KINGMAN – A bright star is rising from the heart of our community, and her name is Destiny Hartley. With an unshakable work ethic, powerful presence on the field, and a humble heart, Destiny has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of high school softball—and now, she’s taking her talent international.
Destiny has been a key player on the varsity softball team at Kingman High School (KHS) for the past three years, showcasing her versatility by playing first base, center field, and pitcher. She was drafted to Varsity as a freshman and has served as the starting pitcher for the past two seasons under the guidance of coaches Craig Lee and Chris Borgens. Her grit, leadership, and tenacity have not only earned her the respect of her coaches and teammates but have also set her apart across the state.
During the off-season, Destiny sharpens her skills in competitive travel leagues. She plays for the Misfit Divas out of Kingman, AZ, under the guidance of coach Chris Hartley, and under the guidance of coach Ian Kim for NSA Fastpitch 18U in Las Vegas, NV. These high-level teams have helped Destiny grow both as a player and as a person, challenging her to dig deeper and push further.
In addition to playing high school and travel softball, Destiny gives back to the sport she loves by serving as the assistant coach for a girls 6U softball team, The Little Misfit Divas—helping bring up the next generation of softball players. She has competed in tournaments across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, and has ranked in the top three in all her high school softball stats for the past two years.
This year, Destiny’s hard work has culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: she has been nominated to represent the USA on the American Based Sports Abroad (ABSA) roster in the Netherlands in July and August 2025. This international honor is a testament to her unmatched dedication, consistent performance, and relentless spirit.
Being a pitcher isn’t just physically demanding—it’s emotionally and mentally taxing as well. Destiny’s journey has been paved with early mornings, long drives, and moments of heartbreak. There were games where she walked off the mound with tears in her eyes, feeling like she had let her team down. But time and again, she got back up.
Her family has poured countless hours into her dream—traveling across states for clinics, private pitching lessons, and tournaments. There have been 3:00 a.m. wake-ups, marathon weekends on the road, and nights sleeping in the car so she could compete the next morning. Through it all, her coaches and teammates never let her lose faith. On the days she questioned her strength, they reminded her of her fire. They refused to let her quit on herself.
Destiny listened—she dug deep, fought through the fatigue, and found a way to rise. Watching her grow has been nothing short of inspiring. While the unwavering support of her family and coaches has guided her path, it is Destiny’s own resilience, heart, and refusal to give up that have truly shaped her into the athlete—and the young woman—she is today.
Her 2024–2025 season was truly exceptional. Destiny was named Defensive Player of the Year, honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), and earned a spot on the First Team All-Regional for 3A West. She was also named Player of the Game six times throughout the season and received All-State Honorable Mention recognition. These accolades reflect more than skill—they reflect sacrifice, mental toughness, and the heart of a true champion.
As she prepares to represent her country on an international stage, Destiny Hartley stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering love for the game. Her journey proves that resilience and heart can take you anywhere. Destiny isn’t just making Kingman proud—she’s inspiring young athletes everywhere to dream big, push through, and never give up.
To support Destiny’s journey to the Netherlands or learn more about her international opportunity, please consider contributing to her travel and competition expenses. Her chaperone will attempt to live stream the games for those cheering her on back home.
Let’s rally around this hometown hero as she makes her mark across the globe!
