Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen named Johnny Bench Award Winner

As the top catcher in college softball, Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen was named the Johnny Bench Award winner.

The Oklahoma Sooners had several impressive performances this season. One of their most important players was Kinzie Hansen. After dealing with injuries in 2022 and being limited out of the gate in 2023, Hansen returned to go on a tear for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Hansen hit .409 with a .431 on-base percentage, .752 slugging percentage, 55 hits, 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. She was a key cog in the Sooners’ offensive machine this year. Her decision to return to the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024 is huge for the team. She’s one of their three best players.

For her stellar season, Hansen was honored with the Johnny Bench Award as the top catcher in college softball.

 

 

Hansen is a great all-around player, from her standout offensive stats to her stellar defense behind the plate. She was a first-team All-American and made the NCAA All-Tournament team.

Hansen was clutch throughout the NCAA Tournament. Her three-run home run in the seventh inning against Clemson will go down as one of the most magical moments in Sooners’ softball history. In the postseason, she hit .467 with three home runs and 13 RBIs. She had multiple RBIs in five of the Sooners’ 10 games in the NCAA Tournament.

With Grace Lyons’ departure, Hansen would make a logical choice to be the next captain of the Oklahoma Sooners. Even if just for one season, her experience and her leadership make her a natural fit to take on the mantle in Lyons’ stead.

Here’s a look at some of the best photos of Kinzie Hansen’s first four seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners.