World Champion Barrel Racer Takes a Swing at Softball

After competing in six National Finals Rodeos, a run around a baseball diamond was no sweat for world champion barrel racer Hailey Kinsel.

Madi Roelofsen | Apr 13, 2024

World Champion Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel at the Texas Veterans Athletic Association's Veterans vs. Celebrities Softball Classic. / Donald Birdsall

In the world of barrel racing, Hailey Kinsel and her palomino mare, Sister, are widely recognized. Together, they've qualified for the National Finals Rodeo six times, clinched three world titles, and amassed significant winnings. Kinsel is known not only for her exceptional riding skills but also for her integrity, which makes her a role model for many.

Recently, Kinsel was invited to participate in the Texas Veterans Athletic Association's Veterans vs. Celebrities Softball Classic. This event aims to raise funds and awareness for veterans battling PTSD.

Allen Porter, the founder of TVAA, explained, "We started the TVAA to get veterans involved in sports to bridge the gap in mental health and give them an outlet."

Kinsel enthusiastically joined the Celebrity team for the game, drawing on her prior softball experience. She had the honor of throwing the opening pitch for the Texas Rangers in October 2022 and participated in the College National Finals Rodeo Softball tournament for three consecutive years.

"It's so important to me partly because I value my freedom as much as anybody and with knowing what I do with rodeo," said Kinsel. "With rodeo being a sport that love our country, and we are so grateful that we get to do it."

As she continues to inspire both in and out of the arena, Kinsel's legacy serves as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Whether turning barrels or swinging for the fences, Hailey Kinsel embodies true sportsmanship and dedication.

Published Apr 13, 2024

MADI ROELOFSEN

Madi Roelofsen is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Madi not only writes about the western lifestyle and rodeo world but lives it daily. She attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and competed in the barrel racing as part of their rodeo team. Roelofsen graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in animal science. Madi enjoyed not only competing in rodeo events but also spectating the greatest sport on dirt. In 2017, while on vacation attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, she met her husband Tim Roelofsen. They got married a few years later in 2020. Tim had already established TVR Working Horses but together they grew their program and enjoy raising foals, training colts, barrel racing, team roping and standing their stallions (TVR Eye Needa Corona and CR Baron Bee Joy "Big Sexy") in both Texas and Iowa. They stay busy with the horses, farming alfalfa and raising their baby girl, Texi. Madi has always been passionate about horses, from learning about different bloodlines, breeding the foals themselves to training and competing. She expresses that passion within the articles she writes to open up the world of horses and rodeo to everyone. Twitter-@Madi_Roelofsen Facebook- @TVR Working Horses