All she does is win

Kelsey Hora enjoys final season of an incredible softball career

By Jeff Yoder
Posted 3/24/21

Kelsey Hora has always been a winner.

From her first varsity start as an eighth grader at Highland, to Saturday’s sweep of St. Catherine University, the Coe College senior has won at every …

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All she does is win

Kelsey Hora enjoys final season of an incredible softball career

Posted

Kelsey Hora has always been a winner.

From her first varsity start as an eighth grader at Highland, to Saturday’s sweep of St. Catherine University, the Coe College senior has won at every level.

For each of the last eight years, Hora’s teams have finished each summer or spring with a minimum of 21 victories and a winning percentage of at least .700.

Except for 2020.

The Kohawks arrived in Leesburg, Florida expecting to play 14 games in nine days. Instead, they played two and then their season was over.

“When we got the news last year that our season was over, it crushed all of us,” Hora said.

“We weren’t able to showcase all that hard work we put in. We were a young and hungry team ready to prove we shouldn’t be underestimated, and that same energy has carried on into this year.”

The Kohawks are off to a 4-2 start this season, winners of three in a row after 4-3 and 3-1 wins over St. Kate’s on Saturday. Hora finished the day with two singles, a double, two stolen bases, a run, and an RBI.

More important to Hora were the two wins, and another day out on the diamond with her teammates.

“Having last season taken from us makes me appreciate every moment I get on the field even more,” she said. “It made me realize how much I was taking for granted. Not only the game but my teammates and coaches.

“Enjoying every moment and not taking a day of work for granted has been my mindset this year.”

Hora started her college career with a year at Des Moines Area Community College, and was part of a third-place finish at the NJCAA Div. II World Series. Hora hit .400 and was 19-19 stealing bases during a 48-2 season for DMACC.

She joined the Kohawks and former Huskie teammate Courtnee Hahn for the 2019 season. Coe College coach Diane Meyer tried to recruit Hora out of high school, and was excited to have her join the Kohawks as a sophomore.

“She has been a big and bright shining star since arriving on our campus, not only as a softball player and awesome teammate, but as an important part of the Coe Community as a student athlete,” Meyer said. 

“She has excelled in the classroom in her quest to go to grad school to be a physical therapist.  Her academic course load has been really crazy for three years, yet she has persevered, while also continuing to be there for her team at every turn!”

Hora hit .394 in her only full season at Coe so far. She was 31-33 stealing bases and scored 41 runs as Coe finished the season with a record of 33-11.

“Kelsey is a complete player,” Meyer explained. “She has all the softball tools - super fast, strong arm, gets great reads and jumps on balls hit to the outfield, tough out at the plate because of her great hand/eye coordination, terrific softball knowledge and she just knows how to play the game the right way. 

“Her presence on our team has made us so much better since the first day she stepped on campus in the fall of 2018. Everyone who has had the joy of being her teammate will never forget her. Not only for her talents as a softball player but also because of the funny, kind and caring person that she is.”

After missing her junior season, Hora is looking forward to enjoying one last campaign with a fun group of teammates.

“I absolutely love this team and my coaches,” she said. “I feel as though I could talk to anyone about anything. Even after spending 3-5 hours a day with my teammates we still choose to hang out with each other in our free time. We are just a bunch of goofy girls with a love for the game. I have definitely made many lifelong friends on this team.”

Hora, a 2017 graduate of Highland, started all 140 games from her eighth-grade season through senior year, finishing with a record of 110-30.

She was a four-time IGCA 2A all-state team honoree, including a three-time first team selection.

Nicknamed “Peanut” for her small stature, Hora finished her career with 246 hits and scored 216 runs. She stole 198 bases and was caught stealing only seven times in five seasons.

She did more than put up astronomical offensive numbers - she made winning plays. As a freshman centerfielder in 2014, Hora threw out the tying run at the plate to send Highland to the state tournament with an 11-10 win over Pella Christian. The Huskies would finish fourth in the program’s third appearance in the state tournament.

“During my time at Highland, the standards that were held there helped prepare me for the standards I need to uphold here,” Hora explained.

“I forever appreciate all the support I got from the Highland community. Whether it was from coaches, teammates, fans, or family they all wanted to see me succeed and I continue to feel that love even into college.”