Kinsley Birdwell
Hooks High School
After graduating from Hooks High School, Kinsley Birdwell plans to attend Southern Arkansas University to major in biological sciences and play softball. Because she chose to play softball in college, she was able to decide where she was going to college much earlier than many other students. “When I visited SAU during the winter of my junior year, I knew it would be the best place for me. I loved the coaches, the softball program, and the school and town,” Kinsley says. “After I obtain my undergraduate degree, I will most likely pursue a master’s degree, and then I plan to attend dental school.”
Once she finishes dental school, Kinsley would like to complete a residency to become an orthodontist. “I’ve chosen this career path because I have always been interested in the medical field,” Kinsley says. “I also wanted to pursue a successful career that also allows me flexibility when I have a family of my own.”
Kinsley says that Hooks High School has done a great job of supporting her future goals and plans. “At a school like Hooks, every teacher, staff member, counselor, principal, and administrator wants to see the students succeed. Every student is encouraged to get involved in as many extracurriculars as they want,” Kinsley says. “My counselors and principals have always had my best interest in mind and have done everything they can to help me succeed. They have been extremely helpful to me this year as I try to navigate through things such as scholarships, college applications, and choosing my major.”
In addition to the support Kinsley has received from teachers and administrators at Hooks, she also has the encouragement and provision of her family members, something that she said has been imperative through these high school years. “My mom, Kelly, and dad, Chris, have made a great number of sacrifices for me to be able to chase my dreams. They have traveled with me all across the country playing sports and never missed a single event of mine. My parents continually push me to be my best, and they never stop believing in me,” Kinsley says. “My younger siblings, Ripken and Anna Kate, have also been a huge part of my support system. They are my best friends, and they are always there to cheer me on. I could not be where I am today without my family’s support and unwavering love.”
In addition to playing on the varsity volleyball team, varsity basketball team, and the varsity softball team, Kinsley is also a member of the Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she serves as a Huddle-Leader. However, the accomplishment she is most proud of in her high school career is being named valedictorian of her senior class. “This was a goal that I set for myself as a freshman, and I am extremely proud of myself for all of the hard work that I have put into reaching it,” Kinsley says. “This title is not just about a stole to wear with my cap and gown or a speech to give at graduation, but a testament to my determination and diligence throughout the years.”
Kinsley says that the biggest lessons she learned from high school are the value of teamwork and the importance of time management. While being a part of many teams and clubs, Kinsley had to learn how to work well with others and how working with others can lead to success. “I have been a member of many teams over the last four years, and I have learned that the best teams are the ones that work together toward a common goal rather than individually. I believe teamwork will help me in my future career as I enter the workforce and experience working with colleagues,” Kinsley says. “I also feel like learning how to balance my time has led to my success in the classroom and with my extracurriculars. These time management skills will help me greatly as I enter college and navigate being a full-time student-athlete.”
Outside school, Kinsley spends much time with the Hooks Youth Sports Association. Over the past two years, she has refereed youth basketball and volleyball games and helped coach her younger sister’s youth softball team. “Being involved with HYSA is important to me because it allows me to connect with the young kids in my community and teach them about the games that I have loved playing all my life,” Kinsley says. “As an elementary student, I remember looking up to the high school athletes and dreaming of being like them one day. It is my hope that I can be this same role model to the young kids now, and I am extremely grateful that I get to make personal bonds with them through HYSA.”
Kinsley is also a member of Myrtle Spring Baptist Church. “This is extremely important to me because I find my identity in the Lord, and growing my connection with Him is more rewarding than any athletic or academic achievement,” Kinsley says.
The person who inspires Kinsley the most is her mom, Kelly Birdwell. In high school, Kelly was an All-State softball player, valedictorian of her senior class, and signed to play collegiate softball. “Entering high school, it was my aspiration to be like her and accomplish each of these things, and I have achieved that goal. My mom is a successful businesswoman, wife, and mother, and I desire to follow her in this sense as well,” Kinsley says. “As I have gotten older, I have begun to realize that I do not only hope to have the same awards and recognitions as my mom, but I also want to be the kind of person she is. She is a kind, strong, loving, understanding, joyful, and God-fearing woman, and I hope to be even half the person she is.”
With her mother as a guide, Kinsley’s future goals include having a successful career and being a great wife and mother. “It is extremely important to me that I can balance these things together because I believe that I can be each of these things simultaneously,” Kinsley says. “In order to achieve this, I will continue to work hard in all that I do but keep my family as my top priority. My most important personal goal as I venture into the real world is to glorify God in all I do and live each day to be more like Him.”
Fun Facts
1. My favorite teacher or coach in high school is my dad, Chris Birdwell (Hooks Athletic Director), because he always believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself.
2. The one piece of advice that I would give to high school freshmen is to enjoy each moment because it truly does fly by.
3. The one song that I will always associate with high school is “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus.
4. The most interesting thing about me that you wouldn’t learn from my high school resume or transcript is that I love to video everything! I have been making “vlogs” for my friends and me since freshman year so that we can remember high school.
5. In ten years, I hope to begin a successful career and start a family.