Grove’s Kinsey Guinn
By Bryce McKinnis
For Grove High School junior Kinsey Guinn, softball isn’t just a lifestyle. It’s woven into her family tree.
“My passion for softball comes from my family heritage. We have competed and excelled in softball and baseball for generations,” Guinn said. “I take pride in carrying on that legacy that has been set for me. I also enjoy the challenge of the sport to overcome failures and grow into a better player and leader.”
Guinn’s grandfather, Jerry Guinn, was drafted 39th overall to the Baltimore Orioles in 1973 and had a successful pitching career. Her uncles played at Carl Albert State and NWOSU. Her mother played infield for Greenwood High School (Ark.) and led the Bulldogs to a state title. Her father played at Seminole State and Arkansas Tech. Both of her siblings play.
“My parents have been my trainers for hitting, fielding and pitching my entire life,” Guinn said. “My dad has coached me travel ball forever but will also be an assistant at Grove this year, so I’m excited for that and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Guinn started playing competitively her 10U summer. Aside from softball, the all-around athlete plays basketball and bronze-medaled in discus at the 5A state track meet last spring. She also serves as treasurer for the school’s national honor society and is a class of 2027 student representative, plus several clubs.
“Family legacy is important because of the love, time and devotion we have poured into the sport over the years,” Guinn said. “There is some internal obligation to be successful, but the joy of the game definitely outweighs it. The connection we have while playing has made our bond even stronger. Academics are also very important, and I also strive to excel in the classroom.”
While Guinn may have the pedigree of a ball-player (and the accolades to prove it), the game didn’t come naturally from the jump.
“The most challenging time I have faced as an athlete happened when I first started travel ball,” Guinn said. “I tried out for a semi-local 10U team, and I didn’t make the cut. That rejection hit my 9-year-old self very hard.”
Discouraged, the young Guinn went into the family playbook — not leaning on talent but work ethic. She refused to go down without a fight.
“I overcame that hurdle by changing my mindset and working harder than everyone else,” Guinn said. “The next spring, I tried out for a new, bigger group and made the best team in the organization.”
Now a proven talent, Guinn’s aspirations are the same as many of her family members’.
“A major goal is to earn recognition and get recruited by competitive universities. It has been a dream of mine since I was little to play in college and compete with and against the best girls,” Guinn said. “The opportunity to have family and friends watch me play on TV would be amazing!”
As for her more immediate goals, Guinn hopes to bat near or over .500 this season, develop as a power hitter and average 1.5 strikeouts per inning in the circle. When necessary, she wants to be a more versatile fielder by minimizing mistakes.
“Above all, my main goals are to become a better leader, help my team win and inspire others,” Guinn said.
