would set me up for success,” said senior Kyan Redling.
Now that work has paid off with a commitment to St Olaf College.
The underdog Kyan Redling said, “St. Olaf is a top college in Minnesota, and it lets me stay close to home while still feeling like a new experience.”
The decision wasn’t just about football; no, it was about academics, environment and culture.
“I was super proud of Kyan when I first got the news. He’s a down-to-earth guy who really deserves all the good that comes to him,” said senior puck player Owen Atkinson.
“I chose St. Olaf because of its high standard of education and the brotherhood I felt from the program,” Redling stated. “The coaches seemed genuine and focused on helping improve as people, not just athletes.”
Redling’s senior season didn’t come with heavy game reps, but it became the turning point.
“I made sure I knew what to do in every situation,” Redling said. “If I got a series, I wanted to be ready. I memorized plays, asked questions and stayed locked in.”
That mindset changed how he approached the game and how he approached himself.
“It taught me I can be better at everything, not just football. There’s always room to improve in life.”
There were moments of doubt.
“I doubted myself when I didn’t get as many reps as I hoped,” Redling admitted. “But I visualized every play and kept working.”
What kept him going was simple: the belief that there is something to prove.
The coaches saw the improvement before most of the fans did.
“I improved by playing with more power and aggressiveness when I got chances,” Redling said. “I put 100% into every rep and into developing my technique.”
Off the turf, though, his focus shifted towards being a leader for his teammates, helping with school, staying connected and building trust.
“I wanted to focus on the success of the team more than just myself,” Redling said.
Now Redling heads into college with clear goals in mind.
“I want to earn time early, whether it’s special teams or the defensive line, and help build a positive culture,” said Redling.
He’s arriving with more motivation than a freshman trying to earn a varsity spot.
“I’m going to prove that a high school player can play at the next level if they put time and effort into the process,” Redling expressed.
What’s his biggest takeaway from this season, though?
Redling said, “This season taught me the discipline and commitment I need to play at the collegiate level.”
And his message to younger players watching from the sideline?
“The bench doesn’t mean you’re not going to play. It means you’re developing and preparing for when your moment comes,” said Redling.
Because development doesn’t always happen under the lights, sometimes it happens when no one is watching at all.
