Senior second baseman Kimmy Hassel has propelled the St. Thomas softball team to its solid 19-5 start. She is batting .390 on the season, but hit a hot .460 on the team’s Florida spring break trip.

Sophomore pitcher Kendra Bowe said Hassel is not afraid to be a vocal leader on the team.

“Everything that defines an athlete defines Kimmy,” Bowe said. “Not only does she have the physical abilities, but she has the mental ability and the mental strength and the leadership.”

Coach John Tschida said her competitiveness sets Hassel apart and makes her a strong contender to be named All-American again, which she won her junior year.

“Defensively, she’s great. Turns a double play as well as anybody that we’ve had,” Tschida said. “She’s a very effective player … on both sides.”

Hassel credits Tschida for her “exponential” growth since freshman year.

“I can’t even put a price or number on it,” Hassel said. “Tschida teaches so much about building you as a player and a future coach. It’s really nice because I’ve gotten better just at second base, but I’ve gotten better at every other position too.”

Bowe said Hassel’s passion for the sport makes her an essential part of the team.

“Passion isn’t something you can teach people, it’s just something that they have,” Bowe said. “She’s going to be very hard to replace next year.”

Baihly Warfield can be reached at warf3860@stthomas.edu.