Karisa Hendrix - Class of 2026

Bio

Karisa Hendrix crafted one of the most decorated careers in Williams Baptist University softball history, excelling both in the pitcher's circle and in the classroom from 2009 to 2013. A dominant force throughout her four-year career, Hendrix amassed 94 career wins with an impressive 1.44 ERA, 889 strikeouts, 104 complete games, 40 shutouts, and 10 saves across 833 innings pitched. Her consistency and command helped lead WBU to a remarkable 160–43 record, including four straight American Midwest Conference championships or co-championships. She was instrumental in two of the program's most memorable seasons—guiding the team to 51 wins in 2012 and to a fourth-place finish at the NAIA National Tournament in 2013.

She was named AMC Pitcher of the Year three consecutive seasons (2011-2012-2013), earned AMC Freshman of the Year honors in 2010, and capped her career as a 2013 NAIA First Team All-American. Along the way, she threw three career perfect games and three no-hitters, showcasing her ability to dominate opponents on any given day.

Equally impressive was her academic excellence. Hendrix was a four-time Academic All-Conference honoree, a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and a 2013 Capital One Academic All-American—recognition that underscored her commitment to balancing elite athletic performance with rigorous academic achievement.

"Before Karisa's arrival, Williams Baptist softball had not finished higher than 4th place in the American Midwest Conference," stated Eric Newell, former Williams Baptist softball head coach. "During her playing career they not only finished with at least a share of four consecutive conference championships, but they also made (at the time) the longest post-season run in AMC softball history when the WBC squad finished 4th place in the 2013 National Championship. Karisa was quite simply one of the most dominant softball players in the AMC for four consecutive years."

"Karisa Hendrix is one of the most decorated athletes in Williams history," said Williams Baptist Athletic Director Mitch Mathis. "With 94 wins, a 1.44 ERA, and three Pitcher of the Year awards, she was a force of nature in the AMC. When you combine that athletic dominance with her achievements as a Capital One Academic All-American, you have the resume of a perfect Hall of Fame inductee."