RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Whether it’s making a catch over the fence, stealing a base, sharing a laugh in the dugout or just talking with a teammate, there’s likely to be one thing in common when 2024 Extra Elite 100 outfielder Kiley Huffman of the Hotshots organization out of Texas does something on the field…
… she does it with a smile.
One of the top outfielders in the sophomore class, the standout student-athlete just seems to get better and better and is drawing more than a few college coaches her way because of what her Hotshots coach Charlie Esparza calls her “intense energy” and a “sniper arm.”
He raves that Kiley is a joy to coach and is a standout on and off the playing field, in large part because she has fun no matter what she’s doing… and makes it for others, too.
“She’s a leader and someone the other girls can talk too,” he explains. “Kiley is someone who is honest and expects her teammates to work hard. On the field, she’s just scrappy and a grinder, someone who’s full of energy and fuels the team with play, including her dives and slides.”
The sophomore was named to the Extra Inning Softball 2021 All-Summer Team after she had a .435 on-base percentage, stole 27 bases and flashed her impressive glovework.
Last Fall, Kiley was ranked as one of the Top 30 player in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 and her also touched on her physical tools but also her leadership traits:
T-29—Kiley Huffman, OF, Hotshots Premier HTX
Kiley is a centerfielder for both her high school and travel teams and one Texas coach states: “This kid makes everyone better, she’s one of the top outfielders in her class.” As a Freshman at Alvin (Texas) High, she batted .481 in 30 games and had a .517 on-base percentage while not making an error all season. Kiley can “scorch the games while also being able to soft slap,” according to her coach, Charlie Esparza. She scored 45 runs this year and “has been a leader in the dugout and on the field where she displays her cannon arm gunning out several base runners,” per her head coach.
Here’s more on the fast-rising Texan who you’ll be hearing more and more about over the next few years…
*****
NAME: KILEY HUFFMAN
Grad Year: 2024
Position(s): OF
Club Team: Hotshots – Esparza
High School (City/ST): Alvin (Texas) High School
GPA: 3.89
Top Honors/Accomplishments: ranked 29th overall player in 2024 Extra Elite 100; ranked 16th top outfielder in class; nominated for Boulder IDT All Star Games; School honor roll with A’s and B’s; 2nd Team All-District Outfielder
Key Stats: 139 at-bats, a .402 batting average, 11 doubles, 45 runs scored.
Other Sports? Previously did track and volleyball “but when I got into high school I just focused on softball.”
Preferred College Major: Health Science
We’re through January now… what is on the horizon for you in the next few months regarding softball (high school, club, workouts, etc.)
Right now, I am working on weight gaining and muscle strength. I am also working hard academically.
You’re a standout outfielder… what would you say is your best attribute or strength in the grass?
Being loud and obnoxious and always supporting my teammates and pitchers! My throws from outfield to home have had some pretty cool outs, especially thanks to some great catchers that we have on our team. And I’m always having fun!
Who’s a softball player you admire and want to be like (and why)?
As I grow in this sport, the people I admire are my teammates. They are the ones that push me on the field. For example: Bailey Lindemuth with her “big gurl” hits; Matti Matthews’s free-spirited personality, Kadance Williams coming in clutch as a pitcher, Charleigh Esparza’s way of hyping us all up, Bella Ramon and Mia Estrello’s sense of humor. Those are just to name a few. Every single one of my teammates, past or present has taught me something in the game.
What’s something you’d like to improve on this year in your game?
For sure, my physical strength but also my mental strength.
Have you set any goals for yourself in 2022?
Yes, to stay as strong as I can, academically; stay on my strength routine and have a better relationship with God.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: obnoxious (laughs); Off the field: awkward!
Coach Esparza talks about you being a high-energy player and a leader… Do you see yourself that way? What, in your opinion, makes for a good leader?
This is a tough question for me because as a leader comes big responsibilities, so I try to put myself in my teammates shoes with any problem they have on and off the field but, vice versa, I go to my teammates with issues I have. I think what makes a great leader is knowing we are in this together… so it’s important for them to know that.
What do you think about where softball overall is headed… Do you like the direction the game is going?
For sure! Softball has grown so much since I started playing. I am so glad to see more girls getting to know the game I love but most importantly more players are getting the recognition they deserve for their hard work. I love to see it!
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen happen between the lines (on a softball field)?
There are so many but here are some specific memories I have.
- Every time I make Coach Charlie and Coach James (Swinney) dance,
- Every time Bella and me have a dance battle,
- … and my favorite was when Matti had a line drive tip off her glove while she was playing short and I was playing center and I caught it right off her glove. It was pretty cool and hilarious!
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
If they don’t know you personally, don’t take it personal.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome so far?
There have definitely been struggles in my life that have been hard to deal with, but somehow this girl was lucky enough to have a great mama to help me through them.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!):
Definitely my dad because he’s a lil’ fixer upper (laughs)! He could build me a boat!
Do you have any softball superstitions?
Ok…let me name a few:
- My favorite bible verse has to be on the left side of my helmet (Deuteronomy 31:6),
- I write my uncle and grandma’s name on my fist before each game,
- My uncle’s favorite song is my walk-up song (25 Lighters, y’all should listen to it, it’s a whole bop),
- Most importantly, when I get on to the outfield, I pick up grass before every pitch.
Other than family, who has been a role model or someone influential in your life?
Here are some of them:
- Coach Charlie, Coach James, Coach John (Holas) and “Goob” (Robert Williams). They all give me something different in the game but in their own way they have helped me grow. I am so grateful for their talks, lectures, yells and most importantly lessons. I am a lucky girl to have such amazing coaches.
- Good ol’ Zachary Williams. He has been my hitting / fielding coach since 8U. Oh has he helped me grow. lol! Your girl used to be a little rough. lol
- David McCorkle. He was a little scary at first, but I didn’t know that, that is what helped me develop into a better player. It was never easy with McCorkle and I appreciated that. You’re a good one David!
Finally, what’s one thing or accomplish about you that is unusual or unique about you that few people know?
I used to be a girly girl and hated softball. I was a cheerleader (GO TEAM!) and a dancer. It wasn’t until I caught my very first fly ball in right field in 6U that I realized that I was meant to be on the grass. It helped me understand that home isn’t just a place where you live, it’s a place where you love everything and everyone around you.
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball