The IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame added an Akron-Westfield Westerner last week as Kayla Tindall was inducted into the Hall of Fame in its 2025 class.
The moment came as a surprise for Tindall who was one of the most dominant pitchers the state has ever seen. Tindall finished with a record of 61-2 over her career with an ERA of 0.41 and 487 strikeouts. Tindall says she received the notice during a softball game that she was working with her job at Northwestern College.
During that reflection, it was the people that made an impact on Tindall that came to mind first. She says she has so many people to credit for this recognition because of their support over her career.
It was evident early on that Tindall would be someone destined for great things in softball. Tindall says she can recall having the desire to pitch as early as elementary school.
The Westerner program was chock full of great talent when Tindall was climbing up the varsity ladder. Great pitchers like Brandi Davis and Jordan Harris occupied the circle for the first three years of Tindall’s varsity experience. When the attention turned to her for her junior season, Tindall was ready for the opportunity thanks to all the work she put in.
Tindall was a part of four of Akron-Westfield’s six state championship teams during her time with the program. It is one of the more decorated runs for any program in any sport in Iowa history, and it was capped by one of the most dominant seasons in state history. Tindall’s senior year saw the Westerners go 38-0 and win the state title by 11 runs over Kee. She says the senior class that year was dedicated to playing their best softball.
When reflecting on her career, the strikeouts, wins, and hits were not immediately what came to mind. Tindall says all the moments off the field were what stuck with her most as she made bonds with teammates that remain strong today.
Tindall received her Hall of Fame plaque in a ceremony last week prior to the Class 5A State Championship game in Fort Dodge. She received the plaque standing in a pitcher’s circle that she owned in state competition. In 40.2 innings pitched in Fort Dodge, Tindall allowed just one earned run while going 6-0 in state tournament games. Tindall says she immediately was transported to the final pitch of that 2014 state title game while receiving her plaque.
After a great playing career at Northwestern College, Tindall continues to don the Raider Red in Orange City. She has spent the last few years working with the Northwestern College athletic training staff. She says this job is perfect because it keeps her in the game and having an impact with her medical knowledge.
Many softball players would love to be recognized like Tindall is someday. Her advice is to continue putting in the work while having fun on the field.
Tindall joins Tana Colt as the only Westerners to be inducted into the IGHSAU’s Softball Hall of Fame.
Full interview with Kayla Tindall:
