North Buncombe – When the umpire’s call of “Play Ball” echoes across the softball fields next season at a Mars Hill Lions game, the team will proudly welcome a Black Hawk into their midst. Senior Kiersten Gosnell has penned her commitment letter, making the transformation from a Black Hawk High School pitcher to a Lion official.
“We are very excited that she has given herself the opportunity in the classroom and on the field to be able to go to college. So we’re very excited,” expressed Heather Gosnell, Kiersten’s mom. “We thought she wanted to go far away [to college], but I think she actually sees the benefit of being a little closer to home and having your community be able to come out and support you while in college.”
Recalling how Kiersten got her start in softball, Clint Gosnell, Kiersten’s dad, reminisced, “She was seven or eight. Pretty young. She came in from school and wanted to play softball.” He recounted, “She had a little flyer they gave out at school for youth league. She kinda fell in love with it. She’s been a three-sport athlete, but she’s always liked softball the best.”
Discussing Kiersten’s college choices, Clint mentioned she had received several offers from other schools like Lee-McCray, Piedmont, and Caldwell Community. However, the influence of Scott Long, the former coach of the Lions softball team, was pivotal. Clint recalled, “She went to his camps, and she sought after Mars Hill… We’re just really happy for her.” Heather added that Kiersten would be the first in their family to attend college.
Flanked by her mom and dad on each side, Kiersten signed the papers, making her a Lion after graduation, while friends, fellow teammates, and family watched in the cafeteria of North Buncombe on Monday afternoon, Nov. 13th.
Reflecting on what it means to play at the college level, Kiersten shared, “I think it means everything to me that I get to continue playing the sport that I’ve played since I was really little, and little me would be really proud that my dreams are coming true getting to play college softball.” She added, “I think staying close to home is also a key factor in this [decision], and I can have my friends and family come close and watch me play.”
When asked what advice she’d offer others aspiring to play at the college level, Kiersten emphasized, “Don’t give up hope. Just keep putting yourself out there. Everyone has a place – like no matter what, someone fits somewhere…I’m really grateful for the opportunity, and I’m really excited for the next four years.”
Praising Kiersten’s dedication, Black Hawks Softball Coach David Griffin commented, “Kiersten has been a great worker. She works hard throughout the season. She’s worked hard on her pitching. She deserves this honor to go on to college and play softball.” Griffin, who has coached Kiersten throughout her high school career, highlighted her journey from second base to pitcher. “I wish her the best. She’s got one more season with me, her senior year, and then go on to do great things at Mars Hill.”
Everyone who plays high school sports is not lucky enough to make it to the college level, but for Gosnell, it’s a dream come true through hard work, dedication, and practice.