While many people were trying to survive the stay-at-home orders during COVID-19 in 2020, Wichita Mustangs 3B Karli “KG” Godwin was thriving during workouts at home.
“During the coronavirus shutdown, I worked on many different drills to improve my game and did at-home strength/conditioning workouts,” Godwin said. “One of the most unique things I did was put on a harness and pull my dad’s F-250 truck.”
It’s that kind of grit and determination that has the JO Cup champion and Oklahoma State-committed Godwin ranked #6 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100.
“Karli brings it all,” Wichita Mustangs 2023 MIF Lucy Hooper said. “She loves to hit and it shows every time she steps on the field. Karli is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had and her positive energy translates to the whole team. She is the girl who knows what she wants to do when she’s on the field and we can always count on her to step up and make that play or get that hit. Her joyful, outgoing personality makes her the type of teammate everyone wants to have.”
Illinois-bound P/OF Juliana Hooker, #51 in the 2022 Extra Elite 100, said Godwin’s skills and personality can carry the team.
“Karli is one of the funniest teammates I have ever had,” Hooker said. “Her country accent is unmatched and we have so many different inside jokes. Softball-wise she is one of the best players I have ever seen. She hits nukes and defensive-wise she is a wall. She always is in great spirits and willing to pick a teammate up when we need it. She is a great person.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: KARLI GODWIN
Hometown: Lake Waccamaw, NC
High School: East Columbus High
Club Team: Wichita Mustangs 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: 3B
Nickname: KG or Kar
Twitter: @karligodwin2
Honors: 12U USA All-American; #6 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; All-Conference; and 18U All-Summer Team by Extra Inning Softball.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: Batted .411 with a .492 OBP, 1.224 OPS and .732 SLG.
High School Highlights: CCCA Conference and Tournament Softball champions.
Tell us about the Mustangs and how you became involved with them?
I was looking for a travel program that would prepare me for college and being away from home and my family and that’s when I came across Coach Mark (Griggs) and the Wichita Mustangs. I joined in the fall of 2021 and I’d have to say it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Coach Mark and Coach (David) Hooper do not only prepare you for college, but for life as well. The Mustangs program is a one of a kind “college prep” program.
As soon as we get out of school for the summer, my teammates and I will meet in Kansas and practice on the days we’re not playing in tournaments or traveling, etc. That’s where the magic begins. We live together, we work out together, we practice together, we travel together, everything is done as a team. And that’s where our program is different, it mimics the college experience. After our last tournament of the season, we will go back home to our families. I definitely hit the jackpot with this organization and these coaches because I feel confident this program is preparing me for what’s ahead at OSU.
*** Scroll down to read more about Karli including how she overcame a very tough time in her life where where she lost two family members and a coach…
