Miss Softball repeat by Calvary’s Anderson reflects tenacity from early career snub
By TONY MARKS, Written for the LSWA
Life never happens in a straight line. There are always curves that are meant to test a person’s endurance.
Kynzee Anderson was thrown one of these bends at a young age, getting cut from her travel ball team. She then persevered to become one of the top softball players in Louisiana, and the nation, eventually signing with the University of Georgia.
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association also named Anderson its Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance/Miss Softball recipient for the second consecutive year.
It’s only the fourth time in the 30-year history of the award that a winner has repeated as Miss Softball, and the first time in 13 years. Anderson is just the sixth north Louisiana winner among the 26 girls to receive the honor over three decades.
Not bad at all for somebody cut from the travel ball roster a few years ago.
“It was a blessing in disguise,” she said. “I think those struggles have really helped motivate me and shape me into the player I am.
“Softball has taught me that you can’t give up when things are hard. If you really love something you have to keep working hard no matter what happens or what others say. I love that I’m able to keep playing at the next level because it was always a dream of mine, and I can’t wait.”
Anderson lowered her earned run average each year at Calvary. She began with a 2.74 ERA as a freshman to a 0.61 this past season as a senior.
Anderson also won the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year for a second season, is the MaxPreps.com state MVP, and is a repeat pick as the All-State Class 2A Most Outstanding Player.
She’s a rare four-time, first-team All-State selection.
“I’d like to say this is truly a huge honor,” Anderson said. “First and foremost, I want to give all thanks to God for giving me this talent, and my parents for all the support that they have given me and continue to give me.
“I love this game, and I definitely can’t do it alone. My coaches are a huge part of this also. I wouldn’t have gotten here without them.”
Anderson was 30-1 in the circle with 318 strikeouts in 171 innings this spring as the Lady Cavaliers roared to an amazing sixth straight state championship.
They also are ranked No. 1 nationally by MaxPreps.com.
Calvary Baptist coach Tiffany Wood, the Class 2A Coach of the Year, admires Anderson’s personality traits.
“Kynzee is a great competitor and even better person,” she said. “She’s humble and confident and works extremely hard. She’s always looking for ways to get better. Her future at Georgia is bright.”
Bulldogs coach Tony Baldwin, coming off a Super Regional season, concurs.
“We are super excited to add Kynzee to the Red and Black. She has the talent and character to be a tremendous player for us,” Baldwin said when Anderson signed with Georgia last November. “She throws hard, has an elite rise ball, and locates her pitches well. She is a confident competitor and has pitched her best under the brightest lights. She also has some pop in her bat, and we look forward to seeing her swing it.”
LSWA Miss Softball winners
1996: Ashley Lewis, Central
1997: Ashleigh Ivey, Barbe-Lake Charles
1998: Micah Barbato, Lafayette
1999: Mandy Mullins, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte
2000: Sarah Meadors, Denham Springs
2001: Beth Provost, Teurlings Catholic
2002: Beth Provost, Teurlings Catholic
2003: Britni Bowen, Sterlington
2004: Leah Heintze, St. Amant
2005: Kellie Eubanks, St. Amant
2006: Ashley Brignac, John Curtis
2007: Ashley Brignac, John Curtis
2008: Lauren Crane, Vandebilt Catholic
2009: Lauren Wilson, Belle Chasse
2010: Christina Hamilton, Rosepine
2011: Courtney Ivey, Oak Hill
2012: Baylee Corbello, Sam Houston
2013: Baylee Corbello, Sam Houston
2014: Katie Brignac, John Curtis
2015: Tanner Wright, Sam Houston
2016: Bailey Hemphill, St. Thomas More
2017: Emma Callie Delafield, North DeSoto
2018: Abby Allen, Ouachita Parish
2019: Mary-Cathryn Comeaux, Brusly
2020: Season canceled, no winner
2021: Maci Bergeron, Notre Dame
2022: Corine Poncho, Notre Dame
2023: Addison Jackson, St. Amant
2024: Maddie Taylor, Sterlington
2025: Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist
2026: Kynzee Anderson, Calvary Baptist