Kirsten graduated from Windsor High School and will be attending Dartmouth College, studying Pre-Medicine.

2000 Bad Apples 12U New York State Champions
Attended 12U ASA Nationals in Bloomington, Ind. Played 106 games.

2001 FireStyx 14U Attended ASA Nationals in Broken Arrow, Okla.

2002 FireStyx 14U New York State Champions.
Attended ASA Nationals in Columbus, Ga.

2003 FireStyx 16U Attended PONY Nationals in Cary, NC.

2004 STPS Ponies 18U Attended 18U ASA Nationals in Clovis, Ca.
(Finished 17th)

2005 STPS Ponies 18U New York State Champions.
Attended 18U ASA Nationals in Columbus, Ga.

2006 STPS Ponies 18U Attended 18U ASA Nationals in Owensboro, Ky.

Participation in ASA Softball and Future Plans

I began playing competitive ASA Softball when I was eleven years old for the Bad Apples. Not truly knowing what I was getting myself into, I was lucky enough to have stumbled upon the wonderful world of travel softball which has taught me valuable lessons and has also made numerous opportunities available.

I was lucky enough to play for three dedicated coaches throughout my career: Bob Clinton of the Bad Apples, Bob Pavelski of the FireStyx and Chris Sinicki of the STPS Ponies. Each of these men devoted so much time and commitment to my growth as a player that I will be forever grateful. Every day that I stepped out onto a field, which happened to be five days a week during the season if not more, led me one step closer to reaching the goal that I had set for myself by beginning to play ASA Softball. I dreamed of one day playing for a Division I softball program while furthering my education. The work ethic, dedication and love of the sport that I maintain to this day have pushed me to become the best player that I can be. Since I began, I have played shortstop and batted either first of third for every team that I played on. Additionally, my average bating average over the past seven years remains over .300. Time and developmental growth have also transpired into other parts of my softball career. I earned five varsity letters in softball and was given New York State High School All-State honors for three out of my four years of high school. Moreover, every year that I played I was a leading hitter and led the team in stolen bases. I was even named captain of my high school team my junior and senior years. All of the accomplishments would never have occurred had it not been for my participation in ASA Softball. The extra instruction, time, games and discipline that I have experienced are irreplaceable.

Everything paid off during the summer before I was a senior in high school. As is well known, that is the summer when college coaches scout possible prospects for the colleges or universities they coach for. I mentioned earlier that I had my sights set high, a Division I competitive school that would challenge me academically as well as athletically. Fortunately for me quite a few college coaches seem to like what they saw. I was offered athletic scholarships from Hofstra, Fordham, and Georgetown as well as some others, but I eventually turned them down because I was being recruited by Dartmouth. Many of the schools offering me athletic scholarships were programs that had experienced much success over the years and it would have been exciting to become part of it. And although Dartmouth, as a member of the Ivy League, is not allowed to give athletic money, I still felt it was the best fit for me which led me to my eventual enrollment. Declining acceptance to some of the other schools was one of the hardest things to do; however, I believe I have made the right decision for me. I plan on attending medical school upon the completion of my undergraduate studies and I believe that enduring the most changeling curriculum and studying with some of the brightest students and professors can only benefit my success in such an endeavor. Meanwhile, I will also be able to continue playing the sport I love at the competitive level of Division I.

ASA Softball has allowed all this to happen. The program has let me step out onto the field so many times and receive excellent instruction and compete against the best of the best. Nothing else could have opened the doors I have walked through or taught me the lessons I have learned. I believe that ASA Softball is instrumental in seeking a path such as mine and I will be forever grateful for everything that it has allowed me to achieve.