NORMAN – Oklahoma softball junior Kinzie Hansen was named to the 2022 USA Softball Women’s National Team, the organization announced the 18-player team on Friday.
“I’m so blessed and truly honored to represent the United States,” said the first-time senior national team member. “I’m not sure excitement can even describe how I’m feeling right now. My first text I sent was to the Sooners. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without them.
“This summer, I’ll be wearing a uniform I’ve dreamed about putting on since I was a kid, playing for Team USA. All of the sacrifice and hard work has gotten me here, and I have a lot more to go.”
The Sooner catcher will compete with the other 17 members of the national team at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Ala., July 7-12, 2022. The newly-named squad can be seen here.
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Congrats to Kinzie Hansen on being named to the 2022 @USASoftball National Team! #ChampionshipMindset » https://t.co/tqH6mo6PH2 pic.twitter.com/uU8rQAmgdP
Hansen, along with teammates Jocelyn Alo, Jayda Coleman and Tiare Jennings were among the 45 invitees that took part in this week’s selection trials in Vero Beach, Fla.
An NFCA All-American in 2021, Hansen, ranked fifth in the country a season ago with 24 home runs as she batted .438 with 66 RBIs. The Norco, Calif., product was a versatile weapon for OU, starting all but two games behind the plate or at first base. The 2021 Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player allowed just three runners to steal on her, finishing the season with a .990 fielding clip.
Per USA Softball, during the selection process, athletes participated in position drills as well as simulated games and were evaluated by the USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Committee (WNTSC) in accordance with the 2022 Women’s National Team Selection Procedures. Those Selection Procedures are available for viewing at USASoftball.com.
Hansen and the 2022 Sooners begin their national title defense in Santa Barbara, Calif., Feb. 10 vs. UC-Santa Barbara. See the Sooners full schedule here.
For updates and more information on Oklahoma softball, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_Softball) and like Oklahoma Softball on Facebook.
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