NORCO- From dominating the fields in their small town to competing at the roaring stadiums of the College World Series, Norco High School Softball has been a foundational pillar in supporting the rise of the talented athletes who now shine on the national stage. The latest accomplished athlete is Kinzie Hansen, former Norco High School Alumni who currently plays as a catcher for The University of Oklahoma, Sooners.
On June 7th, 2024, Hansen and the Oklahoma Sooners secured the championship title for the NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series. This win marked their eighth championship overall and fourth consecutive championship for the Sooners, with Hansen competing in all four. Hansen’s collegiate career has been a remarkable one filled with many accolades and achievements including being selected for the 2023 NCFA First Team All-American, All-Big 12 First Team, and named the 2024 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Most recently, Hansen signed on with the Oklahoma City Sparks for the 2024 season.
Hansen isn’t the only Norco High Alumni to have competed in the Women’s College World series. Former teammate and Norco alumni, Abby Dayton, competed in the 2023 Women’s College World series with the University of Utah. These two athletes are just a sample of the many Norco High alumni who have achieved remarkable success at the collegiate level.
Over the last 24 years, the Norco Softball Program has thrived under the leadership of Coach Richard Robinson, with assistant coaches Dave Angene contributing for 25 years and Beth Windham for 19 years. These dedicated coaches have provided a consistent foundation of excellence, mentorship and dedication to the athletes, which has resulted in many accolades and achievements. Coach Robinson was named Coach of the Year in the 2010s, has led the team to six national championships, earned the title of the 2019 Softball Team of the Year, and is nearing his 700th career win!
“When you get these accolades as a coach, it’s not just you,” said Coach Robinson. “It’s the players you have, the assistant coaches that are in the program, the parents and everyone around you, everyone around the school that makes it work.”
The Norco High Softball program instills technical skills, sportsmanship, and leadership qualities that extend far beyond the field. According to Hansen, being held accountable and learning time management played a key role in the success of her collegiate career, professional endeavors, and academic life.
“[Coach Robinson] influenced my development as a softball player through the accountability aspect,” said Hansen. “Growing into that role [as captain] he definitely put trust in me and respected me and that kind of set me up for college ball.”
It comes as no surprise that a program achieving high levels of success is held to elevated standards and expectations. With its history of producing top-tier athletes, the Norco High Softball Program has established their reputation as a powerhouse. While most schools are closed for the summer, some Norco players choose to continue practicing their pitching and honing their skills, showcasing their dedication to the sport, their team, and their community.
“He just sets the standards high and expects us to meet it in everything we do,” said senior catcher Ashley Duran. “We don’t take things lightly whether it’s batting practice or in a game.”
The Norco High Softball Program is a testament to the power of dedication, community, and continuity, continuously earning the respect and recognition it deserves in both the local and national fields. As the current players take the field, they do so in the footsteps of any greats before them, and we are thrilled to see where their commitment to excellence takes them.
Norco Softball Championship Titles: