Fifield Finishing Strong

Kristin Fifield leaves her mark and impact at Grand Canyon University (GCU) due to her outstanding softball career.

The phenomenal softball player has given it her all to the sport since she started playing when she was about five years old. Fifield received her Bachelor’s in Psychology in December 2022 at GCU and she will also be completing her master’s degree in Elementary Education in May 2024.

How it began

Fifield’s passion for the game was heavily influenced by her older sister. Fifield explains, “watching her and learning from her, is what made me fall in love with the sport. I wanted to follow in my bigger sister’s footsteps.” Because of this, Fifield did not expect to end up at GCU. She had anticipated finding herself where her sister attended school, which was The University of Texas at El Paso. The older Fifield got, the more her competitiveness influenced her to go even harder than her sister, which shifted her game plan and led her to where she is currently. During the recruiting process, Fifield was given the opportunity to play for a softball travel team in Tucson AZ, where the coaches introduced her to the GCU softball coaches. It was soon after she had an official visit to GCU. “They showed me GCU and I fell in love with it instantly,” Fifield states during her interview. 

College record

GCU has been a successful playing field for Fifield. From the moment she walked on the campus to the moment she graduates with her master’s degree. During her freshman year, she was second on the team in batting average (.355) and on-base percentage (.427). She continued to show success in the years that followed. Both Fifield’s sophomore and junior year, she earned first-team All-WAC. Fifield had an unforgettable season during her senior year. She won many awards and gained a vast amount of recognition. Fifield led the nation in RBIs and broke three GCU records in less than a month. The achievements did not stop there. Fifield has recently been recognized and awarded as the top 100 players, top 10 utility player, and the WAC player of the week several times. 

Recovery

Fifield’s stats have proven that she has learned how to continuously improve her performances. One of the important things that Fifield does to continue to standout and perform at the collegiate level, is valuing her recovery. She explains, “I try to give my body as much of a break as it needs, especially during the summertime. Giving my body that rest and break that it needs has been a really big help for me as an athlete.” Fifield has learned throughout her softball career about her body’s health. There are not only high physical demands, but it can also take a toll on a player mentally. She remembers during these tough times to trust the process and that God put her here for a reason.

No regrets just have fun with it 

Fifield has considered playing softball professionally. She says, “if the opportunity came, I would probably do it. Just so I can say I have experienced it and not have any regrets.” She plans to stay in Arizona for a while after college and is going where God takes her. I asked Fifield if she could give any advice to younger female athletes, especially softball players. Without hesitation, “she said to make sure you enjoy your sport.” Fifield continues to say with passion, “at the end of the day it is just a game of softball and does not define you as a person. The sport is a sport of failure, and you will learn so much.” 

Fifield advocating for women’s sports

Fifield agrees that many people hear about current female athletes through social media. Because of this, when she heard about “Winning Her Way,” she was all for it. “Winning Her Way” will continue to shine a light on the female athletes. She believes that the acknowledgement of phenomenal female athletes could be better. However, she did point out that the growth for women’s sports is improving. Fifield says, “seeing people who have gone to watch female athletes has been super cool. I am excited for the future, and I am hoping it will only continue to grow.” Fifield has been a significant female athlete and continues to pave the way for future female athletes.