The Softball America Spotlight: 2025 Kai Minor

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Kai Minor. Minor is currently ranked first in our 2025 position rankings as the California native is committed to Oklahoma. When she heads to Norman, the back-to-back Alliance 18U National Champion will bring a powerful arm to the outfield, speed on the basepath, and energy at the plate.

Name: Kai Minor
Primary Position(s): Outfield
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Travel Ball Organization: OC Batbusters Stith 18U

What about Oklahoma did you love the most? 

First and foremost, it is the coaching staff. The attention to detail, the meticulous preparation and thoroughness, and the focus on making me a complete woman and not just a softball player. I love hitting and being coached by the hitting guru, Coach JT Gasso, was icing on the cake. I am anxious to get in the lab with him to continue my development.

Norman feels like home as much of the current roster (Kinzie Hansen, Tiara Jennings, Alyssa Brito, Nicole May, Hannah Coor, Maya Bland, Ella Parker) and current commits (Gabby Garcia, Sophia Bordi, Corri Hicks) are also OC Batbusters. The OC Batbusters are extremely tight-knit and all of them have been extremely supportive to me during my decision process.

Also, the coaching styles/philosophies of Coach Mike Stith and Coach Patty Gasso are very similar. I have heard from many of the past and current Sooners that playing for Mike Stith prepares you to play at OU.

I wanted to play and compete with the best. Iron sharpens iron. Championship Mindset mentality. The current freshman class has two of my closest friends and former teammates (Maya Bland and Ella Parker). The 2024 commit class is also strong and has two of my current Batbusters teammates (Gabby Garcia and Corri Hicks).

What is your favorite travel ball memory? 

Hitting a three-run home run in the 18U Alliance Championship Game.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

To be a complete softball player, I need to be “whole”. Meaning I need to be confident in myself, but also humble. This will allow me to play free and not focus on the results. This also teaches you how to block out the noise, distractions, and criticism.

How did you get interested in softball? 

I have been around diamond sports nearly my whole life. I grew up at the fields watching my brother play baseball, and I fell in love with softball when I was six years old.

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

I think my greatest strength is my calmness. The bigger the situation or stage, I tend to relax and focus on the next play. I continue to work on my leadership and communication skills.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

Ella Parker and Reagan Shockey. When I joined OC Batbusters Stith 18U when I was 14, they welcomed and mentored me. They taught me how to not let the moment get too big and how to stay calm and focused. Not a surprise that they both started as freshmen on the collegiate level and both are considered two of the best freshmen in the game.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

Just hanging out with my friends and family.

What excites you the most about playing college softball? 

The opportunity to compete against the best every week.