What happens when an athlete finally stops overthinking, starts trusting herself, and begins playing the kind of softball she always knew she was capable of?
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Kali Heivilin, professional softball player and Alabama standout, for an honest conversation about the mindset shifts that helped her play her freest and most confident softball during her senior season at Alabama. That breakthrough year led to All-Region and All-SEC honors and marked a turning point in the way she approached the plate, handled pressure, and understood herself as a hitter.
This episode offers valuable perspective for players trying to find their confidence, parents learning how to better support their athlete, and coaches who want a deeper look into what athletes may be thinking during tough moments.
What Changed Her Senior Year
One of the strongest themes in this conversation is what finally clicked for Kali during her senior season.
She talks about the mental shifts that allowed her to stop gripping so tightly, trust her preparation more fully, and compete with more freedom. That shift did not come from suddenly becoming a different player — it came from learning how to get out of her own way and trust the work she had already done.
For athletes who feel like they are close to a breakthrough but have not fully found it yet, this part of the conversation is especially valuable.
Confidence at the Plate
Kali also shares insight into how her relationship with hitting evolved.
Rather than getting lost in pressure or mechanical overload, she learned how to simplify her approach, stay connected to her strengths, and let confidence grow from clarity. Ashley and Kali talk through the mindset behind consistent offensive performance and how freedom often leads to better results than trying to force perfection.
This makes the episode especially meaningful for hitters who want to play looser, more confidently, and with less fear.
How She Thinks About Swing Mechanics
Another important part of the conversation centers on swing mechanics and how Kali thinks about teaching hitting to younger athletes.
She shares her perspective on how to talk to hitters in a way that actually helps them get the most out of themselves instead of overwhelming them. Her thoughts here are especially useful for coaches and parents who want to support a player without adding more confusion or pressure.
That piece of the episode gives listeners a better understanding of how communication shapes confidence just as much as instruction does.
Playing for Patrick Murphy
Kali also reflects on what it was like playing for legendary Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy.
She talks about the experience of competing in a high-level environment and the lessons she took away from being part of one of the most respected programs in college softball. That perspective adds depth to the episode and gives listeners another look at how elite athletes are shaped by both the internal and external environments around them.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What mindset shifts helped Kali play her freest softball
Learning how to trust herself and let the game slow down. - How confidence grows at the plate
Simplifying the approach and staying connected to your strengths. - What Kali believes about swing mechanics
Helping hitters understand their game without overcomplicating it. - How to better support athletes during tough moments
Insight for parents and coaches on what athletes may actually need. - What she learned playing at Alabama under Patrick Murphy
Perspective from one of the game’s most respected programs.
About
Kali Heivilin
Kali Heivilin is a professional softball player and former Alabama standout known for her toughness, leadership, and breakout senior season at the plate. During her final year at Alabama, she earned All-Region and All-SEC honors while playing some of the most confident softball of her career.
Known for her honesty, competitiveness, and perspective on hitting, Kali continues to inspire athletes through both her journey and the lessons she has learned about confidence, freedom, and trusting the process.
Follow Kali:
- Instagram: @kali_heivilin
