At Lake Worth Christian School in Boynton Beach, Florida, junior Mia Kruspe is doing more than just playing baseball—she’s redefining what it means to compete in a male-dominated sport. As an outfielder and right-handed pitcher on the varsity baseball team, Kruspe has been a constant presence on the field since seventh grade. Her skill, resilience, and leadership are earning her statewide—and national—recognition.
During the 2024–25 season, Kruspe posted a .259 batting average and an impressive .512 on-base percentage, tallying 13 runs and 9 RBIs in just 14 games. Her fielding percentage stands at a solid .943, showcasing her dependability in the outfield. But her impact extends well beyond the stat sheet.
Kruspe’s talent has earned her invitations to prestigious national events such as the MLB 2024 Girls Baseball Elite Development Invitational and the Breakthrough Series. She was named First Team All-District 2A-14 and Second Team All-County for Palm Beach County. She also received the Inside the Diamond Shining Star Award from the Florida Minority Baseball Alliance—an honor reflecting both her performance and promise.
Her success on the diamond hasn’t come without challenges.
“Countless times, I have been tested by my own teammates and opponents,” she says. “Being young, I was a little intimidated, and at times it got to me. But I realized most of them were just curious to see if I could hang with them. I brush it off and focus on what I need to do.”
What first drew her to the sport wasn’t competition, but connection. “My brother played baseball, and I loved watching him. I gave it a try and instantly fell in love,” she recalls.
Today, her role models include her parents and coaches, who have taught her to stay true to herself and never underestimate the power of discipline and hard work.
In a game where mental toughness is just as important as physical skill, Kruspe remains grounded through faith and focus.
“I pray to God asking for strength and calmness,” she says. “I focus on the moment and simplify my decisions. There are things out of my control, and I just focus on what I can do to help my teammates and me succeed.”
Her teammates and coaches have embraced her fully. “They’ve given me the opportunity to showcase my talents and have treated me like any other baseball player,” she says. “That’s the truest support I can ask for.” She credits professionalism and authenticity as the keys to earning respect in the locker room.
Kruspe’s dedication shows in her daily training. Whether she’s hitting in the cage, doing bullpen sessions, or running sprints, she approaches every aspect of her game with intention. But the area she’s worked hardest to improve is her mindset.
“The mental game is everything. I’ve learned that through experience—especially after going through a slump in ninth grade and coming back stronger in tenth.”
Off the field, Kruspe shines just as brightly. She maintains academic excellence, earning a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll and induction into the National Honor Society. She has also been recognized by the College Board’s National African American Recognition Program. Her involvement in student government and community service rounds out her resume as a well-rounded leader.
As a young woman in baseball, Kruspe is keenly aware of the scrutiny and doubt that can come with her position—but she uses it as fuel.
“I’ve faced many doubters because of my gender. It’s a natural part of the game. But I use it to showcase my resilience and heart for this sport.”
To other young women dreaming of a place on the diamond, Kruspe offers this advice: “Ignore the people who doubt you. Find coaches and people who see you as a ballplayer, not just a girl playing baseball. Focus on the ones who support you—those are the people who’ll get you through anything.”
Looking ahead, Kruspe hopes to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. But her ambitions extend beyond baseball. Her ultimate dream is to become a Sports Medicine Physician, helping athletes return to the game they love.
“I hope my success will influence the next generation of women to have no doubts that they belong in baseball,” she says. “I want them to have a long list of role models—and maybe one day, I can be one of them.”
Image Credit: Robert Clark
