ST. PAUL, Minn. – Throughout the duration of the spring semester, cspbears.com will feature its spring senior student-athletes who had their careers cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), providing a glimpse into their past, present and future to our followers who were unable to see them compete in 2020.
 
Due to the ongoing changing legislation with college athletics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, spring student-athletes are expected to retain a year of eligibility. Some of the CSP seniors have expressed interest in returning for the 2020-21 academic year with the goal of competing for their full senior year. Since it's early in the process, cspbears.com will not differentiate between seniors who will and won't return and instead will profile each senior consistently.
 
Up next in the senior spotlight series is Kali Kaestner who has been one of the best pitcher's for the Golden Bear softball program. Kaestner, an elementary education major from Mukwonago, Wisconsin, has appeared in 78 games and has started in 25 games in the circle during her Concordia career.
 
With a career record of 26-13 and a career ERA of 2.91, Kaestner has been a consistent force in the  circle for the Golden Bears. Kaestner redshirted in her first season with CSP after transferring from St. Cloud State, she went 10-6 with a 2.41 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 108.1 innings of work in her first full season with Concordia.  She followed that up by going 12-5 with a 2.41 ERA, 10 complete games and five saves while striking out 79 batters in 124.1 innings of work in her junior year. That carried over into her senior year as she held a 4-2 record with a 2.86 ERA, striking out 26 batters in 41.2 innings, appearing in 11 games and making six starts. She faced 197 batters and held hitters to a .277 batting average. 
 
Kaestner ranks fourth all time in program history with six saves, ranks second all-time in games finished with 49, she ranks seventh all time in holding batters to a career .258 batting average and she ranks 10^th all time with a career 2.91 ERA. 

This season, Kaestner finished with three straight complete games and a solid relief appearance. She threw a complete game victory against Saginaw Valley State, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out five. She followed that up with another complete game against Saint Anselm, allowing only one run on three hits and striking out three batters in the game. Kaestner threw her third complete game in a row against Seton Hill, striking out five batters in that game. She finished the season earning her fourth win of the season in relief, throwing 1.1 innings while striking out two batters and allowing only one hit.   
Head coach Bob Bartel on Kali Kaestner:
"We were extremely fortunate that Kali ended up transferring to CSP. She loved to pitch, especially in big games and she proved herself over and over again in those situations. Watching her get to pitch and seeing her smile in the 1st game she was able to play for CSP is something I will never forget."
 
 
KALI KAESTNER – IN HER OWN WORDS
CSP: At what age did you start playing­ your sport?
KK: I started playing softball/baseball when I was four years old.
 
CSP: Why did you choose to attend Concordia?
KK: I chose to attend Concordia because the second I stepped on campus and met with the softball coaches I had a great feeling. I knew that Concordia-St. Paul was going to be a great fit for me academically and athletically.
 
CSP: What is your favorite memory as a Golden Bear?
KK: The conference tournament my junior season. I remember how much fun we were having playing together. There was no stress throughout the games, we just played in such a calm manner and had so much fun playing together. I will forever remember that team as such a great group to play with.
 
CSP: What will you miss most about CSP?
KK: CSP is such a family in every aspect, whether it be the friends you make in athletics or in academics. Everyone is so close and at Concordia you have the opportunity to get to know your professors and everyone in the athletic department. I don't know of many schools like CSP where there is such a strong sense of family.  
 
CSP: What are your plans after graduation?
KK: I intend to finish up graduate school in elementary education at Concordia-St. Paul. I will then apply for a variety of different jobs in different fields to find what best suits me.
 
CSP: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
KK: I hope to see myself happy in whatever field of work I choose to do.
 
CSP: Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?
KK: Barb from the dining hall. I have never met a person who is so positive and genuinely cares about the students that come to see her every day. She makes you feel like the most special person every time you see her, and that is an incredibly special thing.
 
CSP: Who is your role model?
KK: My biggest role model is my dad. He taught me that hard work pays off in everything that you do, and I take that towards both my academics and athletics, and I will use that advice in everything I do in life. 
 
CSP: What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?
KK: Playing softball at CSP reminded me that the game is supposed to be fun. There are times in our athletic career where we get so stressed about playing well, and we want to win so bad and forget to have fun with the game. Being a Golden Bear reminded me of my love for the game and I am forever grateful for all of the great memories and for all of the fun.
 
CSP: What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?
KK: These are the best and fastest four years of your life so be grateful for every moment. It's easy to take for granted how lucky we are to be student athletes, but it goes by fast and just remember to take in every second and to give it your all in everything you do in your college career. 
 
CSP: What CSP athlete from a different program do you admire and why?
KK: Chris Garrett from the CSP football team, he is the hardest working and determined person that I have ever met. He has dreams that he works hard for and he never settles. He is the humblest person you'll ever meet and for that he's not only a great athlete but also a great person.
 
CSP: Do you have a final personalized message you'd like to share with cspbears.com readers?
KK: I am forever grateful for all of the amazing coaches, and athletes at CSP. Concordia gave me a home for four years and this place that has changed my life forever. Concordia has given me some of the best memories of my life, along with some amazing friends who have become my family. GB4L!