Kourtney Jones-Caldwell doesn’t just lead on the softball field she leads by example in life.
The Hightower High School senior and standout for the Nike Astros RBI program was recently named the 2025 Jennie Finch Empowerment Award winner, earning a $10,000 scholarship presented by Arm & Hammer. The national honor recognizes young female athletes who are not only elite competitors but also powerful changemakers in their communities.
For Jones-Caldwell, it’s not just about playing the game it’s about uplifting others while doing it.
“Softball helps me build relationships with coaches and other teammates and that really makes me happy because I’m a really friendly person and I love being around people, especially people who enjoy playing and winning as much as me,” said Jones-Caldwell.
The Jennie Finch Empowerment Award is named after Jennie Lynn Finch-Daigle, a former collegiate and USA Softball star. She played for the Arizona Wildcats softball team from 1999 to 2002, where she won the 2001 Women’s College World Series and was named a collegiate All-American.
Jones-Caldwell first heard about the award during last season’s World Series week when a player from another team received it. She had no idea she would be a recipient, especially after just finishing a tough game.
“We were all in our own world after the Jennie Finch Classic Championship game in Atlanta,” said Jones-Caldwell. “We had just lost, so we were expecting them to send us back to the hotel, but Jennie sat all the teams down on the field and started off by describing the award and then called my name. I had no clue I’d win.”
This award solidifies the years of hard work Jones-Caldwell has put in, despite standing at just 5-foot-1.
“This award makes me want to go harder at what I do because I feel like a lot of people doubt my ability due to my size,” said Jones-Caldwell. “This just shows I play and work just as hard as everyone else.”
Being recognized for both her athleticism and her leadership has only fueled her confidence and passion.
“I didn’t imagine anything like this, but I am so grateful that I am able to get noticed,”
Kourtney Jones-Caldwell
Her Nike Astros RBI Coach, Markelle Brown, believes Jones-Caldwell was a perfect fit for the award.
“I believe her story of being a servant-leader stood out,” said Brown. “Her smile in the face of adversity, after helping her Hightower softball program make the playoffs for the first time in school history, was big for her.”
Jones-Caldwell displays her leadership both on the field and in the community. Her drive stems from always being the smallest on the field and being underestimated because of it.
“That fueled my desire to grow and work harder and be an impact on others that may be discouraged from going after what they desired,” said Jones-Caldwell.
She has also dedicated herself to serving others. Jones-Caldwell helped children at Bethel’s Family Church Fall Festival, which provided a safe and fun environment for Halloween, games and treats. She also volunteers with Kick Ball University Cares, a kickball league her mother plays in, by helping distribute food to the homeless and participating in back-to-school drives.
In addition to those efforts, Jones-Caldwell is part of a community service group called Marathon Girls, started by the mother of a former teammate when she played with Illusions Softball.
“The goal of the group was to bring young ladies together,” said Jones-Caldwell. “I was in charge of locating service events and bonding activities for each month.”
Although she’s been involved in many service projects, Jones-Caldwell says the ones involving families with young children are the most meaningful.
“My parents were coaches and always coached me and my brothers until we got older,” she said. “Being around them all the time and seeing how happy and innocent kids are made me happy.
“The smallest things excite them. Kids can’t help the environment they’re put in and sometimes those community service events are the best times for them.”
Hightower High School head softball coach Christopher Caldwell praised Kourtney’s leadership on and off the field.
“Kourtney is literally the leadoff hitter in the batting lineup,” said Caldwell. “She generally sets the tone for offensive production out of the team for each game. When she gets a base hit to start the game, she spreads confidence to the rest of the team. In the dugout, she leads chants, cheers and celebrations. Her creativity in transforming the latest radio tune into a relevant chant is both entertaining and motivating! The energy she brings is second to none.”
After high school, Jones-Caldwell plans to attend Florida A&M (FAMU), where she plans to study social work while continuing her softball career.
“This Scholarship will help with out-of-state fees and anything else I will need for school,” said Jones-Caldwell. “I’ve always wanted to go to school in Florida, but after my God-mom, who graduated from FAMU, passed away in 2018, I decided FAMU would be my choice as well.”
Balancing school and sports hasn’t been easy, but she’s figured out a method that works for her.
“I try to make sure my work is done before games or practice so I’m not worried about what I have to do later and I can just focus on what’s going on in the moment and be completely locked in on getting better or what needs to be done for the team,” said Jones-Caldwell.
Her African American Studies teacher, James Brown, believes she’s fully prepared for the next level.
“Kourtney stands out for her consistency and determination,” said Brown. “She maintains a steady focus during class, participates when prompted and completes her assignments on time. While she may not always be the most vocal, her quiet dedication to learning is noticeable and contributes positively to the classroom environment.”
When speaking to younger girls about sports or community service, Jones-Caldwell encourages them to give their all and enjoy the journey.
“Make sure whatever you want to do in life, you work hard at it, but also have fun while doing it, because when you’re having fun, it makes you want to go out and do more,” said Jones-Caldwell. “If Jennie Finch were sitting here, I would say thank you so much, and I am so grateful for this award. It means so much to me and its value makes me want to go out and work even harder to see what else I can do.”
