Life hasn't always been a walk in the ballpark for senior pitcher Kelly Ninemire.
Although Ninemire - a Prosper, Texas, native - has thrived in her two-year stint with the UNM softball team, she has had her share of adversity.
One week before Kelly signed a letter of intent with the University of Arkansas, her grandfather died.
"It was a sad day," she said. "He was always one of my biggest supporters, both on and off the field."
But Ninemire has responded well to challenges.
She has been instrumental in the Lobos' quick start, posting an 8-2 record with 54 strikeouts, surrendering only 16 runs with a 1.57 ERA in 58 innings of action.
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Ninemire transferred from Odessa Junior College last season, making the adjustment to the Lobos' Division-I schedule.
Prior to joining Odessa in 2005, she spent a year in the SEC with Arkansas.
Ninemire said her season as a Razorback helped prepare her for her success as a Lobo.
"Arkansas was a Division-I school, so I kind of knew what to expect when I came to New Mexico," she said.
The experience she gained at Arkansas paid dividends in a big-time game against No. 3 UCLA.
Kelly was phenomenal, allowing only two hits and one earned run, culminating in a 13-1 rout of the Bruins.
"That game was really exciting," Ninemire said. "Our offense did really well, and we gained invaluable experience from that win. We learned that if we take it one pitch at a time, we can beat anybody."
The senior has helped UNM get off to a 13-5 record this season.
But the early success doesn't satisfy Ninemire, who said her goal is to contend for a conference championship and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"We would definitely like to win conference and make the postseason," she said. "That's our main focus. We just have to take it one game at a time."
Lobo head coach Ty Singleton said he is proud of Ninemire for the way she handles her on-the-field success.
"(She is) a quiet individual - a leader of actions," he said.
Ninemire has embraced the leadership role that comes with being a senior.
She spends extra time with the younger players, helping them develop their game.
"I want to try to provide them with as much help as possible," she said. "I feel I have a responsibility to them. The team even calls them my children."
After attaining her undergraduate degree, Ninemire plans to pursue her master's in hopes of running a business.
However, she still has a few goals left to accomplish before her UNM softball career is over, mainly getting to the postseason.
But when Ninemire has thrown her final pitch as a Lobo, she will leave behind a legacy, Singleton said.
"Obviously, you can never replace someone like Kelly," he said. "She will definitely be missed."
