W. Tresper Clarke High School in Westbury, New York awards student athletes who compete in all 12 of their athletic seasons. It is because of this award that junior softball player Kirstin Cox joined her high school bowling team.
“My senior year, I was more interested in lifting during the winter to get ready for softball,” Cox said. “Bowling was only two days a week, so I thought I could just do that. And then they made me captain.”
For those who know her well, this is unsurprising. Cox is known, both on the softball team and beyond, for being a dynamic athlete who has had success in a variety of sports.
“I was actually looking into running track instead,” Cox said. “But I think softball is more of a mental game, I liked outsmarting other players, other teams out on the field. And I’ve always loved the team aspect of softball.”
Cox’s abilities not only range across sports, but across softball as well. She is listed on the roster as a utility player, who can play several positions. However, Cox finds her home in the outfield.
“I played shortstop in high school,” Cox said. “But I was recruited to play outfield. If they need me to play there, though, I’ll do it.”
According to senior infielder Molly Kapala, Cox’s diverse skill set stretches across the field, all the way to the plate.
“She can drop down a bunt and beat it out or she can hit the ball over the outfielders’ heads,” Kapala said. “I think that the dynamic she brings to the plate is key for us.”
A key player, both on and off of the field, Cox’s statistics speak for themselves. In 2018, during her rookie season, she led the rookies in runs (19), hits (37), average (.330) and stolen bases (nine). That year, Cox made the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team.
The following year, during her sophomore season, Cox was named to the A-10 All-Academic team after ranking second on the Hawks in batting average (.333) and in stolen bases (16).
“This year my goal is to be all conference,” Cox said. “I’m hoping I can do that. Things are different from when I was a freshman, people have scouting reports on me now. So I just have to make things happen for myself.”
Fortunately, Cox has her team behind her.
“I’m a senior, so this is my fourth team,” Kapala said. “And I’d say that this is probably the most tight-knit team we’ve had. We’re all friendly with each other and we all want each other to do well.”
Sophomore infielder Carly Rybinski said Cox’s versatility is also part of her personality. “She is a great person on and off the field,” Rybinski said. “She is always there when you need her in any situation. She is a very reliable person and very funny.”
The Hawks are currently 3-6 for their 2020 season, but they are optimistic about the season ahead.
What Cox is most looking forward to, however, isn’t the games ahead of her, but the teammates beside her.
“I’m looking forward to watching the seniors in their last year,” Cox said. “I know that they’re all really emotional about leaving but I think that it’s going to bring out the best in them.”
And when this senior class leaves, it will be Cox’s turn to lead the Hawks on and off the field, which some key experiences from high school have prepared her for.
“I don’t think bowling has helped my softball game at all,” Cox said. “But I think it did teach me how to be a leader.”
