by Mia Laube
Kelsey Mulder had her share of success in the game of softball, whether it was at Winterset High School, Central College or Grandview University. However, for Mulder, softball was never about the wins; it was about the values she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
“I feel most proud of the way I treated people through my softball career. I always wanted to recognize my teammates for their efforts in helping our team succeed and grow,” Mulder said.
The state of Iowa provided a foundation for her to become the person she wanted to be on and off the field.
“Iowa is known for its midwestern work ethic and solid character,” Mulder said. “Communities have a family-like atmosphere. I was fortunate to be an athlete and learn all those things- the value of hard work, treating people with utmost character and supporting/cheering on those around you like our community did during our athletic career.”
The Winterset community got to cheer its softball team on to the state tournament in 2003 and 2004, where Mulder delivered all-tournament team performances. She capped off her high school career with 1,649 strikeouts and 69 shutouts.
Mulder attributes her success to all of the teammates she got to play with over the years.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame means recognizing Winterset Softball for all that it has become, and specifically recognizing the teammates I played with,” Mulder said. “They had a great love for the game and had many successes over the years. This recognition also honors my coach (Coach Corkrean).”
Mulder carried the success her team had into four years at Central and Grandview, where she participated in the NCAA Division III tournament and the NAIA tournament. Her freshman year, she tied Central’s freshman record for wins with 18. In 2007, she held opponents to a .190 batting average.
Today, she brings the life lessons she’s accumulated into a different challenge: raising a family.
“I am currently a full-time mama to four kids under the age of seven,” Mulder said. “I am thankful to be an influencer in their lives daily. Some days are harder than any game I ever pitched. It is a quiet job with little recognition which grows my character daily. A favorite quote I love [from Mother Teresa] is, ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’”