Built to Inspire: Laurin Krings

For Laurin Krings, softball has always been one of the defining pillars of her life. The game has offered freedom, tested her resilience and given her a platform to inspire the next generation.

“No matter who you are or where you come from, you can do big things,” Krings said.

That belief has guided her journey from a young girl in Colorado to a standout at the University of Missouri and now playing with the Kansas City Diamonds. Throughout it all, one constant has remained: a strong support system.

“My parents push me and keep me going,” Krings said.

Her dad rarely missed a Missouri game. Even after her college career ended, he still wore Mizzou gear with pride. Her mom stayed connected in other ways, recording games and sending encouraging clips. Their message never changed: play hard, but don’t forget to enjoy it.

“My parents want me to smile and have fun,” Krings said. “This is a game, and it should be played like that.”

Now entering her third season of professional softball, Krings brings that mindset back to Missouri, a place that still feels like home. 

“I loved being out there at Mizzou, and I love KC teams as well with a great atmosphere,” Krings said. “I’m just excited to compete again.”

Growing up, Krings played nearly every sport she could. From soccer, basketball, even taekwondo, she learned how to adapt and compete in different environments. But softball quickly became her passion at age 7, when she picked up a bat during her brother’s hitting lesson. 

From there, she chased every opportunity, even when the odds weren’t in her favor.

Coming from Colorado, she often heard doubts about whether she could compete at the highest levels of college softball, especially in the SEC. Instead of letting that define her, she used it as motivation.

Krings joined multiple travel teams, including Nebraska Gold, consistently putting herself in positions to improve and be noticed. When early opportunities didn't go her way, she worked even harder.

That determination ultimately led her to Missouri, learning lessons she didn’t expect..

“Coming into Mizzou, I learned I wasn't the best of the best yet,” Krings said.

The adjustment pushed her to elevate every part of her game, from strength training to mental toughness. Her biggest test came during her junior season, when a difficult outing forced her to take a step back and reevaluate.

“Sometimes the game will beat you down a bit,” Krings said. “But I’m not a quitter.”

After a conversation with her coach, she made a decision: give everything she had and rediscover the joy that made her fall in love with the game.

That mindset paid off. In her senior season, she started in regional games and thrived under pressure, feeding off the energy of her teammates and young fans who stayed after the games to support.

“I looked at these kids looking up to us and said, ‘This is what I’m doing it for’,” Krings said.

That perspective continues to shape how she plays today. As a pitcher, Krings embraces the responsibility of controlling the game.

“It’s fun to throw and compete against the best hitters and sometimes make them look stupid,” Krings said with a laugh. “You’re in the middle of everything and get to dictate the flow of the game.”

But even with her competitive edge, she never loses sight of the bigger picture.

“I want younger kids to see me having fun,” Krings said. “Obviously there’s competitiveness, but it's still a game.”

Krings started her professional career with 2 seasons with the New York rise, now Krings brings that mindset back to Missouri, a place that still feels like home.

“I’m so excited to get on the field with these girls and work with our coaches,” Krings said. “To go out there with a new team, even with some of my old teammates, and compete against the best of the best.”

She also recognizes the significance of the moment for the sport as a whole.

“It’s not just college and you’re done, you have another league you can get to and dream for,” Krings said. “It’s great to see women’s sports being taken to another level.”

Beyond playing, Krings is already building her future in the game. As an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, she’s focused on giving back.

“Softball is my life and my job,” Krings said. “The reason I got into coaching is because I want to give back to the sport that gave me so much.”

Her coaching philosophy goes beyond wins and losses. 

“It is a game, it doesn’t define who you are,” Krings said. “You can’t be perfect at everything, you learn how to adjust to conflict.”

She also emphasizes the balance required to succeed, both mentally and physically.

“I always knew I wanted to be a coach,” Krings said. “I wanted to keep this game going and teach the younger generation to be the best they can be.”

Off the field, Krings embraces life with the same energy she brings to softball. Whether she’s fishing, hiking, paddleboarding, or playing video games with former teammates, she values the relationships built through the sport.

“Relationships with teammates make you feel like you have a second family,” Krings said. “It’s the people you do it with and the pure enjoyment of competing.”

That sense of connection is what continues to drive her.

“Working hard not even for myself, but for my teammates,” Krings said.

It’s also what fuels her message to the next generation of players watching her play.

“You guys can do anything,” Krings said. “There’s so much more to dream for, and if you work hard enough, it’s yours.”

For Krings, softball has always been about more than performance. It's about passion, purpose and staying true to yourself.

“We’re on this planet for one time,” Krings said. “Might as well go out and do what you love and have fun doing it.”

From a determined kid in Colorado to a standout at Missouri and now a leader with the Kansas City Diamonds, Krings’ journey is a testament to perseverance and embracing a positive perspective.

Krings is far from done playing the game she loves.