On a team loaded with talent, Lynzi Kelley brings with her not only a great glove at shortstop and a strong bat in the lineup for the Haskell Lady Haymakers but also senior leadership that could be a key element for Haskell in the 2022 season.

“What I like about her leadership on the field is that she leads by example,” said Haskell coach Greg Wilson. “I’m not one that’s big on a leader who thinks she has to be the one to tell everyone what to do and Lynzi just goes about her business the right way and sets a good example for the younger ones.”

Coming from an athletic family with an older brother who played baseball and a dad that coached her through her T-ball years, Lynzi, who also plays basketball for the Haymakers, grew up around sports and has excelled at it. Last season she hit .485 with nine home runs as Haskell recorded a 30-5 record but fell a game short of the state tournament. Her thoughts on being a team leader echo those of her coach.

“I think showing people what to do instead of trying to be the boss of everyone makes a good leader,” said Kelley who is also involved in FFA and the National Honor Society.

It was an older teammate of Lynzi’s that has been a role model for her way of doing things. Marissa Smith was a 2018 Haskell grad who went on to be a member of the Rogers State D-II national softball championship team last spring and inspired Lynzi as a freshman.

“I think we went about our business the same way and a lot of people today compare me to her,” said Kelley.

While Lynzi has been a member of some great Haskell teams, so far she feels there’s not really been a super big highlight in her career.

“I’ve had some games where I made a big play or got the winning hit but there’s not been a super big moment yet although earlier this season I did hit a homerun that started a game winning rally against Henryetta and that was neat.”

College softball is almost a certainty for Lynzi Kelley. She has made visits to Connors and Murray State and there will probably be others over the rest of the year and her coach agrees.

“I’ve talked with a few college coaches about her and the first thing I always say is about the kind of competitor she is. She’s the kind of kid that when you need something done in a game, she’ll deliver,” said Wilson.

 When she leaves Haskell Lynzi has a special thought about her legacy.

“When I leave, I would like to be remembered more as a good leader than a good player,” she humbly said.