The coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team has announced that standout star Kinzie Hansen has committed.
In a significant development for the University of Oklahoma’s softball program, head coach Patty Gasso has officially announced the commitment of standout catcher Kinzie Hansen. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Sooners as they look to bolster their roster with a player of Hansen’s caliber.
Background and Early Career
Kinzie Hansen hails from Norco, California, where she attended Norco High School. During her high school tenure, Hansen distinguished herself as a formidable force on the field. She was named a first-team All-American, the CIF MVP, the league MVP, and the Press Enterprise Softball Player of the Year. Her impressive statistics included a .596 batting average, 31 hits, 29 RBIs, 11 runs scored, four home runs, and a .992 fielding percentage. Additionally, she earned all-league athletic and academic honors in all three of her seasons at Norco and received all-state recognition twice, leading her team to the CIF Championship in 2018.
Prior to her collegiate career, Hansen played for the OC Batbusters under coach Mike Stith. Her performance with the Batbusters was exceptional, contributing to a national runner-up finish in 2018. That summer, she posted a .460 batting average, 37 hits, 23 RBIs, 21 runs, 11 home runs, and a .990 fielding percentage, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier player.
Collegiate Achievements at Oklahoma
Upon joining the University of Oklahoma, Hansen quickly made her mark on the softball field. Over her tenure with the Sooners, she became a cornerstone of the team’s success. Notably, she played in 243 total games, averaging 54.75 games per season and starting 49.5 games each of her last four years. Her career statistics are a testament to her prowess: a .390 batting average, 60 home runs, and 268 RBIs. These figures place her among the elite players in Oklahoma’s storied softball history.
Hansen’s contributions were instrumental in Oklahoma’s remarkable achievements during her tenure. She played a pivotal role in securing four national titles for the Sooners, underscoring her status as a key player in the program’s success.
Defensive Excellence
Beyond her offensive capabilities, Hansen’s defensive skills were equally impressive. In 2024, she was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to her exceptional abilities behind the plate. That season, she committed just three errors over 214.0 innings at catcher, throwing out five runners at a 35.7% caught-stealing rate. Her performance allowed only 14 wild pitches, and she did not commit an error in conference play. These statistics highlight her as one of the premier catchers in collegiate softball.
National Recognition
Hansen’s talents extended beyond the collegiate level. She was named to the USA Softball Women’s National Team in 2022, representing the United States at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, where she hit .417 with two doubles, an RBI, and seven runs scored. Her international experience further honed her skills and broadened her impact on the sport.
In 2023, Hansen received the prestigious Johnny Bench Award, recognizing her as the top college softball catcher. That season, she batted .409 with 13 home runs, seven doubles, a triple, and 57 RBIs. Her postseason performance was particularly notable, including a game-tying three-run home run in the seventh inning of game two of the Super Regionals against Clemson, helping propel the Sooners to the Women’s College World Series.
Professional Career
Following her illustrious collegiate career, Hansen transitioned to professional softball. She joined the Oklahoma City Spark for the 2024 season, where she continued to showcase her skills. In her rookie season, she posted a .333 batting average with a .472 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging percentage, contributing 11 RBIs and three home runs over 27 games. Her leadership and performance were instrumental in the Spark’s success, including winning the inaugural Champion Cup in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Hansen’s commitment to the Spark for the 2025 season was announced on August 15, 2024. Her decision to return underscores her dedication to the team and her belief in its future prospects.
Graduate Assistant Role
In addition to her playing commitments, Hansen has taken on a coaching role with the University of Oklahoma softball team. She is serving as a graduate assistant coach, contributing her extensive knowledge and experience to the development of current players. This dual role allows her to continue her involvement with the Sooners while also advancing her career in coaching.
