The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.
For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Olivia Kinsey
THE BASICS
School: Park Hill South (Riverside, Mo.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Height: 5-foot-8
Athletic achievement: She led the Panthers (25-4) to the district finals this past season. Kinsey posted a 17-3 record with a 1.03 ERA in the circle and batted .429 with six home runs and 28 RBI. The Kansas City Star All-Metro Player of the Year, she also struck out 236 batters in 122.1 innings. Kinsey is a First Team All-State selection and is ranked as the nation’s No. 35 recruit in the Class of 2017 by FloSoftball.com.
Academic excellence: Kinsey has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of youth softball programs.
THE PRAISE
“Olivia Kinsey is the toughest pitcher we’ve faced for the past two seasons,” said Jairus Tapp, head coach at Staley High. “She’s a phenomenal player. I’ve been really impressed with her raw talent and her competitiveness. She’s just a bulldog.”
THE FUTURE: Kinsey will begin her senior year of high school this fall.