Elizabeth Kinkopf '20 Recruiting Profile

To whom this may concern, 

     When someone asks me why I am so passionate about softball, I tell them it is because of my Father. He was a huge sports fan and very athletic himself, so when he found out he was having a baby girl, the first thing he did was buy a softball glove. He put me in pitching lessons with Bobby Sparks as soon as I began formulating sentences. I guess you can say softball was my first language. 

During my Elementary years I played for great number of Club teams, but it wasn’t until my father passed that I stuck with the one team I valued most, AZ Kryptonite. After a series of unfortunate events, I had to leave the team that had become my family. I stayed consistent playing school softball, and later was able to join a new club team AZ Crush. 

No matter how many changes I go through in life, that one thing that will always be there for me is softball. To have my name printed on the back of a college jersey would not only honor my father, it would make all of our dreams come true. 

I love playing softball for me, but every-time I feel like giving up, I push myself just for him because I know he's watching down on me from the outfield rooting my name. As a pitcher, I know how it feels to have pressure, but like my dad always told me, "pressure is a privilege".  Before every pitch I take a deep breath in and out, because nothing can happen until I pitch that ball. 

Currently I the starting pitcher for my club team Crush. Last year I was honored top ten softball players at the Tempe All-City banquet with many other great athletes. My coach got to dedicate a speech that was all about me and It what comes out of hard work and dedication. Many years in a row I was awarded All region 1st team as a softball-pitcher. I have also been MVP for all 4 years and captain. In the past two years I have excelled my batting speed and have hit 7 home runs and 4 grand slams and many more to come. I believe my leadership and competitiveness would be a perfect match for your program.

On and off the field I am very competitive, wise, and positive. Naturally, I have the urge to beat anything that comes my way and I know what it takes to win a ball game. You have to be smart and that comes experience, since I have been playing for 12 years now, I have definitely grown as a softball player and have become a tougher person each day. I love winning games but losing a game is the reason why I am so strong, instead of beating myself up after every loss, I take a step back and realize what my team and I could have done better. Also, staying positive is the key reason why I am such a good pitcher. You cannot hang your head after an error, it shows that you cannot overcome the obstacles it takes to push through a tough game. Positivity is like a domino effect and If I see a teammate down I will pick them right up and then everyone else will follow my lead. 

I want to be the Dallas Escobedo for girls out their who are set back, no matter what you go through if you keep that faith inside you through all the hard-ship you will go far. I refuse to be just another statistic. I want to show other girls out their like me that you can make it no matter where you come from as long as you stay consistent and give it your all.