Mia Kruspe is making waves on the baseball field as one of the few young women competing in a sport long dominated by men. We spoke with her about her journey and the success she has found, both on and off the field.
When did you first fall in love with baseball, and what keeps you motivated to play at such a high level?
I first fell in love with baseball when I watched my brother play. At the time, we were both playing i9 sports, he was playing baseball, and I was playing soccer. At the time, I hated soccer, but loved watching my brother swing the bat as hard as he could. It was then that I knew I wanted to do the same. The biggest motivation to play at such a high level is the progress. I love the grind and the push to always be better.
As a standout in a male-dominated sport, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Standing out in male-dominated sports has been difficult. I have faced many challenges, including self-doubt and natural slumps. Even though these challenges have rocked me countless times, I chose to keep praying and showing up every single day.
What does a typical day of training and balancing schoolwork look like for you?
Between schoolwork and baseball, my schedule can be pretty crazy. Most of my days consist of doing schoolwork during free periods or in between assignments in class. When I get home, I’ll immediately change and head to my local baseball field to throw and hit. When I return home, I’ll usually finish homework and any studying I have left.
Who are some of your biggest influences on and off the field?
Some of the biggest influences on the field are my coaches. From a young age, I’ve had some amazing coaches who have shaped my mentality, physicality, and IQ to perform the way I do today. My biggest influences off the field are God and my parents, who continue to remind me that baseball is just a game and there are things way bigger than baseball.
Whatís been your proudest moment on the field so far?
My proudest moment has been seeing my mentality change when it comes to the plate. From struggling to swing the bat or even pick the right pitches to always making contact and taking the smart hacks I wouldn’t have before.
How do you handle pressure during big games, and whatís your mental approach when stepping up to the plate or taking the field?
When handling pressure during big games, I take deep breaths and talk to God. The mental approach I take when stepping up to the plate or taking the field is to be loose and simple in all my movements. If I do those two things, everything else will fall into place.
Have college recruiters started reaching out, and what do you hope to find in a future program?
I have gained some interest from several colleges as well as other baseball opportunities. I am currently open to all options. I hope my future program is competitive, supportive, and has a huge family culture.
What advice would you give to other girls who want to play baseball but feel like they donít fit the norm?
My advice to girls who feel they don’t fit the norm is to embrace it. Embrace the fact that you stand out, and remember you can be your biggest enemy. It’s you vs. you.
How has your team supported your journey, and what does being part of that community mean to you?
Thankfully, every team I’ve been on has been endlessly supportive. Even to this day, I have old teammates who will come and show their support. Being part of such a supportive community has meant the world. They truly have made my journey so much easier.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years on the diamond and beyond?
In the next few years, I plan to attend college and study sports medicine and either play for my college’s team or participate in the Women’s Professional Baseball League and see where it takes me. I plan to be around the game for a very long time. Either playing professionally or through medicine, where I can help others get back to the diamond I so dearly love.
Be’n Original | Photos by Robert Clark
