Mia Kruspe, a junior at Lake Worth Christian School, has made her mark as a standout on the varsity baseball team. As a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, she’s been part of the lineup since seventh grade and is now gaining national attention for her performance. Off the field, she excels in academics and community leadership. We sat down with Kruspe to talk about her journey, challenges, and what’s next.

When did you first fall in love with baseball, and what keeps you motivated to play at such a high level?

When I was little, I started playing soccer. I wasn’t very fond of it. I looked over and saw my brother swinging a bat in his baseball game and knew that’s what I wanted to pursue. I’m a fan of progress and growth, so striving to that next level means I get better little by little every day.

Who are some of your biggest influences—on or off the field—and how have they shaped your game?

My biggest influences on the field are my coaches and teammates. They helped strengthen and change my mindset out on the field as well as challenge me in ways only this game can. My biggest influence off the field is God. He reminds me every day that all this isn’t possible without him, and everything I do is for his glory and honor.

As a standout in a male-dominated sport, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

I have struggled with self-confidence and doubt due to the nature of the game. Through many prayers, perseverance, and strong support systems in my corner, I was able to overcome them and the many more to come.

What advice would you give to other girls who want to play baseball but feel like they don’t fit the norm?

Don’t be afraid to stand out. In an atmosphere where you already stand out because of your gender, change the reason. Make the reason you stand out be because of your attitude and respect for the game.

How has your team supported your journey, and what does being part of that community mean to you?

My team has provided a space for me to showcase my God-given talents with their utmost honesty. I have been truly blessed to have been able to play on the teams I have. I cherish that type of community because, at the end of the day, they just let me be me and play this game I so dearly love.

What does a typical day of training and balancing schoolwork look like for you?

I will typically try to finish as much schoolwork in class as I can. After school, I’ll usually head to the baseball field or set up a net in the backyard to hit and throw. When I finish at the field, I’ll head home, work out, shower, and then finish any leftover homework or work ahead on the next day’s classwork.

How do you handle pressure during big games, and what’s your mental approach when stepping up to the plate or taking the field?

I’ll take many deep breaths and remind myself that baseball is just a game. The majority of the time, I’m having an ongoing conversation with myself and the Lord, just trying to keep myself grounded in the moment. When stepping up to the plate or taking the field, I remind myself to be simple. Since I was young, my coaches have always taught me that simple and smooth was the best way to approach the game.

What’s been your proudest moment on the field so far?

My proudest moment on the field has been fighting through my mental block. When I was about 12 or 13 years old, I was really struggling with my approach and mentality stepping up to the plate. I would have so many thoughts running through my mind and trailing through my brain that I would freeze up at the plate. After a couple of years of consistent prayer and training, I was able to build the confidence needed to get over that hump and use it to change my approach at the plate.

Have college recruiters started reaching out, and what do you hope to find in a future program?

The past couple of years, I have gained some interest from multiple colleges, including other baseball opportunities. I am currently open to all options coming my way. I hope my future program is encouraging, competitive, family-oriented, and just accepts me as a baseball player.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years—on the diamond and beyond?

I plan to play in college and/or professionally. After my playing career ends, I plan to pursue a profession in sports medicine with the hopes of one day being able to care for athletes who need the support in order to return to the sport they so deeply love.

Photo Credit: Robert Sadler Clark for RSC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.