Hopkinsville softball coach Tara Tolliver called her senior catcher Kaitlyn Kaetzel a ‘stick of dynamite in a small package. Shawnee coach Kyle Smith said she was the exact player he’s looking for as he continues the work to upgrade his program.
Kaetzel signed with Shawnee Friday afternoon at the school, becoming the first Lady Tiger in nearly a decade to take the next step to play in college.
Kaetzel, one of the top catchers in the region, was a key member of the Lady Tiger softball team in 2021 and was named all-district and all-region in addition to being named to the 2021 preseason all-region player list. She hit .390 with a team-high 13 RBIs in 2021.
As a freshman, Kaetzel hit .383 with 21 RBIs and seven doubles.
The versatile Kaetzel began her playing career at Heritage Christian Academy where she was named to the KCAA All-State Tournament Team in 2018 in helping the Lady Warriors advance to the state championship game.
Shawnee Community College is located in Ullin, Illinois, and competes in Region 24 of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
