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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Claire Norfleet, Student Sports Information Assistant)

May 8, 2014 - When she picked up her first glove at the age of five, North Central College junior Kiersten Tinkoff knew that softball would become an important part in her life one day. With an already historically-strong program, Tinkoff chose North Central as her home for a reason significant to her.
           
"North Central's softball program is all about family," she said. "School always comes first at this level, but softball is very intense and important to everyone on the team."   
As the starter at first base for the Cardinals the past two seasons, Tinkoff has proved her skills both in the field and at bat. As a fielder, she leads the team in putouts (258) and has been a part of six doubles plays this season.
           
She has made herself known as a threat in the batter's box as well, where she currently has a .356 batting average, has totaled 28 runs batted in (RBI) and has knocked the ball out of the park on three separate occasions.
           
The psychology major out of Lake Barrington, Illinois, earned the first Team All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) honors last season after leading the team with a .392 batting average. She was also named to the Academic All-CCIW Team, which recognizes athletes who perform well both on and off the field.
           
"I'm very thankful to be at a school where academics are so important, and to be a part of a team where school truly comes first," she said.
           
Time management is crucial as a student-athlete in order to stay accountable and keep track of upcoming assignments and tests, and also any practices or games. "When you're an athlete, procrastination isn't ever a good option, so I like to stay ahead," said Tinkoff, who uses her free time to work on both the physical and mental aspects of her game. She stresses the importance of not letting a bad grade get in the way of on-field performance while in contrast, not letting a bad game get in the way of academics.
           
She is involved in the on-campus Athlete Mentorship Program, where she assists freshman student-athletes transition from high school to collegiate athletics while staying on top of their academics.
           
"I truly believe being a student-athlete gives you an edge," she said. "You learn how to work as part of a team while learning time management and leadership skills as well." As the softball team heads to their 12^th NCAA Division III Regional Championship appearance in Pella, Iowa, Tinkoff is inspired by her team's will to persevere.
           
"Even when we are in a tough spot we always do our best to come back," she said. "That willingness to persevere has been the most memorable thing about us thus far."

The Cardinals open this year's regional championship on Friday at 3:30 p.m. against Central College. The double-elimination tournament concludes on Sunday.