Libertyville’s Zoe Kinsella was a quick study on the softball field.
When she was 5 years old, her older sister Caeli’s 10U travel team needed a player for its final game in a tournament.
“That’s how it started for me,” Kinsella said. “I remember going up to bat and being ready to swing. I think I even got on base.”
Her father, Lake Forest College softball coach Joe Kinsella, remembers that moment more vividly.
“Zoe was playing T-ball the weekend before, and that softball game was her first time playing,” he said. “She was around it a lot. She just went out there and expected to thrive from day one.
“She swung out of her shoes on the first three pitches she saw. She was 0-for-1 with a walk and a stolen base.”
Zoe Kinsella hasn’t stopped getting on base since that day, and the junior shortstop is one of the top returnees for the Wildcats this season. She hit .368 with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs last year despite missing six games.
A three-year starter, Kinsella will have to carry a heavier load following the departures of standout juniors Adriana Callahan, a Stanford commit, and Makayla Boone. Callahan, a Class 4A all-state first-team pick last season, transferred out of state. Boone, an all-state third-team pick, elected not to play softball this season.
“When last season ended, it was hard losing four seniors,” Kinsella said. “They were also my best friends. They took me in when I was a freshman. I knew it would be a hard season to get through after Adriana and Makayla ended up leaving. I was really close to Adriana, as well as Makayla.
“We have some new talent, but we have to figure out where everything fits. We’re not sure how exactly it will look, but I’m excited for the season.”
Kinsella, who is shifting to short from first base to stabilize the infield, was named a North Suburban Conference honorable mention last year. Libertyville coach Sean Ferrell said she is the ideal player to lead his program.
“Zoe has a lot of upside,” Ferrell said. “She’s a leader by example. She hasn’t come off the field in two years. She’s so good defensively, probably a Division I first baseman, but we need her at shortstop. She will hit No. 3 in our order after hitting cleanup the last two years. She has a lot of power.
“She does everything 100%. She committed to our offseason lifting. I’m looking for her to have a really big season. We will lean on her for a lot of leadership.”
Not surprising, Kinsella said her softball career has been defined by her work with her father. Being able to ask him for advice, go to batting cages and be surrounded by college coaches and players has made a difference.
Kinsella actually played her first game at Lake Forest College on Wednesday, when the Wildcats lost 15-1 to 2023 Class 3A state runner-up Antioch. Her father was unable to attend the game because his team is in Florida.
“I grew up at Lake Forest College,” Kinsella said. “It has always been a part of my life, an important part of my life. It’s a special place to me. Playing on Lake Forest’s field is something I had always dreamed of after years of looking up to my dad’s players, watching hours of practice and countless games.”
Kinsella said there is a drawback to having a parent who has been a college coach for nearly 25 years.
“I feel I have to prove myself more,” she said. “When I do have success, it seems (people) give it all to my dad. It’s difficult for me.”
But Joe Kinsella said Zoe’s hard work, determination and love for the game are the main reasons for her success.
“As one of five kids, Zoe’s growth as a player is fully credited to her,” Joe Kinsella said. “Certainly, it was somewhat inspired by her sister and the women she had the opportunity to be around. People want to slide credit to me, but she’s worked hard and been a great teammate.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
