Gasso’s Core 5: Kinzie Hansen Set the Tone for Oklahoma with ‘Tenacious Leadership’
Oklahoma City — Kinzie Hansen brought a distinct presence to the field for the Oklahoma Sooners softball team. While opponents focused on Oklahoma’s pitchers over the past four years, Hansen’s intensity behind the plate demanded attention as well.
Standing tall at 6 feet from Norco, CA, Hansen displayed a game face that radiated intense focus, coupled with a powerful throwing arm that kept baserunners on edge. However, her impact wasn’t limited to defense; she also made significant contributions at the plate.
Hansen’s collegiate career saw her launch 60 home runs, many of which came in crucial moments to propel the Sooners forward. In 2023, her pivotal two-strike, two-out home run revived Oklahoma’s record-setting winning streak in a Super Regional clash against Clemson. She continued to deliver clutch performances, including a memorable late-game heroics against Miami (OH) and a crucial contribution against Texas in the latest season.
Recognizing her leadership qualities, Hansen was named co-captain of the 2024 OU squad alongside Tiare Jennings, facing the daunting task of leading a team under immense pressure during Oklahoma’s historic campaign.
“This is a challenging team to lead,” remarked OU coach Patty Gasso after the Sooners secured their fourth consecutive title. “They’ve handled it exceptionally well.”
Hansen’s journey at Oklahoma wasn’t without setbacks. Her freshman season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying her quest for a national title. However, upon her return in 2021, Hansen played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s dominance, securing four national championships with different teammates each time, culminating in a perfect conclusion to her collegiate career.
“This championship feels particularly sentimental to me,” Hansen reflected. “We’ve grown together as a team… I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Despite experiencing more losses in 2024 than in previous seasons, Hansen and Jennings remained resilient. Jennings, known for her composed demeanor, emphasized the importance of perseverance regardless of outcomes, while Hansen added a gritty determination.
“The Sooners thrive when faced with adversity,” Hansen declared after Oklahoma’s defeat against Florida put their season in jeopardy. Her respectful yet confident approach defined her tenure, eliciting both admiration and amusement from Coach Gasso.
“Hansen, the tough one,” chuckled Gasso. “Always ready to face any challenge head-on.”
Throughout her career, Hansen’s toughness was evident, even amidst physical challenges. Enduring injuries that sidelined her in both 2022 and parts of 2024, she persevered, setting an example of resilience for her teammates.
Looking ahead, Hansen transitions to a new role as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, eager to impart her knowledge to future generations of Sooners catchers. Her tenure as a player may have ended, but Hansen’s impact and legacy endure, shaping the team’s ethos as they prepare to enter the Southeastern Conference.
“We wanted to leave a legacy of giving our all every day, never taking anything for granted,” Hansen affirmed. “To show true tenacity, to never give up, no matter the obstacles we faced.”
As Hansen bids farewell to her playing days at Oklahoma, she leaves behind a legacy of determination and perseverance, hoping to inspire future generations to embody the same unwavering spirit on and off the field.
